~ Prologue ~

Amanda woke up with a solemn look on her face, today doesn't feel any different from any other day. she looked around the room and let out a sigh, the blue paints of the wall was peeling off, the ceiling has holes in them and they always wish the rainy season never happens because the room turns into a pool whenever it rains.

Her eyes wandered to the torn and old wrapper they use as a curtain, then to the door that was covered by a flimsy curtain that has holes in it. Her two elder siblings laid beside her on the floor, clutching onto the piece of clothing covering them like it was their last hope, she looked to her left and saw her 2 years old brother laying beside her.

She took a deep breath and decided to enjoy the few moments of peace she had left before her daily activities, but it didn't last long because her parents started shouting the next moment.

She heard them breaking the remaining properties they had left and tears welled up in her eyes, her problem wasn't the poverty but her parents' irresponsibility and her elder sibling's toxicity. her eyes drifted to an old black duffle bag filled with her and her younger brother's stuff. She packed it up last night, hoping that it doesn't get to this point but hearing her parents showcase their irresponsibility that early morning broke off any reason she had to stay.

Standing up from the bed, she scooped water from the bucket at the far end of the room and washed her face. Amanda changed from her nightwear to a worn-out hoodie and blue jeans. She immediately brought out a shirt and knickers for her brother, she woke him up and immediately changed his outfit.

"Listen, Jonathan, we are leaving okay?" She said in a hushed tone and the little boy looked at her sleepily and confused.

"Mum?" He asked in a sleepy voice and Amanda shook her head.

"She'll meet us later," she said, trying to blink away the tears. She knows full well that nobody is going to come after them. "Let's go" with that, she picked up the duffle bag and her handbag that had the cash she has been saving up, then she held her brother's hand and they sneaked out through the back door.

With no idea on where to go or what to do, Amanda set out with her younger brother with the hope of making their lives better.