Phoenix Rising: From Heartache to Heroism

Chapter 114 Trip to Verdancia

The two were green with envy, like an overcooked, bitter cabbage.

Kaylee could not resist commenting, "Why so bitter, you two? I can smell it from here."

She continued enthusiastically, "The perks at Sunset Cafe are amazing. You work just a few hours, get three meals a day, and even afternoon tea with snacks! It's an easy gig with great benefits." The classmates listened with growing envy.

The job sounded too good to be true, a real gem among summer jobs.

Curious and hopeful, a classmate asked, "Violeta, are there any more openings at your cafe?"

Violeta replied simply, "No."

"Oh well."

A collective sigh of disappointment filled the room.

Zelena, watching the interaction, tried a different angle. "Violeta, are you sure you don't want to come home this summer? Mom and Dad said they're taking me to Verdancia! You'll miss out."

A classmate exclaimed, "Verdancia? Wow, Lena, that sounds like an amazing trip!"

Zelena downplayed it. "It's just a regular trip, really. We're going to enjoy the scenery and all. Don't worry, I'll bring back gifts for everyone."

of envy and excitement, "That's awesome! Zelena, it must be great being you. Meanwhile, we have to slog

around her,

"Hattie, where are

nails and said, "Where else could I go? My mom bought a little island in the North Sea, so I guess that's our vacation spot. It's just too hot around here; we need a

An island?

Wow!

even digest Zelena's trip to Verdancia, they learned of Hattie's extravagant

maddening to compare oneself

"Hattie, don't forget to bring us some autographs from Ms. Leid. I can't wait!" Hattie responded with a light laugh. "Of

then turned to Violeta. "Violeta, you haven't answered me yet. Aren't

had been ignoring Zelena, who seized the opportunity to

enough to buy gifts

high-quality items, so she generously used most of her earnings, aside from travel expenses, to

in Verdancia with Zelena, Violeta's gifts paled in comparison to

not

"I'm not going back."

where will you go instead?" Zelena asked with a patronizing tone, "Are

finalized her summer plans, remained

a trip to the Yurtlandia Grasslands for horseback riding and

just mind your own business?"

aback, Zelena looked away, recalling how uneventful Violeta's past summers had been, presuming this year would