freedom taste like you

Chapter 8

“Hey, sweetie, we’re here already.”

A soft voice reached my ears, followed by a gentle shake on my shoulder. My eyelids fluttered open, and the blurry world around me slowly came into focus. I blinked a few times before my gaze landed on Emma’s smiling face. Her expression was warm, patient, the kind of smile I hadn’t seen in years.

I sat up and stretched, rubbing the sleep from my eyes. “Sorry if I slept too long,” I murmured, unbuckling my seatbelt and opening the car door.

“It’s alright, dear. You looked exhausted,” she said kindly as she stepped out and motioned for me to follow.

As I got out, my eyes widened.

Before me stood a large, white iron gate that opened to what I could only describe as a mansion. The place was twice the size of my old home, maybe even more. The neatly trimmed hedges, the grand driveway lined with flowers, the tall, elegant windows… it all felt like something out of a dream.

Or a movie.

I tried not to stare too long, lowering my gaze so I wouldn’t look out of place.

“Umm, are you okay, dear?” Emma’s gentle voice broke through my thoughts.

I quickly looked up and nodded. “I’m fine… I just— Is this your house?” I asked, just to be sure, even though the answer was obvious.

She chuckled softly, that same kind, effortless smile on her lips. “Well, of course, dearie. It is.”

I nodded again, following her through the gate and up the long path leading to the entrance. My heart was still racing. The air smelled faintly of roses and fresh-cut grass, something I’d almost forgotten could smell so comforting.

When we stepped inside, I couldn’t stop myself from gasping.

The interior was even more breathtaking than the outside. Everything gleamed — polished marble floors, tall chandeliers that sparkled like captured stars, and walls painted a soft cream that made the space glow. The furniture was elegant but inviting, and warm light poured in through massive windows.

It felt unreal.

“Is there something wrong, sweetie?” Emma asked, placing a comforting hand on my shoulder.

I quickly shook my head, smiling to reassure her. “No, it’s just… everything’s so beautiful.” My eyes darted around again, still soaking it in. Without thinking, I blurted out, “Do you live here alone?”

She laughed softly, her shoulders shaking a little. “Oh, heavens no! I have a husband and a son. My husband’s at work, and my son’s still in school.”

I nodded, pretending to be calm, though inside, I felt strangely nervous, not because I was scared, but because it had been so long since I’d been around normal people.

She tilted her head, a playful twinkle in her eyes. “Would you like a little tour?”

Her voice was light, almost teasing, and I couldn’t help but smile back. “Yes, please.”

“Alright then, come along.”

She took my left hand in hers. It was soft and warm, and she began showing me around.

The first stop was the living room, with its cream-colored couches and massive TV mounted above a white fireplace. Then came the kitchen...clean, modern, with shiny countertops and the smell of coffee still lingering in the air. Upstairs were several bedrooms, each more stunning than the last. The guest rooms had their own balconies, overlooking a lush backyard.

And yes, there was a pool.

I knew it!

It shimmered under the afternoon light, surrounded by flowerbeds and a small gazebo. My jaw nearly dropped.

We continued through a storage room, a cosy study filled with books, and finally, a game room, something straight out of a dream. There was even an old piano in the corner.

“Wow,” I breathed out, unable to stop myself from smiling.

“Well,” Emma said as we returned to the living room, “as you can see, it’s just us for now. My husband will be home later, and my son should be back in a few hours.”

I nodded, suppressing a yawn. I hadn’t realized how tired I was until now. My body felt heavy, my eyelids starting to droop again.

Emma chuckled softly. “Maybe you should get some rest, dear. You can take a shower and sleep for a bit. When you wake up, I’ll introduce you to my family, alright?”

I looked at her gratefully as she offered her hand again, and I took it without hesitation. She led me upstairs to a cosy room with soft beige walls and a large bed that looked like it had never been used. The sheets were freshly made, and the faint scent of lavender filled the air.

“Here we are,” she said gently.

I turned in a slow circle, smiling in awe. “Thank you so much. I… I don’t know how else to thank you for all this.”

“Oh, nonsense,” she said with a little wave of her hand. “I’m just helping. Rest well, darling.” She gave me one last smile before turning to leave. “I’ll see you when you wake up.”

When the door clicked shut behind her, I locked it quietly and pressed my back against it.

Then I let out a small, excited squeal.

I couldn’t help it, I was so happy. For the first time in years, I felt safe. Really safe. No yelling. No threats. Just warmth and kindness.

I jumped onto the bed, burying my face into the soft, warm blanket. “I can’t believe I made it,” I whispered to myself, smiling so wide it almost hurt. “I’m really here.”

I didn’t know Emma well, but she seemed genuinely nice, the kind of person who would never raise her voice or look at me with disgust. Maybe, just maybe, I’d finally found someone good.

After my little celebration, I did what she said, washed up, changed into the clothes she’d left on the chair, and lay down on the bed again. The sheets felt like clouds against my skin.

As I closed my eyes, a peaceful sigh escaped my lips.

I was safe.

I was free.

And as sleep slowly pulled me under, I couldn’t help but think.

Thank you, Emma. Thank you for finding me.