As I stumble through the empty streets I can hear the shards of glass crack under my shoes, an almost satisfying sound to listen to, but far to loud. Shivers of fear run up my spine as up ahead of me i spot a torn down sign, the sign reads “Now Entering California.” The rusted metal has three scratch marks running across, making the words almost indistinguishable. The sign brings back so many feelings, memories that i have tried to forget about for a long time. If I remember what happened on that day, i think my will to keep surviving would be lost.

215 days earlier, day one

“Honey wake up, we’re almost their.” My mum says to me with glee in her voice. Sitting up I unrest my head from my hand. Looking out the window i see a tall green road sign that reads, “Now Entering California.” Moving cities is something i never wanted to do, but it makes my mum happy so it makes me happy. She then try’s to hold my hand, her white ruffle sleeves covering her entire palm. We then descend into the underground parking lot of our new apartment, the smell of gas and exhaust instantly hitting my nose. Our car comes to a stop and we begin unpacking our bags. “This is exiting isint it honey?” My mum says.

“Yeah, I’m really happy.” As we walk up the stairs toward our aprtament i look out one of the windows overlooking the street. As I watch the cars go by blaring sirens break through the once quiet atmosphere. One after another police, ambulance, firefighter, police, ambulance, firefighter. As quickly as the parade of vehicles started it ends. I didn’t think much of it and countuined upward. The thick apartment door is slowly heaved open and the look of the apartment hits me like a brick. It overlooks a construction site, it smells like a dead rat and it has dirt on the walls. “Mum you can’t seriously think this is where we’re staying do you?”

“Look honey it’s just until i get a new job and find us another place, it won’t be for long i promise.” She leans over and kisses me on the forehead. I’m not mad at her, but i can’t beilve she didn’t warn me about the living conditions, but even though i really want to just scream i know she’s trying her best. “Well I’m heading off to the shops, see you in a bit sweetie.”

“By mum, love you.”

“Love you more!.” Almost simultaneously to the heavy door closing a blaze of heat runs up my back as I’m suddenly thrown against the wall, almost like a giant just punched me with full fource. Blinking awake i don’t realise the blood covering my body, or the thick smoke, i just think of her. “Mum!” I weakly yell, “MUM” i push myself up, adrenaline filling my body. My whole apartment is covered in thick ash and smoke, i rush to the door and pull it open with all the strength i have left, the sight horrifies me. Nothing, just nothing, no floor no walls it looks like a knife had cut straight through the apartment. Trembling I slowly look down and see piles and piles of rubble and fire. But in amongst all of it i spot a singular white ruffle sleeve poking out and blowing in the breeze.