There's No Place Like Home

The corner was cold; I huddled there, clutching my knees tightly. Sharp curses from outside sliced through my ears like blades. "You little curse! Why don't you just die!" She is my mother, but I've never seen any gentleness in her eyes. That day, I was really hungry; my stomach was growling loudly, like a hand twisting inside. She shoved me again, pushing me into a corner. I was furious and suddenly lunged at her, pinning her head down. I don't really remember what happened next, only that she was hitting and yelling at me wildly, and there was a stranger's voice piercing through the chaos. "Stop!" That woman knelt down; her eyes were bright, and her voice was soft. "Child, do you want to come with me?" I stared at the bread in her hand, its golden color shining softly in the dim light. My throat felt as if it was clogged, and I could only swallow hard. "I... can I?" I asked in a small voice. She smiled, "Of course you can." I nodded. She led me out of that dark, damp room. The air outside was fresh, and the wind against my face was cool, just a little. "My name is Hanna Lynn, but you can call me Ms. Lynn." She spoke as we walked. "Ms. Lynn..." I repeated softly, my voice barely more than a whisper. We reached a white car; she opened the door and helped me inside. The car was clean, with a gentle, faint fragrance. I rested my hands on my knees, afraid to move them around. "When you meet a man later, don't be afraid." Hanna Lynn said with a gentle smile. "Will he... will he be angry with me?" I asked in a small voice. "No, he just looks stern, but he's actually a good man." Outside an unfamiliar house, Hanna Lynn led me inside. The living room was spacious, with soft sofas and a beautiful carpet. A man who looked very stern was sitting on the sofa, reading a newspaper. "This is Mario Scott. From now on, you can call him Mr. Scott." Hanna Lynn introduced him. Mario Scott looked up and studied me carefully. His brows furrowed slightly, as if he was deep in thought. "What's your name?" He asked. I shook my head. I didn't have a proper name; before, they all called me 'Silly Girl.' "I... I don't have a name." Hanna Lynn took my hand and said to Mario Scott, "Since she doesn't have a name, let's give her one. How about Mia Scott?" Mario Scott was silent for a few seconds, then nodded. "Mia Scott..." I whispered the name softly, feeling it warm me like spring sunlight. "Mia, do you like your name?" Hanna Lynn asked. I nodded fiercely, "I like it!" That night, Hanna took me to a room. Inside was a soft bed, with clean blankets and pillows. I ran my hand gently over the blankets, feeling like I was dreaming. "This is your room. From now on, you'll live here," Hanna said with a smile. "Really... is this mine?" I couldn't believe it. "Of course it's yours," she said, helping me tuck in the quilt. "From now on, this is your home." I nodded, but didn't dare lie down right away. Hanna Lynn poured me a cup of hot water and set it by the bed. "Mia, are you hungry?" She asked. I was very hungry, but felt too shy to say it, so I just nodded slightly. Hanna Lynn smiled. "I just knew it." She turned and went to the kitchen, quickly bringing back a steaming bowl of noodles. I took the bowl, the aroma rising to meet me. With the very first bite, tears almost fell—not because it was bad, but because it was so delicious. I hadn't tasted anything this fragrant in a long time. "Is it good?" Hanna Lynn sat beside the bed and asked. "Delicious..." I nodded as I ate. After I finished the noodles, Hanna Lynn helped me wash up. She changed me into clean pajamas—a light blue pair with a little rabbit design on them. "Mia, you rest well today. Tomorrow, I'll take you to buy some clothes, and then we'll go to school." "School?" I looked up, feeling a little surprised. "Yes, you should go to school, just like the other children." I had never been to school before. Mom said I was stupid and didn't need to go. "I... can I really go?" "Of course you can. Every child has the right to go to school." Hanna Lynn gently stroked my head. Lying in bed, I stared at the ceiling, my heart full of hope. What will tomorrow be like? New clothes, a chance to go to school... it all feels like a dream. "Good night, Mia." Hanna Lynn softly turned off the light. "Good night, Ms. Lynn." In the darkness, I hugged my blanket, unable to stop a small smile from rising at the corners of my mouth. Maybe my life is really about to change.