Escape

January 18, 2012

Neglect, horrid beatings, unsafe living environments—all things I became accustomed to when I was younger.

On one cold winter, in particular, that all ended once and for all.

The hurt, pain, and sorrow from the events that occurred just hours earlier, had built up on my shoulders. I was in a desperate need for an escape. And that was what I intended to do. Escape.

Escape from all the violence and open a door into what I called "a better life." That was all I wanted... A change, basically.

I rushed into the room—cramped with my three other siblings, sleeping on the bunk bed—and began packing my things.

Ever since my parents were killed in a horrendous car accident, life had been on a downward spiral for all of us.

I knew it wasn't right for me—as the older brother—to have left them there in the hands of two careless foster parents, but I made I promise to myself. I told myself that as soon as I was able to provide for myself, I would find them and bring them along with me. And eventually, things would go back to normal.

I grabbed my black drawstring bag off the bed and shoved a few objects in the empty space. The necessities—a few bottles of water, socks, snacks, a pair of gloves, etc.

After I pulled my navy blue hoody over my body and kissed my siblings goodbye, I headed out into the dark winter night.

The icy snowflakes swirled around as I trudged my way through the howling wind. There were few cars on the road that night, which made it even easier for me to find my way.

When I reached Northeast Jefferson street, I took a detour to go to Sya's house. I needed to tell her goodbye but I really wanted her to come along with me.

Sya and I had both endured similar situations, and she assured me that whenever I needed her, she'd be there. That was somewhat how our relationship came to be. We were able to connect on a level I couldn't with anyone else. And to top it off, she was the most beautiful thing my eyes had ever laid on.

I turned my walk into a light jog and began zeroing in on the one-story house amongst all the others on the street. All I was thinking was, get there, get Sya, and get as far away from this hell as possible.

When I ended up reaching the back of the house, a smile crept upon my face at the sight of Sya still awake.

I knocked on the window softly and Sua didn't hesitate in letting me in.

"What are you doing here?" She asked in a hushed voice. "And why do you have that bag?" She sat me down on her bed and locked her bedroom door.

"I just had to see you..." I shook my head before I begun again. "I can't do it anymore, Sy.I—I can't go back to that place, not anymore."

She looked at me, confused, for a moment. "What are you saying?"

"I'm saying... It's time for both of us to leave this mess once and for all."

"No!" She stood up. "I'm not running away with you."

"Why not?" I stood before her.

"Don't you want something better than all of this?!" I threw my hands up for emphasis.

"I mean... Of course I do, Kenon, but how are we gonna get it being out there, all on our own?"

"I don't know." I placed her hands in mine. "But we're gonna find a way... I promise."

Hey eyes began to fill with water, and I quickly wiped the tears away. "We're gonna be okay." I nodded my head.

"Alright..." She said faintly. I gave her a soft kiss and began helping her pack her things.

Altogether, we didn't take much, but it was enough to get us on our way.

Together, we escaped the demons of our past with hopes of a brighter day. In the end, I was ecstatic to have the love of my life along with me. With her, there was always a way for me to be happy. Even with the worst things going on in my head.

With Sya at my side, we ran on the icy road through one of the fiercest snowstorms New York had to offer. To where, only lord knew. But the only thing that mattered was, we were going to find our way. The love we had for each other was the only thing that was going to get us through it.