CHAPTER 9

Lyra’s POV

I ran fast. I ran till I couldn’t breathe anymore, but I kept running. I couldn’t go to the place that I usually went whenever I was sad, so I just ran, hoping I could run till I just disappeared.

“Why? Why is it always me? Mom and Dad, is this the life you wanted for me when you both left me all alone in this world? I’m suffering so much,” I agonized as I ran out of town and into the woods. I was struggling with breathing and talking at the same time. I couldn’t think, so I just voiced out all my thoughts. “Where am I even going? Do I have a home outside the sad one I know? At this rate, I am going to be salvaged by rogue wolves.”

I kept running, much slower now because I couldn’t feel myself passing out. I lost my footing and fell again. Just in front of me, I heard faint country music and saw lights when I opened my eyes. It was a bar.

I got up, dusted my clothes, and went in. It was a quiet bar, with two customers left: a woman and a strange-looking man.

I asked for dri