Odyssey of the City of Lights

Odyssey of the City of Lights - Book 1 - Chapter 2

With a sigh, I checked to make sure the ebook Aaron gifted me three years ago was tucked deep inside my notebook. Secure and hidden, I knocked on the door and announced, "I'm home." as I pushed the door open.

"Welcome home," my uncle called out from the living room. He was sitting in his wheelchair, working on something for my dad on the computer, his back to the door. I could see the tension in his shoulders as he typed away.

I took my shoes off and placed them neatly by the door, in their spot, leaving space for all my siblings and father. Walking up to him, I asked, "How was your day?"

My uncle sighed and looked up with his glasses perched on the tip of his nose. "Good, finishing up the purchase orders and reports for the month. We're well within our budget." He seemed proud of the accomplishment.

I forced a smile. "That's good." Internally, I griped—not like I got any of that extra money.

My uncle released the brakes on his wheelchair and nodded towards the kitchen. "Did you ask your mom what she needs help with around the house?"

I followed him to the kitchen, shaking my head. "No, sir. Just got home."

"Well, hop to it." He looked over his shoulder, his eyes filled with kindness despite his firm tone. "I'm sure she has a thing or two for you to do before dinner."

I couldn't get mad at him. He was tough, but he had a good heart. "Yes, sir." Nodding, I ducked into the bathroom to wash my hands.

With my hands clean, I went in search of my mom. "Hey, Mom," I said when I found her in the kitchen, her hands deep in a bowl of dough. "What do you need help with?"

She looked up at me, her face warm and welcoming. "Um, if you could check on the chickens, rabbits, and goats for the evening, that would be wonderful. You're home first, so there's plenty to do out back. I'll send more hands as they arrive."

I nodded, forcing a smile. "Yes, Mother." Grabbing my muck boots, I headed out the back door, where our dog greeted me with a bark and a happy dance.

"Hey there, girl! You're happy to see me? Me too, but I can't play right now." She seemed to understand and instantly turned her attention back to the edge of the property, resuming her watchful duties without a second thought.

As I carried out my chores—throwing feed to the animals and cleaning up their messes—my mind drifted to thoughts of what lay beyond our village. How could I ask my parents about exploring other towns and cities? Surely, they'd have some advice or guidance for me. It wasn't unheard of for people to leave our village; many even relocated to find work. But for me, as the eldest, it was almost as if staying here was expected.

I walked up to the house, my muck boots caked in dirt and animal filth. Hosing them down, I left them outside on the rack upside down to dry out. As I entered the house, my siblings' animated chatter filled the air along with the smell of baking bread, their excitement over teenage matters both amusing and mortifying, given my own memories from just a few years ago.

"Hey, Mom," I called as I found her in the kitchen, her hands busy preparing dinner. "I'm done with the chores. Want help with dinner?"

"Sure," she replied with a warm smile. "Set the table, please."

"Sure thing, Mom." My heart hammered against my chest as I walked around the kitchen, laying plates and utensils on the table, trying to muster the courage to bring up what was on my mind.

"Hey, Mom," I began hesitantly, picking at the edge of a plate. "You aren't from this town, right?"

She looked at me, a sly smile playing across her face. "No, I'm from two towns over. Are you thinking of going to find yourself a bride? Eager, aren't you?"