Species A (Short Story)

Chapter 2

Amaya |       I opened the small box of items I had come here with, digging through to find the small paper inside the necklace which I believed to be my mother's but could not be sure. It was blank except for a single line of numbers on the back, along with a name: Niko. I quickly open my laptop and type in the string of numbers, laughing with glee when a single answer comes up. I open the link and immediately feel stupid. The link goes to an address in another country, Kamde. Before I lose my nerve and determination, I creep down the stairs again and find the safe in my foster parents room, count the money, then climb the stairs once more. After locking my bedroom door, I open my laptop and search for airplane tickets to Kamde, surprised that they are only a quarter of the amount for trips to other countries. I order a ticket to go there and start to pack. I throw a set of clothes, my laptop, the cash, a couple of granola bars, and the necklace into my backpack, then frown. What will I tell the D'Laneys?  A piece of scrap paper is lying on the dresser, so I grab it and write a short note, telling them I went to find my real parents, which they had encouraged me to do. Then, unable to delay it any longer, I walk out the door to my bike and set off.