The Girl Who Cries Diamonds

Chapter 2. A Desperate Escape

The night was shrouded in a thick blanket of darkness, a fitting backdrop for Shikyo's daring escape from the oppressive confines of her family's opulent apartment. She had spent countless sleepless nights trying to plan this getaway. As the world outside her window lay still, she clutched a small bag filled with essentials - a wad of cash she had secretly saved over the years, a change of clothing, and her phone that held the stories she loved so dearly.

The faint glow of her phone's screen illuminated her face as she silently crept down the dimly lit corridor, The hushed silence of the household amplified the weight of her decision. Her family, soundly asleep, remained blissfully unaware of her audacious plans to break free from their suffocating grip.

Every step away from her former life was a step closer to an uncertain future. The weight of her decision bore down on her as she reached the apartment building's entrance. The night air was cool against her skin, a stark contrast to the suffocating atmosphere she had left behind.

Once she stepped out of the apartment, the cool night air felt refreshing against her skin, and the city lights painted an eerie glow on the streets. She quickly hailed a cab and climbed in, feeling a mix of fear and determination. She cast one last glance at the building that had been her prison for far too long. In the rearview mirror, the taxi driver gave her a curious look.

"Where to, miss?" He asked, breaking the silence that had settled around her.

Shikyo hesitated for a moment, her heart pounding in her chest. She hadn't planned beyond this point, she didn't even think she would make it this far. "Just... take me anywhere." She replied, her voice delicate as a bird's feather.

The taxi pulled away from the curb, and Shikyo watched the familiar streets of her old life fade into the distance. She had no idea where she was headed, but the sense of freedom that washed over her was intoxicating. For the first time in a long time, she felt like she was in control of her destiny.

City lights transformed the world outside into a mesmerizing kaleidoscope of colors. Neon signs adorned the buildings, casting a vibrant glow onto the rain-soaked streets. The cab glided through the wet pavement, creating a symphony of splashing sounds that harmonized with the rhythm of the windshield wipers.

Shikyo's eyes widened with wonder as she took in the sights around her. Each street pulsated with its unique energy as if each corner held a secret waiting to be unraveled. The neon lights flickered and buzzed, their vibrant glow casting an otherworldly ambiance upon the cityscape. The colors danced in harmony, creating an ethereal atmosphere that seemed to defy the boundaries of reality.

As the cab passed by, Shikyo's gaze was drawn to the diversity of people she encountered. Through the rain-streaked window, she caught glimpses of individuals from all walks of life. A man in a tailored suit hurriedly crossed the street, his briefcase clutched tightly in his hand, while a group of friends laughed and huddled together under an awning, seeking refuge from the rain.

The cab continued its journey through the vibrant city, the sounds of the bustling streets seeping into the vehicle. The distant rumble of traffic merged with the clatter of heels on the wet pavement, forming a symphony of urban life. The occasional blaring of a horn punctuated the air, a reminder of the constant motion and energy that permeated the streets.

Little did she know that this impulsive escape would set into motion a series of events that would change the course of her life, and seal her fate...

Forever.