Prologue.

"Hailey Leigh Alvarez." 

I stood up and pasted my widest smile on my lips as I walk towards the stage. 

Seeing people here feels surreal, I never imagined I could be here after all the things that I've been through. Despite all of those, I came this far. 

I breathed out when I am already in the front of so many people clapping their hands on me. The people that once treated me that I could never get in here. That I could never fulfill something by myself. 

As I look at my parents who are in the very front of the stage now, I tried to smile at them but I just can't make it real. I still hold grudges to them because of all the things they have done but I must also thank them. If they didn't do what they did years ago, I wouldn't be here. I wouldn't prove my worth. 

"Thank you for being an inspiration to others and also to us. Thank you for being brave enough to survive even if the whole world tried to bring you down. Thank you for being here in front of us as an inspiration." The man holding the trophy said from the microphone he is holding. 

I smiled at what he said. Being here was never easy to me. It was never easy but look at where am I now? I didn't gave up. Well, I thought about giving up and let life control me but I brushed off that thought. It was all worth it, though. 

As I receive the trophy, my smile remained on my lips. I walked towards the podium when the man moved away from it so that I could take my moment. 

I coughed to clear my throat that made everyone in this room look at me. It made my heart skip its beat for a second and then it continues with a faster pace now. 

I still have this fear of crowd. I thought I got over it but that wouldn't stop me from speaking what I think now. 

"I just want to start by saying my thanks for this award that you have given me. I know I'm not the bravest among all of the people that is living in the world yet all of you appreciated all of the hardships that I've gone through. Thank you." I started and looked around to find them wherever they are. 

Once I found them, I looked at them with satisfaction in my eyes. They came. 

"I know my stubbornness isn't a good thing that people will be inspired for. I know I am stubborn but look at where all of those stubbornness brought me? Here. It brought me right where I am now. I'm not saying that you should be stubborn enough to runaway from your family to be here. All I am trying to say is be yourself. Live with your dreams." I added and pointed my heart. 

"It's in there. It's making a sound, right? So, live with it. I promise you, whatever what your heart feel alive to is what you really desire. Let me ask all of you, what is your desire? Why are you letting people stop you from chasing that desire that has been stuck in your heart?" I also added but now, I'm pointing at people who are watching me now. 

"What is that voice in your heart saying? If your present is stopping you from chasing your future, then leave those behind. Chase your dreams. Hold unto your future because it's yours. It's always your decision. Not the people around you. You are the one who knows the thing that you want to achieve." I said as I look around and saw that she is admiring me from afar. 

Magenta...

"I know that you might have a lot of fear inside you. It's never easy to get rid of those, I know but if you're not going to chase your dreams, who is going to do it for you? Your mail man? Your dishwasher? The people around you? No. There will not be anyone to chase your dreams for you. Always remember that." I said and before leaving the podium, 

"Go beyond your boundaries, you will never regret it." 

* * * 

"I'm sorry if we were late. You know already that I am managing this painting org for children. I couldn't leave as soon as I want." Dandara said to start off our conversation. 

When she said her excuse, I turned my gaze at Cassian who is now smiling at me awkwardly. I raised my brows at him and was about to start interrogating him but someone interrupted. It made me turn my back and smile. 

"Mommy! You were awesome there!" Magenta said as she ran to me. When she was near enough, I kneeled down to welcome her in my arms. 

"Do you think Mommy is really amazing earlier, baby? Well then you should be proud of me." I said and messed her hair by patting her head. 

I heard her giggle that became music to my ears. 

"I am proud of you, Mommy. Now, about your promise." She said and pulled out from the hug that almost made me fall. 

I saw her crossing her arms as she pout her natural pinkish lips in front of me. 

I stood up and got rid of the dust on my knee because of kneeling down earlier. 

"Of course. I haven't forgot about that." I said and offered my hand to her that made her smile before holding my hand. 

"Did you bid your goodbyes to your grandma and grandpa already?" I asked her before I started walking that made her smile showing her teeth and shook her head a no. 

"Well, you should have said your goodbyes to them." I added and I saw her scratch the back of her shoulder because of that. 

"I totally forgot to do that because I was so excited to leave because you promised." She answered and gave me her cutest puppy eyes. She was cute enough but not enough to convince me that she's that excited about what I promised her. 

"You better learn your attitude, Magenta. Go tell your grandparents that we are already leaving." I said and let go of her hand. 

"Mommy, are you mad?" She asked that made me shook my head. 

"Of course not. I'm just reminding you that you should learn your lesson. You must not just leave without saying a proper goodbye." I said and caressed her hair. 

"Okay. Wait for me here. I'll just run to grandma and grandpa to tell them that we're leaving." She answered that I responded with a nod. As quick as I gave her my response, she ran quickly to her grandparents. I was just staring and smiling at her when Cassian spoke, 

"She's really way far from you or even Ash. I don't really know where did that little girl came from. She's an angel." 

"I don't know if that's a compliment or what but yes, I agree. She's an angel." I answered and smiled. 

She's the best angel and treasure that Ash left to me. Well, aside from the braveness that Ash gave, Magenta is the second treasure that Ash gave me. 

It's been so long since the last time, Ash. I think now is the time that I show off everything that I had accomplished because of the lessons you taught me. 

I'm finally coming home to you.