Gingersnap leaped into my lap, purring herself into place. I smiled, petting her ginger ears. It was a soft relief, to get a chance to break from the world. I smiled to myself, watching the fish jump from spot to spot in the stream. It was peaceful in the woods, though very silent when you were the only girl in the family. I lived in the woods by the O'Niel's farmhouse with my mom and two older brothers.

I hardly ever got to go outside, for Mom said it was a dangerous world. I didn't know if she was right or not, but after getting in trouble on finding my way out into the woods, I've learned to accept my life rules. It was a troubling day that day, 8 years ago, for my parents were arguing. I was only 7 years old, and April was over. It was only her that day, unlike it was her and her father who usually came together.

"What's wrong with your parents?" April asked me. I shrugged, not bothering to answer. She only pushed. "Come on, Sevvi, please? What's going on?" That's when the door slammed, and as we looked out my bedroom window, my dad was storming off.

April kept apologizing, and kept on for the summer. We hardly hung out ever since, though I could really use some girls to hang around. I know my mom is a girl, but she was having too much trouble taking care of the family by herself. That's when Mrs. O'Niel came around.

I answered the door, shocked to find the lady there.

"M-Mrs. O'Niel?" I asked, hoping I wasn't dreaming.

"Oh my gosh, Selva! You've grown so much! Is your mom here? I need to talk with her," Mrs. O'Niel peeked past my shoulder.

"Y-yea. I'll go get her." I stepped aside and headed to the kitchen. "Mom, Mrs. O'Niel needs to see you and my brothers." She turned around from the pot.

"Mrs. O'Niel?" she asked me. I nodded. She dried her hands off and headed outside with my brothers.

So, that's how I got here with Gingersnap. Right now. Right here. With a perfect life.

So I thought.