Morning came too quickly, sunlight filtering through the blinds and landing straight in my eyes like nature’s own personal wake-up call. I groaned, throwing an arm over my face to block out the light. Today was the day I was getting out of here. The thought sent a jolt through my chest—not quite relief, not quite dread. More like the unsettling mix of both.
I sat up, rubbing the sleep from my eyes, and glanced around the room. It already looked half-empty, with most of my stuff packed away in two bags sitting by the door. One small suitcase and a worn backpack that I had stuffed with essentials—clothes, toiletries, and a few books I couldn’t leave behind. I swung my legs over the side of the bed and stretched, listening to the faint creak of the floor beneath me.
It was too quiet. Ee
