FIFTEEN

"Here we are," I say to Persephone as I open the door to the new house.

It's a modern family house, two-story, three bedrooms and two baths. I look to my left to see the entranceway to the kitchen, and to my right is the family room. It's similar to the Reid's house but a smaller version.

I drop the luggage next to the door, allowing Persephone to explore the house. "Your room is upstairs to the left," I told her.

As she went upstairs, I explored the house more. I found another bathroom down the hall next to the kitchen. Walking down the corridor ends with a door leading to the back of the house with an average-sized pool and a large tree. A treehouse sits there and a swing. I approach the swing, and memories of sitting on the swing set just looking at the sun over the tall fence keep me from leaving the place that was supposed to be my home. I pictured my young self sitting in that swing, hoping to jump over the fence if I swung hard enough.

That never happened.

I was scared.

I clenc