Chapter 5 - The Drive Away
Brandon was led down the stairs in handcuffs, his head bowed low, the golden-boy smirk replaced by pathetic, silent tears leaking down his cheeks. He wouldn't even look in my direction as the deputies escorted him past the front door toward the waiting cruiser.
Dad sank onto the bottom step of the staircase, burying his face in his trembling hands, completely defeated by the reality of his own making.
I walked out the front door into the crisp, golden light of the early morning sunrise. The autumn wind felt cool and clean against my face, carrying the intoxicating scent of absolute freedom. My old Honda Civic was parked at the curb, packed tight with my trash bags and suitcase.
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I tossed my duffel bag into the passenger seat, slid behind the wheel, and turned the ignition. The engine sputtered to life with a familiar, comforting hum.
As I pulled away from the curb, I glanced once in the rearview mirror at the house that had tried to bury me. Then I pressed my foot down on the gas pedal, steering straight toward the highway and the university campus that was finally, truly mine.
