~ ~ ~
The concrete was slick with rain and the lights of the city reflected back. The mirrored images blurred together, hiding the secrets this town really held. Looking down into the puddled raindrops, it was a beautiful sight.
Green, yellow, red.
...
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~ ~ ~
I fell back onto my bed with a huff. I'd gotten new groceries for my foster siblings and made everyone dinner. After that, I made sure to hide the rest of the food in a box inside of the linen closet so that our guardians didn't consume everything.
It was only 9:30pm, but I was beat. Completely exhausted- emotionally, physically and mentally. I made sure to keep myself busy every day just so that I could deal with this less.
I was ahead in all of my classes, I was in charge of several extra-curricular activities at school, and I worked four days a week. But even with all of that, I still couldn't escape this house.
I liked to lay in bed and close my eyes. I'd imagine myself in a big rose garden in the summer. The sun would feel so good on my skin, warm and relaxing. I'd lay out in the grass and listen to the soft songs the birds sang. I'd feel so much peace, just like that, alone in my garden, basking in the sunlight.
The garden in my head was the closest thing to happiness I ever came. Then I opened my eyes to my dark, drafty room with rain tapping on the window and reality came crashing back.
I tried to make the best of everything. I tried to find a bright side, but I failed every single time. How could any of this be worth it? I turned over and closed my eyes, hoping I'd somehow find a peaceful sleep.
~ ~ ~
My footsteps echoed off of the walls of the empty hallway as I made my way to the front office. I was wearing jeans and a loose grey sweater, on my feet were my plain black converses.
It was exactly 6:30am when I pushed open the door. I was immediately met with the smiling face of Mrs. Elliot, the attendance secretary.
"Corrina, here for another tour?" She smiled brightly and I nodded.
"Yup." I said, returning her smile. "Another new student."
