Flickering Sparks

chapter 5

The next morning, I wake up to the sound of my alarm. Groggily reaching for my phone, I notice a message from an unknown number:

Unknown: "Hey, Ryan gave me your number in case you couldn't reach him - Marcus."

Me: "Okay."

I glance at the clock—just enough time to take a shower and say my goodbyes to Jocelyn and my friends at the childcare center. It's not a forever goodbye, but who knows when I'll see them again?

I leave my room and head to the bathroom. I'm lucky I only have to share it with four others now. I remember when I was younger, we had to share with over ten kids, and I never understood why the older ones got more space and privacy. Looking back, it makes sense—growing up comes with its own needs, like having some peace and quiet, though at the time, I was just jealous.

What most of the younger kids don't know yet is that when you turn 18, you're given a year to find somewhere else to live. Childcare centers are meant for kids, and once you're 18, you're considered an adult. It's a strange, bittersweet transition.

I step into the shower, letting the warm water wash over me. In just a few hours, I'll be on my first-ever plane, ready to meet my dad for the first time. It's wild how life works—how I turned 18, and now this moment is finally here. Life can be scary and unpredictable, but some things feel like they were always meant to happen.

After the shower, I get dressed and pack up the last of my things. Heading down to the living room, I see some of the kids hanging around. Jack is there—he was a handful when he first arrived, angry at the world. I understood him; I was angry too. He was removed from his home when he was 6 after his parents couldn't take care of him. He didn't talk to anyone at first, so I reached out, and we became close, now he's 10.

Jocelyn stands at the front with a big smile. "Okay, everyone, say goodbye to Y/N. She's going to be gone for a while," she announces.

Jack's face falls. "Wait, you're leaving?"

"I'll bring you back a gift, I promise," I say, trying to cheer him up.

"Don't stay away too long," he mutters, and I pull him into a hug, followed by the others.

Last but not least, Jocelyn. I think I feel about her the way Jack feels about me. I always hated when she was on holiday, and the other caregivers had to fill in. No one else really got me the way she did.

"Goodbye, Y/N. I can't wait to hear all about your adventures," she says, hugging me tightly.

"I'll send pictures," I promise.

With a final nod, she opens the door. Parked outside is a sleek black car, waiting to take me to their hotel. This is really happening.

As I step out of the childcare center, the cool morning air wraps around me, contrasting with the warmth I felt inside. The black car parked outside looks sleek and sophisticated, a stark reminder of how different my life is about to become. I slide into the back seat, taking a moment to gather my thoughts before the driver pulls away.

The ride to the hotel is filled with a mix of excitement and nervousness. I can't shake the feeling of leaving behind my childhood home, even if it's just for a little while. The world feels bigger now, more open with possibilities.

When we arrive at the hotel, the lobby is bright and bustling. I step inside, taking in the modern decor and the soft hum of conversation around me. My heart races a little as I scan the room for familiar faces.

"Y/N!" Marcus calls out, waving enthusiastically from across the lobby. He's standing with Martinus and Ryan, who both smile as they see me.

"Hey!" I reply, feeling a wave of relief wash over me. I rush over, eager to be with my friends. Marcus pulls me into a warm hug, and I can feel his excitement radiating.