The Runaway (Original Story) [2015]

Part 2

Waking up on Mondays is usually my least favorite thing to do, but Mom let me sleep in. I get up and go into the bathroom to wash up. Coming out I hear voices. Jason's father is on the couch talking to my mother.

"Oh great. She's up now." My mother smiles and comes to hug me. "Afternoon honey."

"Um, yeah. Mornin' to ya to mum." My morning voice isn't exactly sexy and I'm upset that Jason's dad is here to hear it. I pull my mother aside and ask her, "Why is he here?"

"Oh well, I called last night about the plumbing and he said he could come over today. He's been waiting all day to meet you properly. Go say hi."

"Joh-eun achim." (Good morning)

"Ne." (yes)

He stands up and greets me properly, bowing. He bows close enough for me to smell the alcohol on his breath. I return the bow then check my watch. 7:21 am. A little early to be drinking. I think. Separating hands, I step back, widening the space between us.

"I would have brought my son but he's getting ready for school."

Right, school. Great I have to go through that hell hole again. There's only three weeks left though, and its my senior year...

"What grade are you in? You might have some classes with him."

"It's my last year." I reply.

"Ah, Jason is too."

"Honey why don't you explore the neighborhood a bit?" my mother suggested.

"Um, yeah sure." I didn't want to be around him. I left a quickly as I could, taking my guitar with me. I walk towards the end of the road, I wanted to explore the forest. Passing down the road I see all of the kids that aren't old enough to start school, helping their mothers or fathers with chores. Two kids are playing soccer and another kid passing a baseball with his dad.

Even though this neighborhood is poor, and these people have hard times supporting their families; It's still a wonderful thing to have someone that cares for you. I think.

If only..

I make it through the trees unseen and quietly walk the worn out path. Wow. This must be a popular hiking spot.

I waltz through the trees and bushes and come out to an open area. I wonder how far I am from the house, a mile maybe less.

I almost leave and turn to do so but as I do, something shiny catches my attention. I walk over and see a piece of metal sticking out from a tree. The metal is actually a loop holding in a piece of rope. I trail the rope with my eyes but it disappears under some bushes. 

That's awfully high for a bush.

I pull on the shrub slightly and it moves. Pulling on the collection of sticks and leaves, I see it's covered an entrance to a fort. After hesitating slightly, I enter.

There's a large boulder that serves as a roof and a wall, and thick branches are the other three walls. It's small but the floor is dug out. There's enough room for me to stand and jump if I wanted to. Walking deeper into the hut, there's something that catches on my foot.

A blanket. Hmm. I wonder. Why is this here?  I pick it up and something falls out, a book. I open it and it reads:

Dear Journal, Why does father treat me so? I feel as if the only escape for me is here in this forest, writing in this journal. I want to run away from the constant abuse, but cannot stand the thought of my mother staying with him. I have scars on my body and lashes on my back. I'm bleeding as I am writing at this moment. My body aches so much and...