**My body became utterly weightless as my clothes danced in the wind. Looking out at the palace grounds I have called home for the past 30 years and saying an audible thank you to whoever made me feel welcome, I let go. I don’t remember what my childhood bedroom looked like. Nor the sent of my fathers cologne or the feeling of my mothers embrace. One room. One room with a small but comfortable bed and a large window with a dark wooden frame is all I woke up to. What my life was before I don’t quite remember but one thing I do know; my Prince Charming will come to save me one day. At least that’s what I thought. **

****

****

****

**I soon left the bedroom to find a palace. Always clean. Always decorated. Yet no sign of life aside from the occasional song of birds and cicadas finding its way through the long hallways. The palace was large though I soon became accustomed to its oddity. It never stayed the same for long but after some time wondering the expansive halls and sneaking through small passageways I would always find just what I was looking for. Perfectly baked bread with fresh fruit, a dress which always fit me just right or books on all sorts of places and cultures though their legitimacy could be questioned. I was never uncomfortable though where the food and clothes came from always remained a mystery. **

****

****

****

**I know not who or what is always looking after me but I did my best to help out. I washed my dishes every night, I made my bed, I swept the floors, and I never made a mess. On occasion I would leave a note. Not for anyone I suppose but more a written telling of what has happened here should anyone find themselves trapped. I am trapped yes, but I have not a lack of space. Strolling through perfectly maintained gardens and scaling up towers were possible though I never quite got far enough to avoid opening a door to find my room instead of an exit. Each time I explored farther I would return to a small pastry wrapped up in parchment placed carefully on the windowsill. They were quite good with a different filling each time and seemed to be a small reward though it was unclear for which task. **

****

****

****

**Tonight I am free. Prince Charming never came. Through I don’t quite know what it is. I assumed I would know when I saw it but nothing has stuck out to me. Regardless of who or what this Charming thing is, I leave this place. I wonder if I am the first to be here or if their have been more? Maybe in my next life I could be someone’s Prince Charming. But with a clean room, washed dishes, and folded clothes I leave this life, ready to face whatever hardships come with freedom. **