I got out of the shower, water dripping from my hair, fully determined to change my fate.
This time, I won't be the weak girl everyone trampled on. This time, I'll write my own story.
Back in my room, a white towel wrapped around me, I wiped my face with a smaller cloth. Grace was nowhere to be found. Good. I don't need her sneers today.
I moved to my bed and picked up my box. "Well, let's get dressed. I have a feeling today is going to be great." My voice sounded steadier than I felt.
I opened the box, my hand scanning through my clothes until it stopped. A long red cotton coat — the one I was found in the day I was abandoned, my name stitched across it in white wool.
I picked it up, staring at it for a moment. I haven't seen this in so long… strange how it still feels heavy in my hands.
With a quiet sigh, I set it back down in the box and continued searching for something to wear.
I pulled out a long pink gown and matching shoes. "This should do," I whispered, forcing a smile.
"Thalia," a small voice called.
I turned. Elena.
She was younger than me, her parents lost in a car accident, left with no family to claim her. The government had placed her here, in this same prison of an orphanage.
"Are you really leaving?" she asked, her voice heavy with sadness.
I looked down at her, moving closer. "Yes. Fortunately, I'll be leaving this hellhole today." A smile tugged at my lips, though inside I felt a strange ache.
"You really can't stay? It's not all bad here," Elena said softly.
I scoffed. "My dear Elena, if I stay one more day here, I might suffocate to death. And listen — stop lowering your head. Being kind takes you nowhere. Kindness is only for the weak."
Her eyes widened, hurt flashing across her face. "Thalia… what's wrong with you? You're acting different. Cruel."
Her words cut deep. Cruel? Maybe I am. Or maybe I've just learned the truth — kindness never saved me. It only made me prey.
Anger flared inside me, misdirected but unstoppable. She reminded me too much of myself — the weak, silent girl who endured everything until everything was stolen.
I forced a smile. "Elena, I'm sorry if I sounded rude. I just want you to toughen up. Don't let the other girls push you around."
Her face softened, a small smile curving her lips. "Okay. I know you mean well. Promise to call the orphanage when you're gone, okay?"
"Okay," I said, nodding.
She turned and walked out happily.
I'm sorry, Elena. I won't keep that promise. I never want to remember this place again.
I dressed quickly, packed my belongings, and stepped out. The staff and children gathered outside, their faces expectant, ready to give me a final goodbye.
I smiled and waved, but inside my thoughts were sharp. I hope we never meet again. I want this place erased from my memory.
"Get in the car, Thalia," Madam Mary said gruffly. "It's time to go."
I lifted my box, opened the car door, placed it inside, and climbed in. Madam Mary followed, her expression unreadable.
"I really am going to miss you, you little brat," she muttered as she started the engine.
We drove out of the orphanage gates and into the street. Goodbye, past. Goodbye, weakness. Today, my new life begins.
---
I leaned back in the car as we drove through the city, cars honking, skyscrapers stretching wide against the horizon. The drive to Sliversaint was an hour long, and I let myself relax, watching the road as we passed.
Madam Mary broke the silence. "Hey, brat," she said. "Not everyone can get into Sliversaint Academy. So I want you to do one thing when you get there: keep your head high. Never let anyone make you feel less."
Her words startled me.
What is going on right now? This didn't happen in the past. Last time, after Grace humiliated me, I kept my head down the entire drive. Madam Mary never said a word. But now… she's encouraging me.
Madam Mary continued, her voice firm but warm. "You are a smart kid, one of the smartest I know. Don't feel less just because you're from an orphanage."
I looked at her, silent for a while. Finally, I spoke. "Thank you, Madam Mary. I mean it — your words really put me at ease."
She smiled faintly and focused on the road. "We'll get there soon, kid. Just relax for now."