Isabella
I woke up to sunlight pouring through the windows and the sound of birds outside. My body felt like it had been run over by a truck.
I sat up fast, my heart jumping when I remembered where I was. I jumped out of bed and started packing my stuff. My old jeans, my favorite shirts, even the little necklace my mom gave me before she died.
I stuffed it all into my backpack, zipping it tight like it could hold me in or out. I wasn’t staying here another minute.
I crept down the stairs on bare feet, heart pounding so loud I was scared the whole house could hear it.
The hallway was empty. Good. I reached the big front door and pulled it open slowly. The air outside smelled like fresh grass and money.
I took one step, then another. My legs felt strong for the first time in hours.
