Chapter 4:
The next morning felt heavier than the last.
Ava didn't want to get up.
But she had no choice.
She stepped into the main room.
Nothing had changed.
Her father still sat in silence.
Her grandmother coughed weakly.
Her mother stood near the empty kitchen.
And her brother…
He didn't even ask for food this time.
That hurt more.
"I'll go out again," Ava said quietly.
Her mother didn't argue.
She just nodded slowly.
Outside, the sky was grey.
Even the weather felt tired.
Ava walked through the streets again.
Same shops.
Same people.
Same answers.
"No."
"We're full."
"Come back when you're older."
By midday, Ava didn't even bother trying anymore.
She just walked.
Aimlessly.
Her hand slipped into her pocket.
She felt something.
The pencil.
She pulled it out and stared at it.
For a moment… she remembered the alley.
How strange it looked there.
Clean.
Out of place.
Ava sighed.
"I wish things were different," she whispered.
Her voice was soft… almost lost in the air.
Just then—
A loud voice called out.
"Hey! You!"
Ava turned quickly.
A man stood outside a small shop.
He was looking directly at her.
"You looking for work?" he asked.
Ava blinked.
"What…?"
"You heard me," he said. "I need someone to help carry boxes. Just for today."
Ava's heart skipped.
"Yes! Yes, I can do it!"
The man nodded. "Good. Come."
For the next few hours, Ava worked harder than she ever had.
Carrying boxes.
Cleaning.
Organizing.
Her arms ached.
Her back hurt.
But she didn't complain.
Not once.
When the sun began to set, the man handed her a small amount of money.
It wasn't much.
But to Ava…
It felt like everything.
"Thank you," she said, her voice full of relief.
The man shrugged. "You worked hard."
As she walked away, Ava looked down at the money in her hand.
Her chest felt lighter.
For the first time in days…
She had done something.
Then her other hand tightened slightly.
Still holding the pencil.
She slowed down.
A thought crossed her mind.
"I wish things were different…"
She had said that.
Right before the man called her.
Ava stopped walking completely.
Her heart started beating faster.
"No…" she whispered.
"That's just a coincidence."
She looked at the pencil again.
Her grip tightened.
"…Right?"
For a moment, doubt filled her mind.
But then she shook her head quickly.
"No. I'm just overthinking."
Still…
She didn't put the pencil away.
That night, Ava brought home bread.
Small.
But enough to share.
Her brother smiled again.
Her mother looked relieved.
Even her father's eyes softened.
And Ava…
Ava sat quietly.
The pencil resting beside her.
Her thoughts louder than ever.
Something wasn't right.
She could feel it.
But she wasn't ready to believe it yet.
END OF CHAPTER 4