Episode 1
Author
Hi guys, let's start with episode 1!
The soft afternoon sunlight streamed through the small window, casting a golden glow over the worn wooden floor. Freya sat on the edge of the couch, knees pulled to her chest, her gaze fixed on the tiny garden outside. The flowers she had planted with her mother last spring swayed gently in the breeze, their petals vibrant despite the passing seasons. It was a simple, peaceful sight—one she would normally find comfort in—but today, it only reminded her of how fragile life truly was.
She clenched her hands into fists, trying to suppress the unease growing in her chest.
Freya
Freya (thinking): I need to find a job. I have to. If I don’t… How will we survive?
The thought sent a cold shiver down her spine.
Their house was small, their furniture secondhand, but it had never mattered before. Love had always filled the gaps where money was lacking. Her mother’s gentle touch, her brother’s laughter, the warmth of their home—those were the things that made life bearable. But love alone couldn’t put food on the table. It couldn’t pay the bills piling up in the corner of the kitchen or buy the medicine her mother needed.
And now… she was jobless.
Her chest tightened at the memory of her boss’s apologetic expression earlier that morning.
"I’m really sorry, Freya. Business has been slow, and we had to make some tough decisions… We just can’t afford to keep you on staff anymore."
The words replayed in her mind, each one cutting deeper than the last. She had worked so hard, sacrificed so much, only to be back at square one. And with her mother’s health declining, she couldn’t afford to waste a single moment wallowing in self-pity.
Freya buried her face in her hands, frustration bubbling inside her.
Freya
(thinking): I don’t care what it takes. I’ll work day and night if I have to. I won’t let Ma and Nathan starve. I won’t let this family fall apart.
A deep sigh escaped her lips, filled with exhaustion and determination.
She flinched slightly at the sound of her mother’s voice, quickly wiping at her eyes before turning around.
Linda Wilson stood near the couch, her gentle features lined with worry. She looked thinner than before, her once lively eyes dimmed by fatigue. Freya hated seeing her like this—so fragile, so exhausted. This wasn’t the woman she remembered from her childhood, the one who used to carry her and Nathan on her back while laughing under the summer sun.
Linda sat beside her, placing a warm, comforting hand on her shoulder.
Linda
"What’s on your mind, sweetheart? You look troubled… Is it about your job?"
Freya hesitated for a moment before nodding. She hated burdening her mother with her worries, but there was no point in hiding the truth.
Freya
"Yes, Ma… I just—I don’t want to see you and Nathan starving…"
Her voice broke, and before she could stop them, tears welled up in her eyes, spilling down her cheeks.
Freya
"I promise I’ll work hard! No matter what it takes, I’ll make sure we have food on the table. I’ll provide for us… I swear it!"
The words rushed out of her like a vow—one she intended to keep no matter the cost.
Linda’s expression softened as she cupped Freya’s tear-streaked face with a trembling hand.
Linda
"Sweetheart… You’re already working so hard. You don’t have to carry this burden alone."
Freya opened her mouth to argue, but before she could say anything, a small voice interrupted them.
Nathan
"Are you guys crying again?"
They both turned to see Nathan standing at the doorway, rubbing his sleepy eyes. He had just woken up from his nap, his usual bright smile replaced by concern.
Freya and Linda quickly wiped their tears, forcing smiles for his sake.
Nathan frowned, stepping closer.
Nathan
"You don’t have to work so hard, Ma! You too, Freya! I’m going to study super hard and become a billionaire! Then we’ll never have to struggle again!"
His innocent determination made something in Freya’s chest tighten.
For all the hardships they faced, Nathan had never once complained. Even at such a young age, he understood their struggles, yet he never let it break his spirit. If anything, he was their source of strength—the reason she and her mother kept pushing forward.
Linda pulled both of her children into a warm embrace, pressing soft kisses to their foreheads.
Linda
"I’m looking forward to that, sweetie. No matter what happens, Ma is always proud of you both… Always."
Freya closed her eyes, letting herself sink into the warmth of her mother’s embrace.
For now, she would allow herself this moment of peace. But tomorrow?
Tomorrow, she would rise again.
No matter how hard life got, she wouldn’t give up.
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