Prologue

"Not all knowledgeable people read books; some prefer hands-on experience over book-based learning.

Not all gifted individuals need more nurturing; sometimes, all they need is life stability, not progressive growth on the gifts they never wish to have.

Not all geniuses go to school; some choose to step out of the box and explore the world."

At the age of sixteen, I could still clearly remember the exact words Professor Romero told me when I was ten. He used to repeatedly say those words over time that I already memorized it like the back of my hand.

The first time he told me such words, I hardly understood him. I used to be a naive with what he meant back then, but as I eventually grew up and shits happened, I finally hit a realization of his words.

"Ready?" The guy in the driver's seat asked in a rush. He tried to flash his reassuring smile, but his actions were telling otherwise. Sweat's slipping across his face; worry was clearly evident in his eyes.

No one dared to answer. It seemed like each of us are weighing things to happen. All we could feel were mixed emotions of anxiety, fear and excitement. Who else wouldn't feel this way given the current situation?

With much bravery and adreneline running thru our veins, we nodded in unison, a clear sign that we should pursue our goal of finding him.

I peeked through the tinted windows of the van and smiled sheepishly as a funny thought crossed my mind.

At the age of four, instead of going to school, I stayed home to help mother in doing household chores.

At the age of eight, instead of playing with the neighborhood children, I was always crying every night, getting myself beaten by father, whenever he came home.

At the age of ten, I started starving to death and learned how to provide my own needs.

At the age of thirteen, I considered myself homeless.

And now, at the age of sixteen, I was out here, riding a van, along with six strangers with a common purpose.

At the age of sixteen, when teenagers like me were trying hard to excel in school and were figuring out their future- where to study, what program to take, how to pay the school fee, how to get a scholarship- I was just out here being me, a homeless out-of-school youth who has now the chance to experience more real life challenges, make life-changing decisions, see through things in different perspectives, travel and explore the world beyond the imagination of anyone's young mind.

I smirked as the van roared to life, and I, the homeless OSY, readied myself to experience my first travel to a place where no one knows.