I was watching the little kids play outside from my bedroom window. It was a sunny afternoon in July. I wished that I could play with them. They seemed to be having so much fun! “McKayla! Come down here this instant!” yelled my mother. I quickly ran downstairs to her. “Yes mother?” I said. She slapped me. “Why didn’t you clean the kitchen like how I instructed you to do?!” I didn’t have any reaction. It’s not the first time she has hit or yelled at me. She pulled me by the hair into the kitchen and threw me on the floor. She then said “Now clean before I get even more upset.” I picked myself up and started cleaning. My brother then came inside and got a glass of orange juice. “Hey idiot.” he said as he spilled it all on the floor. “You missed a spot.” he threw the cup at me and walked away laughing. “Can my life get any worse..?” I thought to myself.

   When I was finished cleaning and washing all the dishes I went back upstairs and locked my door. I closed my curtains and crawled into my bed. I started listening to my favorite song. I felt so relaxed that I fell asleep with my headphones on. Then I heard a sweet voice call my name. I knew exactly who it was. I rushed downstairs. Luckily my mom wasn’t there to yell or hurt me. “Abuela!” I exclaimed. “¡Mi niña hermosa!” she said. “My precious girl!” she smiled as she hugged me. I felt safe in her arms. I felt tears running down my face. “Why are you crying?” she asked. “Please let me come live with you. I’m begging you abuelita please! I don’t like it here. They treat me very badly.” I said. I couldn’t stop crying. At that moment, my parents came home. “Pack your things quickly while I talk to your mom and dad.” Abuela said. I ran to my room and packed all of my things. I put on my shoes and I was ready to go.

    “Where are you taking McKayla?” my mother asked. My grandma looked at her with anger. “I’m taking her to live with me. She will be loved under my roof.” She stared at me. “Fine, go ahead and take her. She’s always been a waste of space.” She said “Now we can turn that room of hers to a game room for my beloved son.” I looked at her. I couldn’t wait to get away from this awful place. I didn’t have any friends so I don’t have to think of missing anyone. 

   My grandma and I were walking to the car. My brother was just standing there. He opened the door for me and whispered in my ear, “I’m sorry little sis..” I noticed he put something in my pocket. “I forgive you brother.” He started crying. “I love you.” he said in a shaky voice. “I love you too.” I said back. I got in the car and he closed the door. He waved as the car started moving. I waved back. 

   I decided to look at the thing he put in my pocket. It was a letter. I didn’t know if I should read it or not. Out of curiosity i unfolded the letter and began to read, “Dear McKayla,

I am truly sorry for being mean to you. I really didn’t want to but mom made me. She also made dad be mean to you too. She doesn’t want to tell us why but dad is planning on getting a divorce from her. If you want to return then we will be happy to have you back. Take care sis. -Jeramiah” My heart felt warm. I started crying. Not tears of sadness but tears of happiness.

  About half an hour later we arrived at our destination. It had a nice arch at the entrance with a nice white fence around the rest of the house. My grandma opened the gate and we started walking inside. There is a big garden with beautiful flowers a little beyond the gate. The house looked like a mini castle from a children’s book. As we walked inside, I could tell that I was going to be happy in this place.