Chapter 9
The train gradually pulled away from the platform, and the scenery outside began to recede. Jordan leaned against a corner of the hard-seat compartment, the wounds on her back throbbing painfully, but she clenched her teeth, not making a sound.
She clutched her travel bag tightly, containing her acceptance letter and all her savings-the entirety of her hope for a new life.
The carriage was noisy, filled with the smell of various foods.
Jordan kept her head down, trying to appear inconspicuous, but her pale complexion and the unhealed wounds on her arms still attracted attention from those around her:
“Young lady, are you alright?” A middle-aged woman sitting opposite asked with concern, offering her a warm dinner roll from her lunch bag. “You don’t look well. Have something to eat.”
Jordan hesitated, looking up at the woman whose eyes were warm and sincere, without a trace of malice.
After a moment’s pause, she accepted the dinner roll. “Thank you.”
“Where are you headed?” the woman continued.
“To college,” Jordan replied softly, her voice somewhat raspy.
“My goodness, a college student! That’s impressive!” The woman smiled, patting Jordan’s shoulder, but noticed her wince in pain and quickly withdrew her hand. “Oh, I’m sorry! Did I touch a wound?”
Jordan shook her head, forcing a smile. “It’s nothing.”
Just then, a young man sitting diagonally across from her looked up, his gaze settling on Jordan. He wore gold-rimmed glasses, had refined features, and carried himself with scholarly dignity.
Setting down his book, he asked quietly, “Do you need any help? You seem unwell.”
Jordan instinctively clutched her bag tighter, eyeing him warily.
The young man seemed to notice her guardedness and smiled slightly. “My name is Emmett Calloway. I’m a professor at Ashland University. If you need assistance, please let me know.”
“I just heard you’re going to college, so I thought if one of my students were in trouble on the road, I’d hope someone would
them too.”
Atthe mention of “Ashland University,” Jordan’s eyes brightened slightly-that was where she would be studying.
She hesitated for a moment before quietly saying, “Thank you, Professor, but I’m fine.”
Emmett nodded without pressing further, then took out a small jar of ointment from his bag and handed it to her. “This is an anti-inflammatory salve that helps wounds heal. I noticed some blood seeping through your clothes, suggesting you might be injured. If you don’t mind, you could try it.”
Jordan stared at the ointment jar, a complex mix of emotions welling up inside her.
She had never imagined that on a train full of strangers, someone would extend a helping hand to her.
Chapter 9
She accepted the ointment with a soft, “Thank you, Professor Calloway.”
After a moment’s hesitation, she added quietly, “I… I’m actually an Ashland student.”
Emmett’s eyes registered surprise before warming into a gentle smile. “What a coincidence. Then you certainly shouldn’t stand on ceremony with me.”
The train continued its journey, sunlight streaming through the windows into the carriage. As it fell across Jordan’s face, she felt a hint of warmth for the first time-not from family, but from complete strangers.
As night fell, the lights in the carriage dimmed.
Jordan was drowsy from exhaustion but dared not relax her. vigilance, fearing someone might steal her belongings while she slept.
Eventually, however, fatigue overcame her willpower, and her head began to droop.
In her hazy state, she felt someone gently draping a coat over her shoulders.
