Ashley's POV
“Welcome to our new home, Ashley,” Mom said, standing next to me as we looked at an old, dilapidated cottage situated near the woods and the lake.
“Isn’t it serene? It’s away from the busyness of the town, the breeze feels invigorating, the lake is only a short stroll away, and you can hear the birds singing so clearly,” she continued with a smile.
I couldn’t conceal my annoyance. “Why did we have to leave our lovely house in the town for this spooky place?” I retorted.
“Because... because this place is quiet. It’s secure,” she answered, her voice soft and uncertain.
“I don’t like it!” I shouted, my frustration bubbling over. “I want to go back to our old house. I refuse to live here!”
“Why not?” she asked, her eyes filled with worry.
“Because we’ve been relocating constantly since I was little! Every time I make a friend, you move us again. I’m tired of it! And now, you expect me to live in this dumb cottage, all by myself in the middle of nowhere?” My voice trembled as
