1 New city, independent life

As I pull my luggage I look at the ten-floor story building in front of me, the new neighbor and the cold temperature that touches my skin. Everything is foreign to me. Just yesterday, I finally left my country to migrate and look for greener pastures.

From Vanda to Amsonia Country.

It is an eight hour flight, yet I don't feel tired at all. My eyes are full of the new scenery that I absorbed. Holding the key to the place I'll be staying from now on and the years to come. I was greeted with the smell of dried paint, clean white walls, and the sunlight freely entering the room. The staff of the building helped me with the luggage and assisted me.

"If you need anything you can use the phone and call the reception below. Please enjoy your new place!" She is attentive and her English is clear, I have a basic knowledge of the language they use here is Amsonia, though I did not expect that the locals are also proficient in English.

"I think I won't be having a hard time adjusting since the community is small and friendly."

The first thing I did was to prepare my working area, the room is not that big or too small and is good for a single person. As you enter there is a small receiving area that will also serve as your dining and the kitchen area on the right. The toilet room has a shower and space for the washing machine. The bedroom also has a door separating it from the living room. There is a small balcony which can be entered by the living room and the bedroom.

"This is so awesome, good job Juri!" I complimented myself, I always wanted to have my own space and now at the age of twenty seven I finally have it!

It is never too late to want something for yourself. After working my ass hard for the past ten years I can finally focus for myself.

I come from a broken average family, my father left us when I was seven and my brother is a baby, growing up helping my mother who is an office worker and a single mom. I lost my chance to enjoy the things that my peers usually have. In my early teens I worked part time, then after I finished my degree I started working in a large company.

The time I got to breathe is when my younger brother finally finished his degree.

"Mom, I want to study abroad." When she heard it, mom did not question my decision, instead she gave me a pat on the shoulder and smiled at me.

"Do you want a daughter, you've worked hard enough, your brother and I can manage already so think of yourself and your future too." It's like a thorn has been pulled. I immediately prepared and checked my documents.

I enrolled at one of the universities here, it is just a two bus stop away from this place, so I decided to study fine arts. It was my dream course, but due to our situation back then I chose another major that would land me easy employment in industrial companies.

I used to be an office worker who works eight hours a day, five times a week with unpaid overtime and extended weekends. Though it was too much, I received incentives and bonuses that covered those unfair working routines. When I finally submitted my letter of resignation, my boss tried to counter the offer, however, the ten year stay is more than enough for the stress to take its toll on me.

"Adios! Sayonara! I bid you farewell to my old company!" You gave me more than enough savings to start my new life!

I sat and pulled out my laptop and drawing tablet. These aren't the latest ones but it is a lot of useful with my current work. I don't work for a company, I work for passion!

It is my dream to be a known artist and author, another reason why I bravely resigned my previous work is because I am already earning a lot from being a writer and doing art commissions. This isn't that much but the earning can get me by. I am starting to have several clients so I take it slow at my pace.

"Oh there's new comments and votes!" My eyes glimmered at the notification and clicked it excitedly and led me to the comment section.

'I hope that Barrett and Denzell will get married and have a baby soon!'

'Is this the end? Author gives us an epilogue! I wanna know 'bout the after they defeated the vampire!'

'Are there any side stories? Author please~~~!'

Those are the lovely comments of my readers.

"Happily ever after marriage, it is weird for someone like me who grew up in a broken family to write of this matter." I bitterly smile and reminded of the words that I parted with my mom the day before I left to Amsonia.

'Will you get married there?" she asked me out of the blue.

"Marriage? Not sure, maybe I'll just look for a handsome man and get pregnant. I don't need a husband."

"My Juri, don't say what people say if you get pregnant without a husband!"

"I don't care, I chose to live that way and I'll take care of my child the way you did to us mom. It'll just be another bargain to have a partner."

"My daughter, I am sorry for making you experience this. I am a failure of a parent." Then she started to cry.

"Mom, it's not your fault, it was that man's… I mean father. But look at us? Didn't we get through with us alone?"

"Still, I want you to walk on the aisle wearing a wedding gown! I want to have my beautiful grandchildren too!"

"If you want a child I can get pregnant but a husband lets me think on the second."

It was a tiring one, we grew up in a conservative country where a single woman is being watched by those judging eyes. That is why I chose this one, Amnosia, compared to Vanda, is more liberated and open with those situations. I won't be chained by the old tradition, I'll be more free and I can find happiness.

"From now on, Juri Meryll will enjoy her life to the fullest!" And in order to do that I'll have to be ready for my class tomorrow!