As I looked at Lizzy, who I had always shielded, a pang of guilt washed over me. But I understood that staying here would mean settling for a life of mediocrity.
I approached, gently patting her head, whispering, "Be a good girl, Liz."
At that time, I still called her nickname "Liz."
Born into a family that favored sons over daughters, I could sense her sorrow.
"Liz, I'm going to university. Remember, you must persevere in your studies, okay?
"Education is our only chance to escape the mountains, our sole path to changing our fate..."
With her head bowed in the dim light, I couldn't discern Lizzy's expression, only hearing her somber words.
"Can you take me with you?"
"Sorry."
That was the only answer I could give back then.
Back then, I was just a newly adult girl, using the money I had saved from working to buy the nearest train ticket.
As for what lay ahead, I couldn't guarantee anything, especially with a seven-year-old niece in tow.
Time was running out, so I hastily bid her farewell and rushed to the train station.
But at the last moment, my parents, Tomas, and others caught up, shattering my plans entirely.
If it weren't for my teacher's timely help, I might never have left.