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Twenty One

Author: Joshua Ataya
last update Last Updated: 2024-10-29 19:42:56

DEVAN

It was the wee hours of the hours of the morning when I stole quietly to the sitting room with nothing but my backpack.

I had to leave before Robb or Mum awakened. Mum had vehemently kicked against the idea of me going for the school trip, but I was having none of that.

I tiptoed quietly through the sitting room with hopes of not awakening anyone. Mum was seated on the chair, snoring deeply, and a bottle of empty whiskey on her laps. Robb had done that to her.

I inserted the key into the keyhole, and turned it in the reverse. I was a few steps away from victory. I turned the door knob, and stepped outside.

The cold was biting. I held my arms tightly together, and rubbed them. I should have taken a sweatshirt along, but I hadn't. I could go back inside to get one, but I couldn't risk it. It was too risky, I could be caught.

"You need a ride?" Mum quizzed behind me.

I froze in shock, and turned around to face her. She was covered with a blanket, and
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