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."

"That's awesome! Zelena, it must

those around

where

freshly manicured 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

An island?

Wow!

they learned of Hattie's

to compare oneself with

hide her annoyance. With a forced smile, she said, "Hattie, don't forget to bring us some autographs from Ms. Leid. I can't wait!" Hattie responded with

you haven't answered me

ignoring Zelena, who seized the opportunity

spent a month working in Quinston, saving enough to buy gifts for Mr. and Mrs. Blake back

items, so she generously used most of her earnings, aside from travel expenses, to buy them gifts.

gifts paled in comparison to

was determined not to repeat

"I'm not going back."

patronizing tone, "Are you just going to lounge around the cafe all

having not yet finalized her summer plans, remained

Yurtlandia Grasslands for horseback riding and other adventures in their group chat, extending an invitation

plans are my own. Why don't you just mind your own business?"

Violeta's past summers had been, presuming this year