Chapter 1

Chapter 1

My son's preschool was hosting a family field day. I rushed there, heart pounding with excitement, only to find my place already taken.

I watched from the sidelines as my son held the hand of my husband's secretary. He looked up at her with a smile I hadn't seen in months.

"Mommy, it would be wonderful if our family could be together like this forever," he chirped.

Seeing the three of them embracing so happily, a wave of cold exhaustion washed over me. I realized I was the intruder in my own life.

I decided right then that I was done. I would file for divorce and leave it all behind.

I applied for a fifteen-year teaching mission in the remote, struggling towns of the Appalachian Mountains. If I couldn't light up the lamps in my own home, I might as well light the way for children who had no one else.

When I submitted my volunteer forms, my supervisor tried to stop me. He looked at the paperwork with a worried frown.

"Hattie, this commitment is for fifteen years at least. You've always been so devoted to your husband and son. You can't just run away on a whim."

"You know what this mission means to those kids," he continued. "It's not a game."

I looked him in the eye and nodded firmly. My heart felt like lead, but my mind was clear.

"Sir, please believe me. I've worked for years, and this has always been my dream. As for my husband and son, they'll have someone better to look after them."

I gave a short, respectful bow, refusing to budge. I wasn't going to change my mind.

He eventually sighed and patted my shoulder. His eyes were full of pity.

"I understand your passion, Hattie. But those mountain towns are rough. Poverty does things to people. I hope you know what you're getting into."

I had done my research before making the choice. I knew the isolation could be dangerous and the conditions were harsh, but I wasn't afraid.

"Those kids need a way out," I told him. "That land can only thrive if someone cares enough to stay. You're a teacher, too. You know if we stay afraid, they'll never escape the cycle."

I came from a place just like that. My own mentor taught me that once you make it out, you have a duty to go back and help the rest.

"Fine. You're a remarkable teacher, Hattie. I'm proud of you. Go home and pack. You leave in twenty-four hours."

He didn't try to persuade me further. He knew my history and understood that once I set my path, I never looked back.

On my way home, the sun felt warm on my face. It felt like a sign that the road ahead of me was wide open.

"Auntie Mina, come and catch me!"

As I stepped through the front door, my son, Archer, crashed into my legs while laughing. I reached down to steady him, worried he might fall.

I wanted to give him a hug, but he pulled away. He turned back to Mina and pouted.

"Auntie Mina, why didn't you tell me the door was opening? I'm mad at you now!"

"Archer…" I started, my voice sounding raspy. My chest ached with a dull, throbbing pain.

"Why are you yelling at me?" he snapped, glaring at me. "If it wasn't for you, I wouldn't have tripped. You're a mean mommy! Get out of my way!"

He pushed me aside with his tiny hands. He wasn't strong enough to hurt my body, but the gesture shattered my heart.

"Oh, Hattie, you're back," Mina said, her voice smooth and devoid of any guilt. She was already holding Archer in one arm.

With her free hand, she reached for a glass and poured me some lukewarm water. She acted as if she owned the place.

"Have some water. I'll keep Archer busy so you can relax. Don't feel like a stranger in your own house."

Her words were perfectly polite, yet they screamed that she was the real lady of the house. It made me feel like a guest at my own funeral.

"Auntie Mina, why are you even talking to her?" Archer complained. "Daddy said she's an outsider. We're the real family."

My knuckles turned white as I gripped the glass. I forced a small, pathetic smile. "Archer, honey, do you want Mommy to play with you for a bit?"

They say a mother and child are connected by the heart. I loved him more than life itself.

Since the moment he was born, I wanted to give him the world. But now, our relationship was so toxic it terrified me.

"Go away! Who wants to play with you? I have schoolwork to do!"