Chapter 174: Shadows of Industry

The young girl, now revealed to be Sofia, walked with a hesitant cadence beside Jean and Mariana. Her brown eyes, usually bubbling with youthful curiosity, held a shy flicker as she spoke. "I work these strange night hours at the factory down the road," she confessed, a faint blush creeping up her cheeks as she offered a small smile. "It's the only way I can contribute to my family's income." Jean's surprise mirrored the setting sun, momentarily painting the sky in shades of disbelief. "A factory?" she echoed, astonished. Here was this spirited young girl, barely out of her teens, sacrificing sleep and the carefree joys of youth for such a demanding path. In a burst of maternal instinct, Jean impulsively offered, "How about an autograph session later? I'd love to chat with you properly." Sofia's eyes lit up like fireflies released on a summer night. "Really? That would be amazing!" The excitement in her voice was infectious, momentarily chasing away the fatigue that clung to her