1 Prologue

You know that feeling you feel when your parents leave you home alone for the first time to go on a business trip?

You know that fear of them not coming back?

You know that feeling of loneliness?

As if you feel like something's missing?

Sort of like it's ripped you apart?

Well yeah...that's how I feel right now.

I find myself staring out of the window only for the guy's head, which is sitting next to me, to block it. This got me down. I do not like airplanes and the window is the only bit of light that I am able to find. Most of the passengers have fallen asleep by now where we are high up in the clouds, darkness surrounding us, while I can't sleep. I keep thinking back to how far I've come but I can't remember everything, I keep forgetting little things. I don't quite know when it started and why.

The guy next to me, bobs his head to the music in his headphones while I find a lone tear rolling down my cheek.

"I'm going to miss them." I mumble to myself.

I could see myself standing in the distance on the airport's white floor, about to depart. I'm surrounded by a group of people.

"Are you sure you'll be okay there on your own?" My best friend asked as she hugged me goodbye. Her silver hair sparkled in the sunlight which was peeking through the huge windows. Her glimmering soft eyes brought some hope to my heart.

"Yes...I hope so."

"Didn't you say that your guardian will be able to protect you?" She smoothed my hair back and stepped away from me.

"Yes...I hope so."

"Do you really have to go?" Someone else questioned.

"I don't really have a choice."

"Please be careful."

I hugged each one of them.

"Clairie, I'm not ready."

"One step at a time Mir." she smiled at me.

"One step at a time..." I repeated after her and took a deep breath.

"Try to stay in the shadows Mir."

"We all love you and want you to be safe."