One day, Mia was checking the mail when she found an envelope with her name on it. Curious, she quickly ran inside with the mail and tore the envelope open. It said,

Dear Mia,

You're nothing but a little ant. You are useless, and your family agrees. That is why they spend so much time at their work. To avoid you and your smelly breath.

Mia could feel tears welling up in her eyes. It was true. Everytime Mia went to her family's work, destiny had a way of prying them away. She recalled last week's incident.

—-------------------

Mia had just escaped bullies. They were harassing her clothing choice.

" Dresses are for babies." They sneered.

" No, they're not!" Mia had cried.

But they would not listen. So she went to the nearest place she could think of- the fire station.

" Buster!" She yelled, busting into his office. " Are dresses for babies?!"

Buster had shaken his head, and asked who had told her that. Just when Mia was going to answer, the fire alarm buzzed, and Buster had to run with an apologetic smile. Her mom was running behind Buster, so there was no use in telling her. So she decided to walk across the street to the police station.

" Are my brother and father here?" She had asked the person at the front desk.

" No. They just left for an emergency. Sorry." The person said, with a remorseful face.

Mia thanked him and walked back home, sad.

—-------------

Mia sighed and shook her head. There was no use crying over it. There was one thing she could do- run away forever!

Mia wiped away her tears, determined not to let the cruel words in the letter control her. She felt a surge of resolve—if her family didn't want her around, she would leave and find a place where she could be herself without feeling unwanted. With a deep breath, she packed her backpack with essentials: clothes, a few snacks, her favorite book, a flashlight, and some money she had saved.

She left behind a note for her family, keeping it short and simple: "I'm sorry for being a bother. I won't trouble you anymore. Love, Mia."

With her backpack slung over her shoulder, Mia walked out the door, feeling a mix of sadness and determination. She knew where she was going—her favorite spot in the forest where she could think and plan her next steps.

As she walked past the fire station, she noticed Buster at the window. He waved at her, and she waved back, managing a small smile. Buster didn't seem concerned; he probably thought she was going on one of her usual adventures. This made her feel a pang of guilt, but she pressed on.

The forest was a place where Mia always felt at peace. The trees, the sounds of birds, and the gentle rustle of leaves made her feel at home. She walked deeper into the woods until she reached a clearing where she often spent her time reading and daydreaming.

She sat down on a fallen log and let the silence surround her. For a while, she felt calm, but then the reality of her situation began to sink in. She had no plan and nowhere to go. The forest, while comforting, couldn't be her home forever.

Or could it? Mia thought hard.

No, it couldn't. It didn't have enough food and water.

Plus, where would she use the bathroom?

Then Mia thought. There were people who made treehouses.

And there was a special someone who could help her AND keep her secret.

" HAAAAAARL!" she yelled. " I NEEEEEED YOUUUUU!"

In ten seconds flat, Harl, the helpful handyman, appeared by her side, tools in hand and a ready smile on his face.

"Hey there, Mia! What do you need help with today?" Harl asked cheerfully, not missing a beat as he started pulling out supplies from his seemingly endless toolkit.

Mia wiped her eyes and took a deep breath. "Harl, I need a treehouse. A really good one. Can you help me build it?"

Harl nodded enthusiastically. "Of course, I can! Treehouses are my specialty. Let's get started!"

Without another word, Harl began to assess the nearby trees for the perfect spot. He chose a sturdy oak with thick branches and ample space. Mia watched in awe as Harl worked his magic, transforming the tree into a cozy treehouse right before her eyes. He worked quickly, yet every nail and plank was placed with precision and care.

As Harl hammered away, Mia's mind wandered back to the cruel letter she had received. She couldn't understand why someone would write such horrible things to her. The thought of her family not wanting her around made her chest tighten, but she shook her head, focusing on the sound of Harl's hammer and the structure taking shape.

In what felt like no time at all, Harl stood back, admiring his work. "There you go, Mia. A brand-new treehouse, complete with a comfy sleeping area, storage for your belongings, and even a little lookout point!"

Mia climbed up the wooden ladder and looked around, a sense of wonder and gratitude filling her heart. The treehouse was perfect, just like she had imagined. She turned to Harl, her eyes shining. "Thank you so much, Harl. It's amazing."

Harl tipped his hat with a grin. "Anything for you, Mia. Just remember, if you ever need anything else, you know where to find me."

As Harl packed up his tools and disappeared as quickly as he had arrived, Mia settled into her new hideaway. She placed her backpack in the corner and sat down on the cozy cushion Harl had thoughtfully provided. For the first time since reading the letter, she felt a sense of calm and safety.

" This is the life." She sighed, lounging around on her new couch. Harl had somehow even made that in the meager time he had. He also made a bed and table with chair.

" I'm sure Allen and the others love the peace!" Mia muttered. " In fact, I wonder if they even know I'm gone!"

As it turned out, they did. 

But it wasn't her parents, but Allen. Her very scared brother who had come home to get something.