A Second Chance: The Rise from Ashes

through my veins in sync with my racing heart. The sirens wailed in the background, increasing in volume, causing my heart rate to surge with anxiety. I looked at Jenna, who was sit

d set the prison on fire, a daring distraction, and in the chaos, we had slipped into the waiting car Jenna's contact had arranged. Now, as t

mbled, the fear she usually masked

rdered, her voi

r wide, and one after another, we plunged into the icy water beneath. The blow forced the breath from my chest, and I fought to reach the surfa

the surface again. We waited, holding our breaths until the sound of f

the moonlight shone unobstructed by clouds, w

a exclaimed, a broad grin

After five long years, the burden of prison chains has

fathomably vast and full of secrets. We started walking, fatigue making each step heavier than the last. It wasn't long

g to convince herself. Jenna let out a dry chuckle, w

what?" she

ugh the silence. "This is our spot," a girl no older than tw

with defiance. "Move on, girl.

The girl snorted but backed away, muttering under her breath as the

op me? We could

f the bus bench. The adrenaline that had fueled me faded away, leaving me empty. I plac

iya asked, her brows knitt

itted the biggest error of my life," I said, my voice almost inaudi

carried our own weights, our own stories of lo

to become the lawyer he dreamed of being, and in my foolishness, I thought he would come back for me, save me like a hero from a fairy tale.

Priya reached out, squeezing my hand. "We'r

ed coat, shuffled closer. His eyes, watery but sharp, flicked between

rough rasp that spoke of many cold nights

but Mariam leaned for

family, only the ghosts of my past to keep me company. However, staying there isn't necessary for th

er. It was worn, the writing barely legible, but it was an address. Before I

he was gone, vanished as s

up, chilled and sore but determined. The address might be no

p of paper in my hand. "

cavenging clothes from the trash bins to replace our tattered prison uniforms, each of u

il, bordered by trees and homes that conveyed a sense of comfort and security. We kno

id, showing him the piece of pape

at the paper. "Are you certain?" he

's buried here-his last wish

d whirling with disbelief. We exchanged loo

seen