However, that glimmer of hope seemed to be swept away with the current. What was easily attainable for some was a significant obstacle for Raegan.

Without a second thought, Raegan rolled up her trousers, removed her cotton jacket, and stepped into the river to get her school bag back.

The frigid water sent shivers down the spine of the 13-year-old.

The school bag, weighed down, had settled at the river's bottom.

Raegan had to search blindly, bit by bit, to locate it.

The river, deeper than a meter, came up to Raegan's neck. She used a stick to help find her school bag. With great effort, she managed to retrieve it. Her backpack was finally in her hands again.

Ignoring the wet sweater and her bare feet, she unzipped the bag, only to find the practice books soaked and beyond salvage.

The ink had smeared, and the pages were stuck together, beyond help even after drying.

Raegan stood there, motionless, her gaze fixed on the damaged practice books. She felt silent for what seemed like forever.

To her, they were more than just some practice books. It symbolized her teacher's expectations for her, a chance to change her future, and a golden opportunity provided by fate for those who worked hard.

Raegan, wise beyond her years, quietly bore her struggles, mindful of her grandmother's sacrifices. She was always cheerful, never Letting her smile fade.

Yet, at that moment, she found it impossible to stop her tears, even as she tried to keep her head up. She had put in so much effort...

She couldn't grasp why those who work the hardest often face the most challenges.

Mitchel listened quietly, not interrupting. Despite Raegan's understated tone, he could feel how heartbroken and desperate she felt then. His heart ached, overwhelmed with sympathy.

Raegan's eyes reddened as she continued, “Not long after, the practice books were shattered due to the weight of the water. I was there, squatting beside the street trying to pick up the pieces, when a car suddenly stopped close by. The driver got out and started shouting at me. I don't hold it against him. It was my mistake. He was scared he might have hit me."

“Stop it..." Mitchel felt his heart shatter. At her words, some fragments of his memories were recollected.

That day, darkness consumed Mitchel's life.

Alexis and Luciana got into their worst fight yet. They hurled insults like "mistress," “old beast," and "nagging wife" at each other, words the young Mitchel wouldn't expect from such a refined couple.

Later, when Alexis hit Luciana in a huff, Mitchel jumped in, taking the blow meant for her.

Fed up with the tense atmosphere at home, Mitchel got into the car and told the driver to just head south, no destination in mind.