My family of eight stands on the porch of our small home. They look like a family; my mother and father holding the two youngest siblings in their arms, My older brothers hovering over my sister, my little brother holding her hand. They looked perfect, except I wasn’t with them.

I bit my lip nervously, glancing down at my worn out backpack and duffel bag slung over my left shoulder. I don’t know why I signed up for this, I was probably just going to end up dead.

Mother sighed, noticing my hesitation.

“You don’t have to do this, Sadie.” She said, almost a whisper.

My father grunted quietly, as if he was disagreeing. He was right, though. I needed to protect my family, and I suppose my father would be happy that I would be out of the house.

I nodded uncertaintly. “I do.”

My parents shared a look as everyone went quiet. I took a deep breath as I glared at my backpack once more. I had to do this. _Must_. My family needs to live… even if that means I don’t.

“I’m going to be late.” I said quietly.

My father’s jaw tightened as he scowled at me. I felt my heart sink into my chest. I wanted to cry, yell at them to forbid me to go.

“I love you.” I whispered.

Nobody moved. My heart dropped.

“Be careful out there.”

Those were the last words I heard from my family.