At her age, young girls still struggled to conceal their emotions well. However, despite the faint smile on her face, Lizzy's eyes couldn't hide the malice brewing within.
For the past five years, I had been unable to comprehend why, despite meticulously planning everything, I was still discovered by my family.
If it weren't for my teacher's timely intervention, I might never have escaped this secluded village nestled in the mountains.
I would have been forced to marry an old man by my mother, condemned to a life of laundry, cooking, and childbearing, a fate sealed without reprieve.
Under the pitch-black sky, clutching my ID, I made my way out.
A soft voice echoed from behind, "Auntie, where are you off to?"
Cold sweat trickled down my back as I frantically scanned my surroundings. Only after confirming no one else was present did I exhale deeply.
As I looked at Lizzy, who I had always shielded, a pang of guilt washed over me. But I understood that staying here would mean settling for a life of mediocrity.
I approached, gently patting her head, whispering, "Be a good girl, Liz."
At that time, I still called her nickname "Liz."
Born into a family that favored sons over daughters, I could sense her sorrow.
"Liz, I'm going to university. Remember, you must persevere in your studies, okay?
"Education is our only chance to escape the mountains, our sole path to changing our fate..."
With her head bowed in the dim light, I couldn't discern Lizzy's expression, only hearing her somber words.
"Can you take me with you?"
"Sorry."
That was the only answer I could give back then.
Back then, I was just a newly adult girl, using the money I had saved from working to buy the nearest train ticket.
As for what lay ahead, I couldn't guarantee anything, especially with a seven-year-old niece in tow.
Time was running out, so I hastily bid her farewell and rushed to the train station.
But at the last moment, my parents, Tomas, and others caught up, shattering my plans entirely.
If it weren't for my teacher's timely help, I might never have left.
At that moment, I felt like I had survived a disaster. My mind was in chaos, so I couldn't continue to think about why I had been discovered so quickly.
Now I thought, "Perhaps she had a hand in this all along...
Maybe her heart has rotted long before then..."
"Auntie?"
Lizzy's voice snapped me back to reality. I forced a smile, saying, "Still remember me?"