I don't think I ever paid much mind to the people around me in the city. They were all the same- annoyed, tired, and in a hurry to get to their next destination. I guess that's the reason I always felt unhappy there. I liked to tell myself I was independent and happier alone, but in reality, I need people.
My sister knew this. No matter how I denied it, she knew the reason for my discontent with city living was loneliness. We had been in an apartment together, until she got the notion to contact our father's old friend about reviving the farm we grew up on. Six months after moving there, she started to speak more and more frequently about how pleasant country life was compared to the city. One day, I answered the phone expecting to have an average, 'catch-up' sort of phone call with my sister, but the conversation that ensued was much more.
"Hey Jill," I greeted.
"Hello Chelsea! How are you?" the tone of her voice was attempting to mask excitement, but failing miserably.
"I'm alright, same as always I suppose. What's going on?"
"Well, I saw an advertisement in the newspaper today that I think might interest you." At this point I still didn't quite understand what Jill meant. The only advertisements I ever saw in the newspaper were for pets people had to give up because their apartment wouldn't allow them.
"Jill, I feel bad for the poor kitties and puppies too, but I can't adopt one."
"No, no not that. There's a farm for sale! It's really cheap, too. You get the house and everything!" Jill said, her voice laced with hope.
"A farm? Where?" I questioned.
"A place called Sunshine Islands."
"Jill, I-" I began with uncertainty.
"Chels, please think it over. I worry about you. I worry that you may be depressed." Jill begged. She was always the protective type of older sister.
"Alright, alright. I promise I'll think about it." I replied. It only took one more dull, pollution-filled day to decide that I needed to get away from the city.
And that's how my island life began. With one simple phone call. It's amazing how little things can be life-altering, isn't it?
Author's note: I hope this prologue isn't terribly boring. It's only to show how she got the farm. Thanks in advance to those who read & comment!