IF ONLY
Jill walked ahead, the fading sunlight casting long shadows.
As the school bell rang its final chime, signaling the end of the day, Jill trudged through the worn-out sidewalks, her steps heavy with a burden that extended beyond the weight of her backpack. The once vibrant sunlight now seemed muted, casting long shadows that stretched across the cracked pavement.
Approaching the intersection, Jill silently pointed toward a weathered, small house with peeling paint. It stood humbly amidst a row of similarly modest homes, each bearing the scars of time and neglect. “I’m back.” She opened the door.