FROM STREETS TO PALACE

A NEW JOB,A NEW LIFE

Hunger and Desperation

Days passed, and Lina was very hungry. She walked around the city looking for food, but she had no money. Her stomach hurt, and she felt very weak. She did not know what to do. She was afraid she would not survive.

One day, she was sitting near a big shop, looking very sad and dirty. Suddenly, a very expensive car stopped in front of her. A woman stepped out. She was wearing beautiful clothes and looked very rich, but her face was hard and serious.

This was Madame Victoria.

She looked at Lina from head to toe. She did not speak softly. She spoke in a loud and rude voice.

"Hey, you!" Madame Victoria said. "You look strong enough. Are you looking for work?"

Lina looked up, surprised. "Yes, madam. I need work. I need food," she answered softly.

"Good," said the woman. "Come with me. I need a maid at my house. You will clean, cook, and take care of my children. But listen carefully—I am not a nice person. You must work very hard, and you must obey every order I give you. Do you understand?"

Lina knew in her heart that this woman would be difficult to please. She knew life would not be easy there. But she was so hungry, and she had nowhere else to go. She thought, At least I will have food to eat and a roof over my head.

"Yes, madam. I will work hard. Please take me with you," Lina said.

Arrival at the Big House

Madame Victoria took Lina to her house. It was a huge mansion, much bigger than the place she lived in before. It looked like a palace.

As soon as they entered, Madame Victoria started giving orders.

"Listen to me well," she said strictly. "My children are studying in a boarding school. They are coming home very soon for their holidays. I have one son and two daughters."

She looked at Lina with sharp eyes. "When they arrive, you must serve them very well. You must bring them water, clean their rooms, and do whatever they ask immediately. Do not make them angry. If you take good care of them, you will eat. If you are lazy, you will get nothing!"

"Yes, madam. I will do my best," Lina promised.

Inside her heart, Lina felt a little excited. She was going to meet the children. She wondered what they looked like and if they would be kind to her. She cleaned herself up and waited anxiously for the day to come.

The Day of Arrival

Finally, the big day arrived. Lina was nervous but ready. She stood quietly in the corner of the big hall.

Suddenly, she heard the sound of cars arriving outside. The gates opened, and several big vehicles stopped at the door.

"They are here!" shouted a servant.

Lina’s heart beat fast. She looked towards the entrance. The doors opened, and many people walked in. The son and the two daughters had arrived, and they had brought some friends with them too.

The house was suddenly full of noise and people. Lina stared at the door, wondering which one was the son, and what would happen next...