10 Looking at the unfamiliar buildings around her and people of different skin colors , with everyone casting friendly glances her way , Kirsten found it all quite novel . This place was nothing like the streets she'd grown up on , yet she felt no fear , but only excitement for her future life . Kirsten set her luggage aside and checked the location the landlord had given her . It wasn't too far , but with her luggage , taking a taxi would be the most convenient . Kirsten opened the ride - hailing app and ordered the nearest express car . The fare was a bit steep , but she was exhausted , eager to rest as soon as possible . The driver arrived quickly , picking her up from the roadside in under five minutes . His face was scarred , and a vivid tattoo covered his right arm . He got out , grabbed Kirsten's luggage , and said nothing . Noticing her unease , he finally turned around and asked if she was British . Kirsten shook her head quickly , indicating she was American . At the word " American , " the driver's expression relaxed noticeably . " You're American too ? We're from the same homeland ! " " Where are you from ? I'm from Portland . " Maybe it was from being abroad too long , but his accent had a faint Australian style . Still , Kirsten instantly relaxed because she ran into an American in a foreign land . " I'm from New York , " she said with a smile . Once they'd broken the ice , the conversation flowed . Kirsten learned the driver had come to Australia for his girlfriend . Back in America , he'd owned his own tattoo shop , but taxes here were steep , and opening a store cost a fortune . So he drove for ride - hailing apps to save up , hoping to reopen someday . At a red light , he pulled out his wallet , opening the inner pocket to show Kirsten a photo . 1 On it , he and his girlfriend grinning , faces pressed close , radiating joy . When he spoke of his girlfriend , his eyes lit up . " What about you ? Why Australia ? " New Yorkers usually have it pretty good , right ? " Kirsten hesitated at the question . She couldn't very well say she was running from her family. 10:12 1.5 % AD Binance : Buy Bitcoin & Crypto Install now > PG 广告 There's the usual crypto platforms , then there's Binance . See why we're different . I was too hard to put into words Work ' she said I got a good job opportunity . " After turning it over in het mind , Kirsten settled on that reason . Fair enough . If the opportunities here are better , it's not a bad move , the driver said . He nodded in approval with a sigh . Kirsten nodded , saying no more . For the rest of the ride , the driver chattered away , telling her about local customs and hidden gem restaurants . Kirsten jotted them down one by one . When they reached the apartment , Kirsten paid through the app , then pulled out some newly exchanged bills as a tip . " No need , " he said . " We're both from back home . No need for all that . " He set down her luggage and drove off , casual as could be . Kirsten felt a warmth in her chest . She followed the address to the apartment building . A blonde landlady with curly hair was already waiting . She handed over the key , went over a few things to note , then left . By the time Kirsten registered it , she was gone . As she walked down the hallway , a vaguely familiar figure appeared at the corner , but vanished before she could get a good look . Kirsten shook her head , figuring it was just exhaustion from lack of sleep . The room wasn't large , but it had all the essentials . There was even a small balcony off the bedroom . Sunlight streamed through the balcony into the window , casting a warm , pleasant glow . Most importantly, there was a tiny kitchen outside . Kirsten was more than satisfied . She hadn't been used to foreign food and always preferred to cook by herself . Having a kitchen to cook her own meals was a definite plus . Besides , Donald and Violet had never paid much attention to her , so she'd long since learned to cook for herself . Now that she could continue doing so , she couldn't help but feel happy . Manu 11