Chapter 1: The Perfect Life
Everyone dreamed of having a perfect family and a happy home that would last forever.
There was a girl named Emma who had that perfect life.
They lived in a simple village. They were not rich, but her family was full of love and harmony. Her father and mother loved her dearly. Everything was peaceful.
Emma watched her mother cook in the kitchen while she studied at the kitchen table. She was in third grade, and everything about that evening felt perfect. The air was warm. They had food and water every day. Life was simple. There was nothing else Emma could ask for.
“Emma, fix your things. We will eat any minute,” her mother said affectionately. “Your father will be here soon.”
Minutes later, the door opened.
“I’m home.” A familiar voice came from the doorway. “Any lovely people want to greet me?”
“It’s Father!” Emma excitedly hurried to the door.
Her father stood with his arms open, ready to receive her.
“My lovely daughter!” Her father lifted her up. “How was school, sweetie?”
“Good!” Emma announced excitedly. “I got five stars today! Look!”
Emma held out her hand, showing him the star stamps her teacher had given her.
“That’s great, Emma!” her father said proudly. “Maybe someday you’ll become a doctor or a lawyer.”
Emma chuckled. “When I grow up, you won’t need to work anymore, Father. I’ll work for us.”
“Oh! Maybe you’ll become a very wealthy person someday?” her father teased.
“You two come here. Food is ready,” her mother called.
“Okay, honey. I’ll just take a bath and change,” her father replied.
“Emma, go ahead with your mother.”
Her father went to the bathroom, changed, and then went straight to the kitchen table for dinner.
The aroma of fresh food filled the air.
Life was perfectly simple.
“Sweetie, can you pray for the food?” her mother asked.
“Go ahead, Emma,” her father said with a smile.
Emma nodded.
“Thank you, Lord, for the food and our happy family.”
Everyone chuckled.
“Alright, let’s eat.”
They enjoyed their dinner that night.
And every night was that perfect for Emma.
The next morning, Emma woke to the aroma of breakfast. Her mother was already preparing food in the kitchen.
Her father came out of the bedroom wearing his factory uniform.
“Eat your breakfast, Emma,” her father said. “I’ll accompany you to school before I go to work.”
Once they finished breakfast, her father drove her to school on his motorcycle.
“Emma, listen to your teacher and stay out of trouble, okay?” her father advised her before leaving.
Emma entered the school while her father continued on to work at the factory.
The entire day passed, and it was now evening.
Emma arrived home first. Her mother was already preparing dinner.
“Welcome home, sweetie,” her mother greeted.
“Is Dad home?”
“Not yet, sweetie. Maybe any minute now.”
Emma sat down at the kitchen table.
“Are you not tired, Mom?”
“Tired? Of what?”
“Being home. Taking care of us?”
“No, sweetie. That is my joy. You and your father are my happiness.” Her mother smiled.
Emma smiled back.
Suddenly, a frantic knock echoed through their home’s door.
Emma and her mother turned toward the door, wondering who it could be.
Her mother opened it.
Several police officers stood outside.
“How can we help you, sir?” her mother asked.
“We found a man lying on the road,” one of the police officers said. “We searched his wallet for identification and found this address.”
Emma and her mother looked at each other, their faces filled with worry.
The police officer handed them the ID.
“Do you know him?”
As soon as her mother saw the ID, she trembled and collapsed to her knees.
