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I'm surprised Merelda isn't waiting just outside the door to scold or punish me. Even more surprising is the fact that she so easily allowed me to enter Father's room in the first place.
Unless she truly doesn't care what I do anymore. I suppose I have served my purpose now. In a month's time, she'll have more riches than she'll ever need, and I won't be a burden to her any longer.
Still, I pause and listen before making my next move.
The house is quiet, the only sounds the creaking of the wood as it settles around me. Night has long since fallen, but I know better than to hope or believe that my step family has retired for the day.
I'll have to wait until the darkest hour of night before I slip from the house. Then, and only then, will it be safe for me to try to leave.
Back in my room, I bar the door before turning to look at what few possessions I have. Glancing down at myself, I hurry to rid myself of the dress Merelda put me in, letting it drop to a heap on the floor. Pulling on a more practical dress, I begin shoving random things into a small bag before finally glancing down at the pile of fabric laying on the floor.
As much as I hate to admit it, Merelda's dress is the nicest thing I own, and it may come in handy should I need to look ... presentable. Letting out a small sigh of defeat, I snatch the garment from the floor and fold it tightly before placing it inside my bag along with a pair of socks, a few candle stubs, and a tinderbox.
Taking a step back, I slowly realize this is nearly everything I own, aside from a few worn dresses, a coat, and my bed. Though, I suppose Merelda would argue the latter belongs to her now.
My heart skips a beat in my chest as I suddenly sink to my knees and pry back part of the wood floor, pulling out a small wooden box. Opening it, I run my fingers over the small packages within, each neatly tied with a red ribbon.
I'm more than a little tempted to undo all my packing and replace the items within with the contents of this box, but I know that would be foolish. Besides, it's not as if I won't return.
I have to return, for Father's sake.
Repeating this thought to myself, I carefully remove one of the packages. Pulling the ribbon loose I place it and the wax paper off to one side as I carry the small book that was tucked inside over to the window.
I spend the hours admiring the illustrations within by candle and starlight.
My eyelids grow heavy, and I briefly consider taking a nap, but decide against it. It would be all too easy for me to end up sleeping through the night. Tonight, of all nights, I can't allow exhaustion to get the better of me.
When I can no longer focus on the pages, I turn my eyes to sky and stars. Time seems to slow, the seconds hesitant to slip into minutes as my impatience to get started grows.
My fingers tap anxiously on the windowsill, and soon I find myself pacing my tiny room.
It should be just a little while longer now.
Finally, I hear the creak of the stairs and then click of my stepmother's heels as she makes her way down the hallway and into Father's room. I'm surprised she's still staying with him, to be honest, but right now I welcome the knowledge.
At least I know where she is. My stepbrothers, on the other hand, are an entirely different story.
I decide to wait another half hour, hoping to give Merelda enough time to fall asleep. In the meantime, I carefully re-package the small book father had given me for my eleventh birthday and place it and the box back into my secret hiding place.
At long last, the time has come.
Grabbing my small bag, I unbar my door and quietly pry it open to listen.
Nothing.
Slipping through the dark halls, I move past my step family’s bedroom doors, carrying my shoes in one hand as I expertly navigate the creaking wood. I can't help but feel a little sad at the thought of leaving home, if only for a short while, as I make my way downstairs and to the back door.
As I sit to lace up my shoes, I glance around the kitchen one last time. Though Merelda has tried to make my life miserable, these halls, this home, still hold so much joy and love for me.
This is where I grew up.
Where I'd been held and comforted and loved by my parents.
This is my home, and no matter how hard Merelda might try, she can never take that away from me.
Getting to my feet, I take one more deep breath before pulling open the back door. I stare out into the dark night for a long minute before taking a step ... My first step toward saving Father.
With nothing but the stars and a new moon above me to light the way, the night is far darker than I'd anticipated.
