Hannah Skye will no longer be here.

I stood in front of my room, holding a packed suitcase with one hand and a smaller handbag on the other hand. The room, used to be a total mess with unorganized stacks of papers here and there, now only had a bed, table, and chair. The most valuable things in my room are in my bags now, and the rest of the furniture I’ve thrown away. It was quite hard to get rid of things without their notice, especially ones like statues or wardrobes. At first I planned on selling them all or giving them to the poor – but it’s just too troublesome. Finally, with the help of an axe and fire, those items are history.

It was midnight, and the house was real quiet and dark. I paid attention carefully for every single sound – if I hear any footsteps or creaking sound of a door being opened, I’ll immediately dart back into my room and lock the door. I won’t risk being busted by them, or else I might lose my own freedom. I’ve planned this escape thoroughly, and I won’t let it to be delayed anymore.

The house was still silent, as if respecting my room and me to spend our last moments together. I touched the walls gently, remembering the times when mother and I painted them with colorful patterns and pictures. We both got scolded by grandpa and he ordered them to be painted back to white, but I had lots of fun.

A rush of memories flooded my brain. Picture of mother and I sleeping on the bed as her soft voice reads a story for me, picture of me who fell asleep in her arms, picture of Bruce and me watching the stars together… When the flash of pictures in my mind ended, tears began to dwell on my eyes and my heart began to ache. Can I stand leaving them? Can I survive living on my own?

No. I should not doubt anymore.

I turned to the room across mine, and opened the door. Tiptoeing in the darkness, I reached for the lady sleeping on the bed. She was asleep, of course, since she must be so tired after work. I stroked her face lightly, and kissed her cheek.

“I love you, mom.”

I stood up and rushed outside. I felt like I heard a sobbing sound, but I don’t want to turn back to check. I’ve already made up my mind, and I mustn’t hold back now. Stepping down the stairs, my heart raced, and finally I opened the main door.

The taxi I rented was waiting in a park not far from here. I must not keep that poor guy waiting. Before I sneaked out from the secret path I’ve prepared since months ago - a hole in the wall covered with bushes and flowers, I took the house’s key out of my pocket and threw it away into the pond.

It’s time for me to leave this place, and there’s no returning back.

“Hello,” I smiled to the man who was smoking and leaning to the lamppost next to his taxi. He seemed bored. Maybe I made him waiting for too long.

 “Sorry to keep you waiting. I guess we can go now,” I said.

“No problem,” the driver laughed, threw away his cigarette and opened the car’s door for me – ah, what a gentleman! I put my luggage next to me and made myself comfortable, since it’ll be a long journey. And maybe, I won’t be so lucky to have another ride in a taxi. Just maybe.

“Where are you going, Miss-?” he turned and wondered for a name, since I remained anonymous when requesting for the taxi on the phone. Not to mention the taxi company is far from the house and not really famous. Of course, he must be suspicious of what I’m up to. I decided not to be so mysterious, or else he’ll find me too memorable and they’ll easily find out my whereabouts.

“My name is… Hayley. Hayley Starr,” I raised my head and looked him in the eye, “And just go as far as you can from the city, I’ll tell you later when to stop.”

He looked back at me, waiting for me to say something more. He was doubtful, but I didn’t turn my eyes away to tell him I’m sure of what I’m doing. “All right,” he finally said and started the car, “But don’t make me go travel around the whole country and ended up saying you forget your wallet.”

I smiled sweetly again and showed him my wallet. He smiled back, more relaxed now that he knew I’m a paying customer. I rested my head back and closed my eyes. It seemed I had a nice companion for the beginning of my journey.

As the car moved away, I couldn’t help but to turn back and take a last view of the grand house. I caught a glimpse of a woman standing behind the window at the top floor, but the trees covered the way before I could get a better look. The house grew smaller and finally faded away behind the trees. I finally broke down and cried. I covered my face with my hands and my long hair so no one else can see.

Mr.Jefferson, the name of the driver as I saw on his tag, must have thought that I’m sleeping. He began to smoke again and switched the radio programme to the one talking about stuffs I don’t want to hear about. From the corner of my eye I also caught a glimpse of his hand holding a beer bottle. How disgusting.