Desiree groaned softly, tugging the covers over her head to block out the sunlight glaring into her eyes. It had been only a couple of hours before sunrise when she finally went to sleep the night before and she was hoping to be able to sleep in for another few hours before she had to get out of bed.
After rolling around a bit, she quickly realised that sleep wasn't going to come again anytime soon.
Walking into the kitchen a short while later Desiree was greeted with the sight of her father having breakfast at the kitchen table.
"Good morning," she murmured, turning on the kettle.
"I see you had a late night," her father spoke flipping the page of his newspaper.
Letting out a sigh, Desiree rubbed her temples, too tired to deal with this again.
A few moments of silence passed as she poured herself a cup of tea and popped some bread into the toaster.
"Did you find out where your going for placement?" her father asked.
Feeling her heart rate shoot through the roof, she mentally deliberated whether or not she should tell him the truth. Deciding it wasn't worth him being even more angry than he already will be if he finds out she lied to him, she rubbed her neck before muttering, "yeah I did. I've been placed in Rivenwood."
Instantly a heavy silence fell over them as the tension in the room skyrocketed.
"Rivenwood," her father said in a cold voice.
Already knowing what he was going to say next, Desiree added, "I've already asked if it's possible to be moved, but they had already sent in the forms. There's nothing that can be done about it now."
"Then you just won't go," he father stated with finality.
"Excuse me."
"Tell them you can't go."
"Dad, I'm going to Rivenwood for the program," she pronounced slowly, gritting her teeth.
"I beg you pardon," he spoke, lips pulling into a sneer.
"Rivenwood or not, this is a good opportunity for me. I'm not going to pass it up."
"You're not going."
"Watch me."
The following Monday Desiree stood before a large 4x4, waiting for Clarice and her other two coworkers to pack their bags into the back.
Desiree has been dreading every passing day bringing her closer to this moment and now that it was here, she could only sigh and wish away her pounding headache.
As soon as the truck was packed, the group climbed in and began the two hour journey to Rivenwood.
She immediately knew they were getting close to Rivenwood when the passing trees started to thicken into lush forest, stretching as far as the eyes could see.
Rivenwood was a small and quaint town surrounded by miles of forest and mountains. The town itself could be split into three sections, one part consisting of million dollar mansions, the other suburban homes. The final section took up most of the forest, as well as the sanctuary, filled only the occasional house scattered throughout.
Once they had passed the welcome sign announcing their arrival in Rivenwood, Desiree started recognising more and more of the surrounding areas. Bittersweet memories began flooding her mind and despite all the reasons she had to completely dread the upcoming month, Desiree couldn't help but smile.
It was good to be home.