EXHALE

P R E F A C E

T I T L E: EXHALE

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EPIGRAPH

"Don't tell me the sky is the limit when there are footprints on the moon"

-Paul Brant

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E X T E N D E D S U M M A R Y

Private Group Chat: Queens

Katherine: You're really going to do this?

Kymber: I know you need to do this but what about us?

Me: I'll keep in contact with you and if you guys want, you can join me when I'm settled.

Katherine: I still don't understand what happened. You've been weird lately.

Me: I can't tell you yet. I must get away first

Kymber: We'll be here when you're ready.

Katherine: Can you at least tell us where you are going?

Me: Ohio.

Me: I must go! My family just left for a charity event. It is now or never.

Me: Wish me luck!

Kymber: Don't lose contact shit face

Me: I love you too Kym

Katherine: Be safe

*** Ophelia Rivers has logged off***

I shut my laptop and slide it into the computer bag; slinging it around my shoulders, I grabbed my purse and my two suitcases and walked out of my room for the last time.

My childhood home was large, beautiful even but emotionally it felt smothering. Like there wasn't enough air in the house and it made my head feel heavy. As I was walking down the stairway I paused and looked at myself in the mirror hanging on the wall. I look like my mom with my light-colored skin and my dark brown straighten hair. I was a mix between my Korean mother and Filipino father. The light in the hallway was reflected in my light brown eyes.

Giving myself one last look, I shake my head and continue to walk down the steps. I turn right and walk into the kitchen. I stop and look at the little boy sitting at the table eating his last chicken tender. I can't help but smile as I look at my son, a strict image of his father. A father who is no longer around and one of the reasons I was currently running away from my family.

"Jay, let's go."

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Barely sparing a glance around, I exit through the door that leads into the garage. Quickly unlocking my 2019 Mitsubishi sports outlander with the key from my purse, I put my suitcases and laptop bag into the back seat. I grab Jay who is walking behind me, holding his blanket and place him in his car seat in the backseat.

I hop into the driver's seat and set my purse in the passenger's seat. Leaning my head back against the headrest I let out a drawn-out sigh and close my eyes.

Opening my eyes, I look back at my son and smile

Pulling up maps on my phone, I type in my designation, Dublin, Ohio.

I put my car in drive and drove out of the garage.

It is now or never.

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D E D I C A T I O N

This is for the people who have supported me when I didn't even want them to. I appreciate them more than anything and I wouldn't have gotten back into writing if it wasn't for them. This is also for everyone who's family drives them crazy and makes them want to run away. You are not alone; you'll find your own family that brings you nothing but joy one day.

A U T H O R 'S N O T E

I am a 5th year college student who is extremely busy. I just wanted to get that out of the way. I will update as frequently as I can. I love to write, and this is my first published story on this account since 2014. I am not sure how well I have written this story, but I'd love some feedback!

D I S C L A I M E R

I do not own the photos. All credit goes to BigHit entertainment for the cover photo. All credit to original owners of any other photos used.

This story is fiction, but it will have realistic themes in it. I hope people can find comfort in the fact that they are not alone in the problems they face.

*THIS STORY IS FOR MATURE AUDIENCES AS SERIOUS SUBJECTS WILL BE DISCUSSED. THIS INCLUDES, DEPRESSION, SELFHARM, SUICIDE, GANG VIOLENCE, AND EMOTIONAL ABUSE*