That night was never cozy like the other nights when he snuggled himself under the duvet and slept peacefully avoiding everyone at home.Ryan loved switching off the light bulbs at night for just one reason.It was beautiful seeing the shiny moonlight reflecting in his bedroom.Everything about the room was white; the beddings ,tables, chairs,flower vase and shelves.Whenever he laid on the bed squinting his eyes to view the entire room,the moonlight reflection gave it a touch of dull yellow color which he loved.Such things relaxed his mind giving him a sound sleep.But not these days anymore.As days passed by , it became more horrific and painful.
It was his saddest moments when his brain replayed the event of the day.Ryan's eyes got glassy and blurry with tears.The depression and emotional hurt tortured more at night.He was tired to the extent of wishing himself living in another world.It would be better if the ground tore open and swallowed him up.For once,he would rest .
Some nights were filled with strange dreams.Ryan would run as fast as his legs could carry him in the dark woods hearing his brothers chasing footsteps behind.At some point, he would let out a loud scream of help and immediately jerk out of sleep panting, sweating and vibrating at the same time.The more he had these dreams ,the more Maverick grew wicked.Everyone was just a beast and demon daring to devour his life.
As an introvert,Ryan had few friends and wasn't even sure if he could talk to anyone about his sudden depression.But he knew one thing for sure,that If he doesn't act right away, he may get killed one fateful day.
The next day when dad preached about him in church,he marked the end of the dramas at home .He wasn't a fool to let this continue.The night approached quickly,of course he couldn't wait for it.Ryan locked the door moving straight to his closet.He shuffled things around bringing out the saving box hidden under the heap of clothesp.He emptied the dollar notes on the bed,tied them into a bundle and tucked it behind the wall frame.Next, he shuffled the room packing wanted belongings and discarding the useless ones.His suitcase and duffel bags were ready.The phone which was placed on the side stool vibrated.Ryan hurriedly picked it up on seeing the caller ID.
"Mister, your apartment is ready at music row street."The apartment owner spoke .He needed to rent of the space as soon as possible.
"Alright,I'll come tomorrow with the cash, clean up the room and move in"Ryan replied.
"Remember the price we negotiated.Have a good night" the caller ended the call.
Ryan nodded,tossed the phone aside and smothered his face with his palms .He had made up his mind to move out of home and begin a new life somewhere else apart and safe from his family.He wasn't still sure he could do this but he as an adult that he was, he had to be dogged.He had nothing to prove to anyone.All he desired was just peace and nothing else.
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"Morning dad, morning mom!"Maverick came downstairs holding two cups of coffee for his parents who spent their leisure Saturday morning watching 'keeping up with the Kardashians'.
"Morning son... don't tell me you prepared coffee for us just on your own"Dad said with a playfull look of surprise all over his face .
"C'mon it's just coffee...who would forget to make coffee for such sweet parents like both of you?"Maverick laughed sitting between them .
"You've really being a pride to us.You'll surely reap the fruit of your labour son".Mom crossed her arm around his shoulders as he beamed proudly.
Their jaws dropped instantly when they saw Ryan coming downstairs with his luggages.
"I'm off!"Ryan only said.He was too angry to look at their faces.
"To where?"Dad stood including mom and Maverick.
"And I have the right not to tell you cuz I know my way around as an adult"Ryan boldly said shrugging.
"What the hell! Such audacity to wake up on a Saturday morning and leave your home??? Like you can survive on your own? Have you forgotten where you were picked up from?" Dad said.
"Yeah...from the gutter, that's my daily reminder.I know ..so stop acting like you even care about me.You'll do yourselves much good if you don't bother looking for me".Ryan said moving out finally dragging his bags along.Mom stole a confused glance at her husband.Maverick licked his lips happily.He had the entire house to himself now.