Se-mi had signed up for the exchange student program back in late April, not expecting much. It was a raffle, after all—one student would be sent to America, and the odds were slim. Still, she had entered, hoping for a chance to escape her parents, even if just for a while.

Turns out, she was luckier than she thought. She was chosen. Before she knew it, she was on a plane, landing in Texas of all places in the sweltering heat of late July. And as if that wasn’t enough of a shock, she was informed she’d be staying on a farm. Fantastic.

Sure, it was better than being stuck at home, but god, did she hate farm work.

now

Se-mi was yanked from sleep by the same goddamn rooster—again. At the crack of dawn. She groaned, rolling over and burying her face in her pillow, silently cursing the loud, feathery menace outside. No school today, since it was Saturday. But that just meant she had to help out around the farm.

Yay.