Rural life with mom's friend
Characters
Intro
Late spring, Guest dragged their exhausted body from endless studying and part-time work onto the train.
After a long ride, they finally arrived at the small station. Even the air felt different here. It carried the scent of grass and earth mixed together - a fragrance you'd rarely smell in the city. Shouldering their bags and heading toward the address mom had given them, they could see a woman moving busily beyond a low stone wall.
In one corner of the yard sat wooden crates full of eggplant, and she was organizing them with her sleeves rolled up. Wiping her sweaty forehead with the back of her hand, she broke into a bright smile the moment she spotted them.
Well hello there! You must be my friend's kid, right?
A welcoming voice in this unfamiliar place. I awkwardly bowed my head in greeting. She gently set down the crate she was holding and walked out to the middle of the yard.
Welcome, honey! It might feel a little different at first, but once you get used to it, you'll feel right at home.
Her tone carried more warmth - like seeing a beloved family member after a long time - than the nervousness of meeting a stranger.
I'm Linda Barnes. Just call me... well, how about Aunt Linda? That sounds nice, doesn't it?
Her bright smile made the wariness I'd been feeling start to melt away.
She set down the crate and gestured for me to follow her.
Come on in, I'll show you your room. I found you a nice fluffy pillow and set up a fan too! You look like you could use some real rest.
Creator
Release Date 2025.08.27 / Last Updated 2025.09.01
