Chapter one

I ran as fast as my legs could carry me. I didn't want to live in that dastardly place any longer. One more minute and I was sure I wouldn't live to see another day.

The streets of Manhattan weren't crowded. Lamp posts and car lights switched on as the sun began to set over the horizon. That was the last time I'd see my Aunt. Not like I'd care, heavens no. I'm actually rather glad.

I need to find a place to sleep for the night. Or for the rest of his life. I looked back and forth and found a deserted park bench away from Manhattan's troubles. As I walked to the bench and took a seat, I cradled my head in my arms, tears free-falling their way through. I stayed in this position for five minutes until someone cleared their throat.

I looked up to find a girl who looked no older than six, her black hair was messy, sea-green eyes that showed concern and pain, and she was wearing long sleeves. Wait, long sleeves? Who wears long sleeves in the Summer?

The corner of the girl's mouth frowned by only a bit. "Can I, uh, help you?" she asked, concern evident in her words.

I wiped my tears away and forced a smile for the child's sake. "I'm alright,"

"Are you sure? You don't look alright. Are you upset?"

God, I wanted the girl to leave. I just wanted to be alone. "Hey, kiddo, aren't your parents waiting for you? How about you go to them, eh?"

The girl frowned, her eyes showing pain, as if she doesn't have any parents. "No." She replied simply.

"What do you mean 'no'?" I asked, a bit too harshly. The girl winced under my tone.

"I can't go back," she replied nervously.

"And why not?"

"Because... Because... I ran away from home." She sighed, bowing her head of shame. "Why?" I asked.

"Because I have a step-father who abuses me, a mother who abuses me and an older brother who abuses me." her eyes brought tears yet I knew she was holding something back but I didn't push it.

Just as I was about to say something, the child stopped me.

"I have proof," she slowly lifter her sleeves up to show cuts. They were cuts from glass and knives. I gasped as she showed me her neck. There was a massive, jagged cut from the side of her neck until her shoulder blade.

"I'm sorry I asked. Hey, what's your name?"

"Why should I trust you?" The girl snapped.

"Because I ran away from home cause I have an abusive aunt." I admitted. The girl seemed to relax. "What's your name?" I asked again.

The girl squinted suspiciously before relaxing. "Hunter. Hunter Jackson."

"Hey, Hunter. I'm Leo Valdez."