Kira

I

"Call me from a payphone as soon as you get there sweetheart, the bus ride is long and there is always creepy people out there. Once you get to Willswood, let me know straight away so I know you are safe. I promise you on my dead husband's grave, this town is the safest for you."

I only nod my head in response, I've never really spoken a full sentence to Mrs. Casey. It's not because I'm ungrateful or anything, especially for all she has done for me the past two days, it's just I haven't really spoken much since last year.

I grab a hold of Mrs. Casey's frail, old hand and look her into her eyes, "I promise I'll be okay. And thank you for everything you've done for me. I've never had anyone do that before so really - thank you."

Her eyes fill up with tears, ready to leak out like a flood. She smiles and squeezes my hand, reassuring me everything will be okay. I slowly let go of her small embrace and make my way towards the bus that is awaiting for my arivial.

"How are you doing today, miss?" the middle aged bus driver greeted me. He couldn't have been older than forty-five. I nod my head in response and drop him the money for the ride. I pass by seats with strange people occupying them, like a woman holding a chicken and a man singing happy birthday to himself on a consecutive loop. I make my way to one of the very last seats in the back, making myself comfortable. I look out the window one last time at Mrs. Casey and give her a small smile. She copies me and puts her right hand on her heart, reminding me that she'll always be there.

***

The bus comes to one of its many famous halts, however this time it is for my stop. Willswood. I have never actually been here, and not many people have heard of this little town in Indiana, and I hadn't either until Mrs. Casey sent me here to live with my older brother. I haven't seen or heard of him since I was ten years old so I don't even know what he'll look or act like now. Seven years can do a lot to a person.

I gather all of my belongings, and make my way off the bus as fast as possible - considering I am the only one getting off at this stop.

"Be safe, kid." the bus driver said to me while I trudge down the steps. I look back and nodded at him, and leave the bus hearing the doors whoosh behind me. I grab the crumpled white piece of paper from the back of my jeans pocket and take a look at it one more time. 14 Adams Dr. Apt. 14. It doesn't give me a full, detailed description on where my brother lives, but it gives me enough. I take a deep breath, trying to let all the negativity leave my body in one exhale, and start walking to find the address.

***

After walking around the block for probably the fifth time, I'm starting to get irritated.

I walk pass the pub "Papa's Barrall" for the third time now, whilst also walking past the two teenagers standing in front of it. They've been there for a while, a boy and girl, and they're not smoking, drinking, making out, or arguing. They're just talking. It seems kind of foreign to me.

"Hey, you!" the girl of the duo shouted once I passed them.. Again. She's absolutely stunning - beautiful blonde hair, brown eyes, great eyebrows. Not to mention her killer figure.

I look back at both of them and raise my eyebrows.

"Are you like, lost or something? You've circled this pub like three of four times now, which is odd." she says while looking at me suspiciously.

"Yeah, and I don't think I've seen you here before either. It's a small town, we know everybody. Even people we don't want to know." the boy says. He seems very relaxed and chilled, as if he is the joker or prankster of the two. They both stare at me waiting for a response, so I grab the crumpled note and hand it to them, and the girl grabs it quickly.

"Well, what might help is if you go in the right direction." she chuckles quietly and then looks back up at me. "Are you shy or just not much of a talker?"

Before I had time to even register what her question was, the boy quickly says, "Dude what if she was a government experience or some shit and she ran away?"

I look at him dumbfounded, mostly because he said the question so seriously.

"Don't mind Derek over here, he's a dumb shit who has been binge watching Stranger Things so he thinks everything is related to it. Anyways, do you need help getting here?" the girl says nonchantly.

I nod and say, "Brother."

My voice comes out raspy and dark, considering I haven't spoken in maybe three weeks. I do not know why I did just now, something just happened where I followed my heart and not my brain. That is not good.

"Shit! See, she speaks just like Eleven, Naomi! Dude this so fucking cool." Derek blurts out, very loudly might I add.

"Derek, shut up! Jesus christ, can't take you anywhere. Anyways, if you go turn around and go straight until you reach the four-way stop sign, take a right there. Continue straight and eventually you'll see a tall building which is where the apartment complex is." Naomi said.

I nod my head and smile, as a form of thanks. She returns the gesture and then goes back to yelling at Derek.

***

That girl Naomi wasn't kidding, the building really is tall. It is something I would have seen in my old city in Boston. Currently, I am in the elevator anticipating the sight of my brother. I wonder what he looks like now, or if he remembers me? Did Mrs. Casey even tell him I was coming?

The elevator suddenly dings and I exit, feeling more and more anxious. I pass each apartment getting closer and closer to fourteen until I am standing right in front of it. I take a deep breath and knock, really hoping he was home because that'd be incredibly awkward if he wasn't.

My brother Ashton opens the door carelessy and then freezes while looking at me. He really hasn't changed that much, he still has his dirty blonde hair and blue eyes, however his hair is cut quite short now. The only difference is that he is very well-built now. It's weird.

"Kira?" My brother asks in awe, as if he is thinking I'm not real.

"Hello, brother. Long time no see." I say, speaking my first sentence in I don't know how long.