I turned the knob as I slowly pushed the door open. The room carried a nauseating smell… like rotten meat. I tried to pinpoint the source, but nothing stood out.
My attention was pulled toward the large wooden cupboard in the corner, but… before I could approach it, I noticed a letter on the floor.
It was addressed to me.
Dear Ally, it read.
If you're seeing this, then that means I have already gone. I'm so sorry for keeping you locked up all this time, but… it isn't too late. There is a key on the dresser. Take it and leave through the door behind the wardrobe. It is the only door that isn't boarded up. I only wanted the best for you, to protect you… but I guess I took it too far. Because the only thing you ever needed protection from… is me.
Tears streamed down my face. Mom had left.
Did she feel guilty?
Why did she leave?
Why?
Before I could process anything, the voices began. Their banging and shouting echoed from outside. I immediately grabbed the key and tried to push the wardrobe out of the way.
It was too heavy.
The banging grew louder… then suddenly fell silent.
I kept pushing, pouring every bit of strength I had into moving the wardrobe. Then a loud thud. The front door. The voices were inside. I could hear their footsteps approaching.
I shoved the wardrobe again, harder, my heart pounding. Their sounds crept closer and closer.
Finally, the wardrobe slid aside.
I jammed the key into the keyhole and swung the hidden door open. The voices echoed behind me.
Just as I was about to step through, one of them shouted, "STOP RIGHT THERE!"
I froze… but I didn't turn around.
Determination surged through me and I dashed out the door. The light that once slipped through cracks now washed over my whole body. It was the moon. Soft, glowing, beautiful… but I couldn't stop to admire it.
I had to run.
I didn't know where I was going but that didn't matter.