Wolf Roots

Chapter One

I remember what she said to me as I left. I had closed the door quickly, hearing something crash against it on the other side. Her words echoed through my head, Fine, go, leave me too. See if there'll be anything to come back to when you need it most.

It was all the permission I needed. I really thought the request was simple. I didn't think it warranted an argument. All I asked was to go see my aunt on my father's side for a couple weeks. My dad had left when I was young. Sometimes I wondered why, but then, looking at my mother, I really didn't have to bother with that question anymore. My mom was a nut case. She'd be sad one minute, then yelling at me the next. Sometimes I felt bad for her, but over the years, I just got tired of it. I didn't feel bad for leaving at all.

My aunt and I had been in contact recently and I wanted was to reconnect with old family members; I had really fond memories of everyone, and my aunt hadn't seemed any different over out phone calls and video chats the past few months.

I know what any sane person would say: "Autumn, it's completely and utterly unsafe and reckless to go traipsing off to a whole other country", and I understand that, but this risk is worth it in order to get away from my mother. Come to think of it, sitting here on the plane, leaving, this is the happiest I've been in months. Years maybe. A whole future is in front of me, and I don't intend to waste it.

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It was a nine hour flight. I had called ahead of time to let my aunt know. When I stepped out into the terminal, I recognized her instantly, and my Aunt Kate ran at me with a hug. I was engulfed with the smell of rain and her perfume. Patting her on the back awkwardly, I stepped back, giving her a proper smile this time.

"Oh I have so much to show you and tell you!" She squealed. I wasn't a super high energy person, but I could tell we were going to get along. Maybe we'd balanced each other out.

"I have lots of questions, so it works out." I chuckled, looking up at her. "I'm excited to get to know all about everything." I said, and I meant it.