Chapter 9
The train gradually pulled away from the platform, and the scenery outside began to recede, jordan leaned against a corner of the hand–seat compartment, the wounds on her back throbbing painfully, but she clenched her teeth, not making a sound]
She clutched her travel bag tightly, containing her acceptance letter and all her savings the entirely of her hope for a new life |
The carriage was moby, filled with the smell of various foods||
Jordan kept her head down, trying to appear inconspicuous, but her pale complexion and the unhealed wounds on her arms still attracted attention from those
Young lady, are you alright? A middle aged woman sitting opposite asked with unerrn, offering her a warm dinner roll from her lunch bag.” well. Have something to pat“]
Jordan hesitated, looking up at the woman whose eyes were warm and sincere, without a trace of mažier ||
After a moment’s pause, she accepted the dinner roll. “Thank yam. -{]
where are you headed?” the woman continued.]
To college.” Jordan replied softly, her voice somewhat raspy-
“My goodness, a college student! That’s impressiver The woman smiled patting Jordan’s shoulder, but noticed her wince in pain and quickly withdrew her hand. “Oh, I’m sorry! Did I touch a wand?”
Jordan shook her head, fording a smile. It’s nothing.
Just then, a young man sitting diagonally across from her looked up, his gaze settling himself with scholarly dignity
etting down his book, he asked quietly. Do you need any help? You seem unwell-|||
instinctively clutched her hag tighter, eyeing him warily.
Jordan. He wore gold rimmed glasses, had refined features, and carried
jilla young man seemed to notice her guardedness and smiled slightly. “My name is Emanet Calloway. I’m a professor at Ashland University. If you need nisistance, please let me know.”
in them too.
d you’re going in collage, an I thought if one of my students were in trouble the rout, I’d hope someone would help
At the mentio of “Ashland University,” Jordan’s eyes frightened slightly–that was where she would be studying
the heated for a moment before quietly saying. Thank you. Professor, but I’m fine.“)
Emmett nodded without pressing further, then took out a small jar of ointment from his bag and handed it to her. “This is an anti–inflammatory salve that helps wannd heal. I noticed some blood seeping through your clothes, suggesting you might be injured. If you don’t mind, you could try it.“[]
up inside her [
jordan stared at the ointment jar, a complex mix of emotions welling up
I of strangers, someone would extend a helping hand to ber-
the accepted for intment with a suf, “Thank you, Professor Calloway: ”
After a moments hesitation, the added quietly, “7. The actually an Ashland student:“||
eira eyes registered surprise before warming into a gradle andly. “What a coincidence. Then you certainly shouldn’t stand on ceremony with naa.“[]
The train continued its journey, sunlight streaming thrnigh, the windows into the carriage. As it fell across jordant’s face, she felt a hint of warmth for the first time–int from family, but from complete strangers ||
Asnight fell, the lights in the cartage diomed ||
jordan was drowsy from exhaustion Brat dared not relax her vigilance, eating someone might steal her belongings while she slept
Evetitually, however, Latigue overcame her willpower, and her bra began to drop
In her haty state, she felt someone gendy draping a coat over her shoulders.
