𝐃𝐫𝐨𝐰𝐧𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐈𝐧 𝐃𝐞𝐛𝐭𝐬

𝐂𝐡𝐚𝐩𝐭𝐞𝐫 𝐎𝐧𝐞

𝐊𝐚𝐢𝐥𝐞𝐚𝐡

I woke up to the sound of rain tapping against the window, a soft rhythm that should've been comforting but only deepened the unease swelling in my chest. Mornings were always abit of a blur in our small appartment, my mums gentle voice often breaking through the fog as she shuffled through the kitchen.

Our apartment was small but still had its own charm. The living room held a worn out couch, its fabric shredded at the edges and a coffee table cluttered with half-read books and my homework. The walls were a faded yellow, with a few drawings I'd hung up, reminders of the brighter days when we werent always on the run. The kitchen was cramped, with a tiny table that barley fit two plates, its surface cluttred with empty cereal boxes and stray crumbs. The smell of burnt toast floated in the air— a morning incident i'd become all too familiar with.

I slipped out of bed and padded down the hall, glancing at the few belongings i'd clamied as my own— my skateboard propped against the board, the only activity that allowed me to feel more alive than ever, even if it was just for a moment. I pulled on my favourite hoodie, the one that was soft and slightly oversized, a familiar embrace that wrapped me in warmth as I headed to the kitchen.

"Kaileah, breakfast!" Mom called out. I could see her hunched over the counter, her once smooth blonde hair now a tangled mess as if she had fought a losing battle against the night. Her hazel eyes were shadowed by dark circles, dulled by fatigue and worry; the spark that used to shine now lost its glow. Lines of worry etched deeper across her forehand, giving her that tired look that made my heart ache. Over the years her skin had taken a colourless hue and the clothes she wore hung loosely on her frame.

"Morning," I said, forcing a smile. I sat down, the chair creaking beneath me and pushed the uneaten food aside. The silence between us was thick and heavy covering all perimeters of our small space, with the only sound of the neighbours laughter filtering through the thin walls.

As I glanced around, my eyes fell on a stack of moving boxes in the corner, partially taped up, a reminder of the life we were always running from. I hated this. The thought of moving again twisted something in my stomach. I didn't want to be the new girl again, the one who struggled to fit in while trying to navigate a life that felt like a never ending game of hide and seek. My heart raced at the thought of unfamiliar faces, judgmental glances and the pressure to blend it.

"Are we really moving again?" I aksed, my voice barely a whisper.

Mom sighed, her expression pained. "Yes, Leah. We can't stay here forever. It's not safe."

I felt a tightness in my chest. "But I finally know my way around! I'm just starting to get comfortable and what if I can make a friend this time?" The thought of starting over agian sent a wave of anxiety through me.

Her gaze dropped to the floor. "I know, but we can't risk it. We have to be cautious, the gang could find us."

"It's just.. I hate being the new girl all the time'" I said, my voice trembling slightly. "This place isn't perfect but atleast I can try to fit in here. Cant we just stay a little longer?"

Mom rubbed her temples, her frustration evident. "Kaileah, I understand, but if we stay too long we could put ourselves in danger."

I took a deep breath, my heart racing. "Please Mom. Just until I can make one friend or figure things out.

After a long pause, she finally looked at me, her expression softening. "Fine we can postpone moving until I think of a solution. But you need to understand this is only temporary."