My father asked the neighbors about my whereabouts.

The neighbor lady who had often helped me changed her demeanor the moment she heard they were looking for me.

She pointed an accusing finger at my parents, unleashing a torrent of anger.

"How dare you come looking for Caroline? Do you even deserve to?"

"Do you know how much this child has suffered in the countryside?"

"She was just a little girl, utterly alone, surviving by scavenging for scraps. She ate spoiled food every day. You two are truly heartless parents…"

The neighbor lady continued to recount my harrowing experiences.

My parents listened, their faces pale, unable to utter a word...