Escape Artists

Chapter 1 • Evelyn

A sunny day in Azalea. The sound of birds chirping filled the air, the sound of children running around and laughing. Everything seemed perfectly fine around the village. Older woman selling vegetables or fruits on the market, parents taking their children to school, little girls picking up daisies by the river. It was a peaceful town, and arguing was seen rarely. No wonder Azalea was often considered as the perfect town.

And then there was Evelyn. She was well known around the town, because of her beauty and kindness. The little girls in the town often crafted her crowns out of daisies. Evelyn was a beautiful young woman, basically the most gorgeous woman in Azalea. She had long, light blonde hair, that was braided in a crown braid most of the time. She had blue eyes, lashes of perfect length, and the most heartwarming smile you could imagine. Evelyn...

Evelyn had just came home from a walk, as her mother Naima instantly approached her. "Evelyn, were you walking through the river again? Your dress is all wet!" she complained, but still hugged her.

"You know I love the river, mom." Evelyn replied, her voice as beautiful as the sunset and as soft as cotton.

"I do, I do, but still. I can't catch up with washing all your clothes!" Naima said harshly. "Come on, dinner is almost ready." then she walked away, into the kitchen.

Evelyn went to her room to pack out her bag with the newest goodies she had collected on her walk. She opened her bag an took out a feather. She gently brushed over the small, yellow feather. It must've belonged to a goldfinch. She reached into the bag once again, and pulled out a shiny rock, clear as a bubble, that sparkled in the sunlight.

"Evelyn, dinner is ready!" it came from the kitchen. Evelyn rose from her bed and made her way to the kitchen.

"Oh, that smells delicious, as always." Evelyn complimented her mother.

"Thanks, sweetheart!" she replied, filling up Evelyn's plate with mushrooms, potatoes and boiled radish. Naima sprinkled a few herbs ontop before handing it to Evelyn.

"Bon appetit, sweetheart" Naima said with a smile on her face. Evelyn sat down and began to take bites of her food. "Are you still planning on moving out?" Her mother asked, and Evelyn stopped chewing. She swallowed her food, hesitated for a moment, but then answered; "Yes... I am old enough, don't you think?"

"I do, but..." Naima stopped mid sentence. "No... I won't stop you. As long as you're happy with where you are going, I'll let it be."

Evelyn's eyes met her mother's. "Thank you. You're the best."

"Please just stay safe" Naima said with a worried gaze. After Evelyn nodded, they continued eating without any further words. Evelyn finished eating and stood up. "Thank you for the food" she said before turning to her room to go to bed.