I open the white envelope as I'm alone in my room. I don't want to open it in front of my parents. Not after the ump-teenth attempt to humiliate me. Not after my father slapped my face to reinforce his authority once again. Not after my mother stood there to back him up instead of defend my dignity, or at least her own.

I pay attention not to tear that envelope. The letter inside must be the most precious thing I've received so far. I can't ruin it. I have to be delicate as I open it. At last. The envelope is still presentable, which means I can reuse it.

The letter... Just one paper, but one filled with expectations and good luck. I slowly read it.

' Dear Ms. Pierce,

With our utmost pleasure, we announce that you have been selected as one of the five winners of our 20 Days of Freedom contest.

You will receive further details, including the final destination, at a later stage. On Saturday, February 8, 2025, you will be contacted by a representative of ours, who will reach out to you at the address you signaled in the form you filled in.

As we await your presence, we gladly thank you for your courtesy.

Best wishes,

Tinsley Reese

Head Manager of POTENTIAL+ '

POTENTIAL+ is a start-up that can really make it big this year. When my neighbors brought it up with me for the first time, I thought they were joking. Yet, it has been the talk of the town over the last two months. Its name really suggests the path it's set to take in the future.

Now, all I can do is wait until I receive the call. I don't know if I should start packing my bags already, or if I can do so tomorrow or the day after. I guess I have some time to make a decision about that. What's certain is that I'm definitely in for this project.

Twenty days may not sound as many from a different perspective, but I really need them. The burnout I've experienced over the last years has grown worse since the pandemic. Even though I still managed to achieve some important accomplishments, such as my college graduation, that has never been enough for my parents.

They only gloss over success and focus intensely on my flaws. Every mistake is seen as ultimate failure with no chance of fixing. There's no room for redemption whatsoever. What hurts the most, however, is that it doesn't only affect me. It's painful for my siblings, as well.

Don't get me wrong. I love my sister and brother. I really care about them. We have each other's back. But I need to start thinking about myself, as well. I have to protect myself from the growing toxicity. While I do fear I'd pass off as selfish if I left home, it's inevitable. I'll have to make that move sooner or later. The earlier they accept it, the better.

So, why is it still so hard for me to let go of the past? Why do I have to feel like it has to define me for who I am? Most importantly, is there a way to get out of the rut? I know, deep down in my heart, I'm not meant to be stuck in this home forever. This is why POTENTIAL+ comes to my help. It's like it has thrown a signal at me. I have to catch it and make the most of it.

I know I can do this, and that the reward for it will be even bigger.

As expected, Mom and Dad didn't take the news too well. That's even when I concocted a plan that'd require as little involvement from them as possible. I'd pack my bags at night; then, I'd leave when they were already asleep after writing a note for them telling a blatant lie, like, ' Mom, Dad, I've been offered a seasonal job in Guam. I'll start with a 20-day trial; if it goes well, I'll sign the contract. Don't worry about me, everything is settled. Silla.'

Everything up to this point went well. Too bad they're bombing me with insults over the phone. They must've learnt it from the news, because I never told anyone and I made sure to pack the envelope along with my stuff. " Silla Pierce, you can't have left like that and think to get away with it. Come back home. Now! " I can hear Mom's shrill voice loud and clear. She hasn't changed a bit, and neither has Dad for what I know.

I'm tempted to hang up straight away, but I can't help answering, "Look, this is the opportunity of a lifetime. Do you want me to give up on it only for you to complain and call me good for nothing?"

" You are good for nothing, indeed. And a selfish brat. Come home or there will be consequences. " Dad's stern tone might not be as loud as Mom's, but it's more intimidating. Nevertheless, I'm not afraid. I have to put them in their place. They've overstepped boundaries too many times for me to simply let it go.

"There have already been consequences, Dad. You reap what you so; therefore, you can't block me for finally doing something for myself. Thank you for your unrequired advice, but I have to go. Cheers." I hang up. Knowing they'll find ways to attack my character again, I block their phone numbers and do the same on social media.

No more contact, at least for these twenty days. Hopefully, never again.

I clutch my phone against my chest as I keep an eye on my bags. The bus can't be late. I have only one hour to reach Lafountain's, and it's not exactly close to home. I'm worried. What if I lose my ticket to freedom if I'm a few minutes late?

Oh, never mind. Here comes the bus. I rush inside as I make sure not to forget anything. I smile at the driver as I greet her. "How long till Lafountain's?"

"Twenty-five minutes should be enough, unless asphalting runs slow like yesterday. One ticket, five dollars."

I hand the driver a bill, and receive the bus ticket in exchange. "Thank you."

"Have a nice day, madam." I'm shocked. Why would the bus driver call me madam? I don't look that old, do I? It's not like it really matters, anyway.

I find a seat not far from the exit door and take it, making sure not to take needless space with my luggage. I still hope not many people will take the bus within the next few minutes.

As expected, the journey goes smoothly. No traffic jam (I have to take into account it's Saturday, though), few red lights, and asphalting has been completed overnight. Good. Now, all I have to do is enjoy these few minutes separating me from the project that can turn my life into what I truly desire.

Hopefully, I'll find good company. As much as this is meant to be a personal journey, having someone guiding me through with sound advice is even better. Well, if I'm supposed to do this with other people.