Having heard fairytales of princes coming to save princesses, Monica had lived her life hoping for a prince to come to save her from her horrid sister. Although she wasn’t abusive, mentally or physically, she was mean. She was a bully, always finding something about Monica’s appearance to poke fun of. Like yesterday, that thing was her hair, the way her hair was different from her beautiful, straight, blonde hair.

Now 30 years old, Monica decided that enough is enough, and she doesn’t need a stupid prince to come save her when she can save herself. All she needs is her cat QiQi and a bag or two, which she already had. Her bags were packed, and her cat was ready to go.

The moonlight streamed through her bedroom window, emitting an ethereal glow to the room. She had the courtesy of writing a note and placing it on her white desk. It was a bright pink sticky note with red ink jotted down on it, so it stuck out amongst the gentle colors in her room.

Thankfully, Monica didn’t live in a castle, it was quite the opposite; a one-story cottage, nestled cozily on the outskirts of Crasmere.

QiQi hopped into her carrier with a purr, tilting her head curiously up at her owner, who picked up the carrier by its handle. The cool metal seemed to pulse against her warm palm, filling her with adrenaline.

She held her breath as she exited her room and passed by her sister’s bedroom, exhaling deeply as she twisted the front door open, releasing a gasp of relief. Finally, she was free from her kidnapper and so-called sister.