I quietly packed a bag with my most prized possessions—Mother's locket that contained a picture of the three of us from soon after I was born—I changed my mind and put the locket on—a few dresses—mostly Mother's—and my nightgown. Then I took my horse, Major, my dog, Bruno, and the mice to one of my friends in the village. "Can you look after these guys until I return?" I asked Mrs. James.
She nodded and, upon seeing my small handbag, asked, "Where are you going?"
I shrugged and said, "Stepmother is fine with wherever I go and whatever I do as long as I avoid the palace and the Prince."
She nodded and said, "Good luck, child."
I smiled and then headed down to the docks—I found a ship headed to a place called New York and I swiftly boarded.
I turned and called, "Goodbye, Nanthia. Hello freedom!"
