After what felt like endless hours of silent dread, mist and shadows wrapped around her like a cold blanket, Alina was beginning to think she had made a mistake.
Her fingers ached from gripping the steering wheel. Her back hurt. Her thoughts were spiraling again.
But then—
like a dream parting the fog—
a structure appeared in the distance.
She blinked.
Sat up straighter.
And gasped softly.
There, nestled between ancient trees and glowing wildflowers, was the most breathtaking sight she'd seen in her entire life.
A large building stood tall in the clearing, surrounded by soft, rolling hills of grass and Beautiful, untamed blooms. The sunlight seemed to shine only in this place, casting a warm, golden hue across the area like the forest had parted its darkness just to reveal this hidden gem.
At the front, an elegant wooden sign gently swung with the breeze:
"Little Fang Kindergarten"
Alina pulled over to the edge of the forest road, her chest rising with a shaky breath of relief.
"It's real…" she whispered, like she couldn't believe it herself.
"It's actually real."
She reached for her water bottle, unscrewing the cap with trembling fingers.
She washed her face with cool water, letting it clear the sweat from her brow. Then took a long sip, swallowing back the tightness in her throat.
Then she went back inside the car.
Pulling out a napkin, she gently patted her cheeks dry. Then, taking out her phone, she switched to selfie mode, applying a little basic makeup with practiced speed...lip tint, a dab of concealer, a soft pat of powder.
She straightened her blouse, ran her fingers through her hair, and took a deep breath.
"Alright, Alina… time to show them what you've got."
She started the engine again, slowly pulling toward the main path leading into the grounds.
-`♡´-
...
The kindergarten building was like something out of a fairytale.
The walls were covered in light stone and ivy vines, trimmed with hand-carved wooden borders etched with stars and moons. Tall windows glowed softly with stained glass art of mythical creatures and celestial skies. A spiraling rooftop reached toward the sun like a little castle tower.
It didn't feel like a school.
It felt like a sanctuary.
Just as she approached the gate, it creaked open on its own, swinging wide as if sensing her presence.
There was no guard. No security cameras. No voice on a speaker.
Just the breeze… and the feeling that someone, or something, had been waiting for her.
Alina hesitated.
But only for a moment.
She shook off her unease and gently pressed the pedal forward, pulling her car into the beautifully paved circular driveway.
She parked near a little silver sign that read:
"Visitor Parking – Teachers Welcome."
Stepping out, she looked around—
The grass beneath her shoes was soft, perfectly green. Tiny magical lights hovered over the flowerbeds, dancing like fireflies. Butterflies that shimmered with stardust flitted across the air. The scent of lavender, honey, and something warm she couldn't name filled the breeze.
She stood there, hand on her car door, gazing at the building with wide eyes.
For the first time in a long, long while…
She felt like she had just arrived somewhere she belonged.
Alina stepped cautiously into the building, her shoes tapping lightly against the polished, marble-like floor. The inside was surprisingly quiet...almost too quiet. No chatter. No noise. No children's laughter.
She blinked, her eyes adjusting to the soft golden lighting.
Her heart eased slightly when she saw a reception desk ahead.
"Oh, thank goodness..." she whispered under her breath and approached.
The woman behind the counter sat with perfect posture, her hands folded neatly in front of her.
She had pale, porcelain skin, inky black eyes that seemed to look right through Alina, and not a single emotion flickered across her face. Her sharp features made her look like she belonged more in a vampire castle than a kindergarten.
She wore a crisp black uniform that looked almost like a formal robe, every seam and button in place.
Alina offered a small smile.
"Hi..." she said, her voice slightly nervous.
The woman didn't smile back. Instead, her gaze slowly scanned Alina from head to toe, as if assessing something deeper than her appearance.
Then, with a quiet nod, she muttered:
"New teacher for interview."
Alina hesitated. "Yeah, I got an email sayin—"
"I know," the woman cut her off sharply, her tone clipped and annoyed.
She didn't look up from the open book in front of her as she added, "You're scheduled for an interview at exactly twelve. Go straight down the hall, take a left, and you'll see a large door. That's the office of the principal. He's also the owner."
Alina blinked, a little startled by the coldness in her voice, but nodded politely.
"Thank you..."
The woman gave no reply.
Alina took one last glance around the silent, grand hallway before heading toward the path she was given.
Her fingers curled tightly around the strap of her bag. The butterflies in her stomach were awake again.
And she had no idea that behind that big office door…