Living in the countryside has never been easy for me. All I ever dream about is escaping to a more developed place. Rural life is vastly different from city life—from how people dress to how they speak. It has always been my ultimate wish to move to the city, study hard, pass the entrance exams, get into high school, graduate, and secure a good job so I can travel the world and make my foster parents proud.

"Audrey!"

I turned toward the voice. An elderly woman motioned for me to come closer. I smiled and hurried over—that’s my mother. She has cared for me since I was six years old. My foster parents told me I went missing when I was little, and I’ve been living under their roof ever since.

"Audrey, all you do is daydream! What have you accomplished today?"

"Mum, I’ve done plenty today," I pouted.

She rested her hands on her hips, ready to scold me. "Oh? And what exactly have you done?"

"I just finished watering the yard, feeding the cattle, and filling up the pond."

"Good. It's time to prepare lunch."

I smiled, linking my arm with hers as we continued strolling down the village path. "Mum, I had that same dream again..."

She sighed at the mention of the city. I nodded, and immediately felt a smack on the back of my head.

"Ouch! That hurt, Mum."

"You keep talking about living in the city! Can't you quiet down for once?" she scolded, shaking her head. "Are you trying to give your mother a heart attack? Let's stop talking about this fantasy of yours and get lunch started."

With that, she turned and walked ahead.

I pouted.

*So mean.*

No matter what happens, I must make it to the city. Life here is far too harsh. I am already nineteen.

All we do here is rear animals and farm—there isn't even a proper school, and the current school's roof is already falling apart.

I heard from Mimi that the city has lots of good food and beautiful houses. I can't wait to see them.

I hurried to catch up with my mum.

I followed her into the house where she was already complaining to my dad, as always.

"Just let the innocent girl be," was his brief reply. I wrapped my arms around him from behind and gave him a quick peck on the cheek. "You're the best dad in the world! Mum just doesn't seem to understand." He chuckled, "You should listen to your mother too, even if she can be a bit hot-tempered sometimes."

Audrey! ".

"I heard that!"

Mum called out from the kitchen, making me rush away in a hurry.

"She's a feisty one," Dad chuckled. "

shaking his head before taking a slow sip of his coffee.

I slipped into the kitchen to help Mum finish up, our laughter filling the room as she cracked her usual witty remarks. Once everything was ready, I set the table for the three of us. We settled down to eat, conversing quietly about the farm’s progress, when a sharp knock rattled the front door.

My spoon clattered against the plate. "I'll get it," I offered. Dad frowned, a flicker of anxiety crossing his face.

I approached the entrance and pulled the door open,

Two strangers stood on the porch.

"Good morning, miss," one of them greeted. I blinked in surprise.

"Is this Mr. Mark's residence?"

I studied them closely. In a small village like ours, everyone knew everyone, yet these men were complete outsiders. "Yes, it is. How can I help you?"

Without a word, one of them extended a plain sealed envelope toward me. I took it, examining it with curiosity. "What's this?"

"Make sure Mr. Mark receives it," he replied curtly. Without further explanation, both men turned on their heels and walked away.

I bolted the door and walked back into the dining room.

"Who was at the door, dear?" Mum asked.

"I have no idea, but they asked me to give this to Dad."

Dad took the envelope. He tore it open and scanned the contents line by line, his eyes narrowing into a dark, deliberate glare. Without a word, he folded the letter tightly.

"What does it say, Dad?" I pressed, sensing the sudden shift in the room.

"It's nothing," he muttered softly, setting it aside and picking up his fork as if nothing had happened.

Those people doesn't seem to be from our village, and what ever that was written in that envelope dad doesn't want me to know about it.