Chapter 2: A Glimmer of Hope.

I woke up early the next morning, feeling a sense of dread wash over me. Another day, another opportunity for my uncle's family to make my life miserable.

As I got dressed and made my way downstairs, I couldn't help but feel like an outsider. My aunt Rachel was already in the kitchen, making breakfast for the family. She barely acknowledged my presence, and I knew that I was just an afterthought to her.

"Good morning, Sophia," she said curtly, not even bothering to look up at me.

I muttered a quick "good morning" and took a seat at the table. My cousins, Victoria and Alexander, were already seated, and they barely acknowledged my presence.

The breakfast was awkward, with everyone avoiding eye contact and conversation. It was just another day in the life of an unwanted guest.

Victoria and Alexander were discussing their plans for the day, and I couldn't help but feel a pang of jealousy. They had their whole lives ahead of them, with every opportunity at their fingertips. Meanwhile, I was stuck in this miserable existence, with no clear future in sight.

But then, something unexpected happened. As I was finishing up my breakfast, I heard a knock at the door. It was the mailman, delivering a package for me.

I was surprised. Who could be sending me a package?

As I opened the package, I found a small note inside. It was from an unknown sender, but the words made my heart skip a beat:

"Hold on to hope, Sophia. Better days are ahead."

A glimmer of hope sparked within me. Maybe, just maybe, things were about to change.

I felt a surge of excitement and curiosity. Who could have sent this package? And what did they mean by "better days ahead"?

I looked around the table, but no one seemed to notice my excitement. Victoria and Alexander were too busy arguing over whose turn it was to use the car, and my aunt Rachel was too busy cleaning up the breakfast dishes.

I decided to keep the package and note to myself, at least for now. I didn't want to risk my uncle's family finding out and ruining everything.

As I finished up my breakfast and headed out the door, I couldn't help but feel a sense of optimism. Maybe, just maybe, things were about to get better.