Chapter 5

Sometimes our voices would break up.

Sometimes we could only speak for ten minutes.

Mom’s expression grew grave. “Little one, have you seen Cinderella? If this mirror has magic, then this situation feels like the magic is fading.”

I looked blank, shaking my head. “Sister, I haven’t read that book you mentioned. I only went to school for two years before I was pulled out to work.”

Mom’s face softened with pity. “It’s okay. When I escape, I’ll send you lots of books, and we can read them together!”

My heart ached.

Unfortunately, I wouldn't see the books Mom sent, nor would I wait for her to teach me to read.

Swallowing my tears of reluctance, I forced a smile and nodded. “Okay, Sister. You’ll definitely escape!”

Three days later, while searching for routes, I encountered an important person.

It was a man with a nice backpack.

I feigned curiosity and asked him, “Mister, I’ve never seen you before. Are you from another village?”

The man chuckled. He pointed ahead and explained, “I’m a staff member at the weather station, heading to relieve my colleague.”

“A weather station? I’ve never heard of that. Does our village have one? Has it been there for many years?” I asked, pretending to be curious.

The man was amused by my childish questions and patiently explained,

“It’s a weather station, not a convenience store. It was built thirty or forty years ago, and it’s quite far from your village. I still have to climb for another half hour to get there.”

“Is it just by climbing along this road that I’ll get there?” I asked.

The man nodded. “That’s right.”

Then he seemed to remember something and gently added, “Little one, don’t bring your friends up here. The mountain path is dangerous, and the staff at the station are working, very busy.”

I nodded obediently and waved to him. “I understand! Be careful on your way! I’m heading home now.”

On my run back, my heart thumped like a wild rabbit.

Fifteen years ago, the weather station was already there.

This man wasn’t from the village; he was very likely from a big city.

He was patient, polite, a good man.

I weighed these thoughts in my mind as I flew down the mountain.

Because I’d been lazy with farm work, Grandma beat me.

This time, I didn't cry. Instead, I kept smiling foolishly.

Grandma was startled. She threw down her bamboo stick and rubbed her hands.

“That kid, is she touched in the head?”

I ignored her, unable to feel the pain.

Instead, I happily scurried back into the rundown shack.

That night, I secretly drew the route map on the dirt floor and showed it to Mom in the mirror.

“A weather station? Little one, you’re so clever! How did I not think of that? These government sites must have people!”

Mom exclaimed excitedly.

I sniffled, grinning. “Hehe, I just happened to run into that man by chance.”

“I’ll leave tonight. These past few days, I’ve been playing them, making them drop their guard. Now is my chance to escape.”

“Can you tell me your name? When I escape, I’ll definitely come back for you!”

My heart pounded. I suppressed a sob and replied, “Sister, my name is Hope Anderson.”

Hope, for Mom to escape.

“Oh, we both have the same last name, Anderson. What a coincidence!” Mom said, surprised.

Yes, of course it’s a coincidence. Being your daughter is the greatest blessing of my life.

I didn’t say that out loud. I just waved to her. “Okay, then hurry and go. I’ll guide you if you get lost.”

I held my breath, watching Mom carefully climb out the window.

Then came her soft gasps, like sticks tapping against my heart.

“Go right here. After you see the red house built with red bricks, turn left.”

I whispered the directions.

She nodded at me.

I watched her run along the correct route, quickly heading up the mountain.

That moment, I breathed a sigh of relief.

Just keep climbing, and she’d reach the weather station.

Listening to the crunch of leaves underfoot, my heart slowly settled.

Suddenly, a shout came from the mirror, “Hey! What are you doing out here in the middle of the night?!”

My heart instantly skipped a beat.

The next second, the mirror shattered.