Maria’s POV
Over the past couple of months, after I arrived in the human world, I quickly gathered some essentials, including a small house just by the edge of town, close to the forest. The house I rented was just the right size—compact, cozy, and perfect for one person trying to keep a low profile. I repainted the walls a soft beige that reminded me of autumn leaves and even replaced some of the old, creaky floorboards. The house was far enough from town to avoid drawing too much attention but close enough that I could slip into the market when I needed groceries or supplies.
I spent the next few months mostly indoors, studying for the college entrance exams. Books and notes cluttered the small wooden table in the corner of the living room, their pages marked with endless scribbles. I
