What's that smell-grass and blood? I opened my eyes slowly, staring up at the clear blue sky. No clouds.

It took a moment-three seconds, to be exact-before I realized where I was.

Right. I got kicked out of my family's house. All because of that old man.

3 DAYS EARLIER

Wake up, kid. Enough already. You've been lying here for a month. I know it's hard to get over your family's death, but if they saw you like this, they'd be disappointed.

This boy's name is Von. His entire family was murdered a month ago, and since then, all he's done is lie on the ground, doing nothing. He's given up on life. But it's not easy-coming home to find your family slaughtered by a serial killer.

If you don't wake up, I'll have to kick you out. Stand up, boy...

No response. I sighed and grabbed his legs, dragging him outside. Listen, I know how you feel, but this isn't the way to live. Here, take this. I tossed him a small leather bag containing a knife, three gold coins, and twelve silver coins. That's enough to start a new life. And don't ever come back.

Von said nothing, just stared with lifeless eyes. I had no choice. As I turned to close the door, tears welled up in my eyes.

3 DAYS LATER

That old man. How could he kick me out?

But... if I were him, I'd probably do the same. I spent the entire month lying around, eating his food, not even paying rent. And still, he gave me money.

One thing he said stuck with me, though: If my family could see me like this, how disappointed would they be? That's the only reason I'll try to live again.

For the last three days, I've been hunting rabbits and birds, sleeping wherever I can. This forest is massive-Zonda Forest, one of the largest in the country. I still don't know why my family chose to live here. We stayed for nearly four years.

But enough of that. I stood up, grabbed the leather bag, and headed into the city. I bought a few supplies: water, a tent, a lighter, and an axe.

That'll be nine silver coins, the shopkeeper said.

I handed her the coins.

Thanks for visiting. Take care, she said with a smile.

Y-yeah. Bye...

I gathered my supplies and made my way to the city gate.

Stop right there, young man. A huge, muscled guard blocked my path. How old are you, and why do you want to leave the city?

I'm 17, and I'm leaving for personal reasons.

The guard smiled. Interesting kid. But it'll cost two silver coins to pass.

I sighed, put my things down, and fumbled for the coins. Here.

Alright, you can pass. But wait, one more coin for taking that axe outside the city.

I gritted my teeth. Why should I pay to take my own axe? I thought, but handed him another coin without a word. Finally, I picked up my belongings and passed through the gate.

For the first time in four years, I'm outside that boring city.

It's time to explore the world.

___________________

This story is an original work created by me. MK.

I Use chatGPT but just for spelling mistakes!!

And enjoy the story🫶