Prologue: Homeless

"Misaki, pack up your belongings." Minako said swinging open her eldest daughter's bedroom door.

"Where are we going?" Misaki rubbed her eyes with her tiny hands as she sat up. It wasn't seven yet, so it wasn't time to go to school. Was there a fire? Were they going to the hospital? Was Suzuna okay?

"We're leaving." Minako said hurrying off to pack up the rest of the house.

"Leaving Kawasaki?" Five year old Misaki asked out loud but received no response. Like the obedient and helpful child she was, she climbed out of bed to pack. As she emptied her closet and bathroom, she couldn't help but stare at the walls of her childhood. These were the borders of her life. This was her home, and she was leaving it for some reason. She may never see it again.

Drawings made by Misaki were taped on the wall. Her door had flowers painted by her father who disappeared. The glow in the dark stickers on her ceiling were put up by her mom. This was her sanctuary made not be plaster but by love.

"Bye, bye." Misaki said as she left her room and closed the door.

Two hours later she was sitting on a train destined to the middle of nowhere. Her back ached from sitting down, and the ever changing scenery could only entertain her for so long.

"Okaa-san, where are we going." She asked with curious wide eyes as she tapped her mother's shoulder.

"Far away from your father." Minako replied cradling a sleeping baby, Suzuna, in her arms. Misaki knew father had mysteriously disappeared, for Misaki hadn't explained the debt. She didn't want to home of her family to deteriorate into shambles. It was best to leave when life was at its peak. It was best to leave with happy memories.

"Why don't you go to sleep, honey?" Minako proposed glancing through the window to see the night sky framed by trees. Her eyes never leaving the landscape.

"Alright." Misaki replied leaning against her mother's shoulder. Only when her daughter closed her eyes did Minako let tears slide down her weary face. Leaving Kawasaki meant that her husband would never find them. She twisted her wedding ring and whispered to herself.

"Goodbye, Sakuya."