The winner of the Balmacewen Writing Competition.

I shuffled down the creaking stairs, my eyes drooping with exhaustion. My heart hammered against my chest, as I ambled through to the kitchen. The moon was like a sliver of almond, hanging from the purple cloak, that was the night sky. Swinging open the cupboard door, I stashed the food into my bag. Glancing at my tattered watch, I pulled my worn out sneakers on, and lumbered for the weathered door. My quivering hand reached for the beaten door handle. The rusty hinges of the aged door, screeched like fingernails on a dusty chalkboard, as I silently snuck out, to leave my cruel family once and for all.

The gleaming stars covered the violet, night sky, as the faded moon played hide and seek with the clouds. Each footstep I took, was a drum beat, echoing, on the shady sidewalk. I angrily remember the last few words that they furiously spoke. How I was useless. Good for nothing. Retorting back, I had snapped at them, telling them that they would never see me again. My heart felt empty, filled with guilt, and sadness. The darkness wrapped its arms around me, comforting me slightly, as I shamefully shuffled down the sidewalk. As the hours slowly passed, I wandered further and further into the gloomy darkness. My surroundings gradually changing, as I trudged on.

The sidewalk began to get chipped and cracked, as I shuffled down the empty street. Eerie street lights flickered dimly, sending a chill down my spine. The few houses that lined the dead street were torn apart and abandoned. Bright red graffiti covered the shadowed, cracked walls. Goosebumps prickled up my shivering arms, as the wind howled like wolves. My heart crashed like a drum, as I sauntered on. The sky began to gradually change, to a dawny, pink and orange blur.

I scuffed along, eyes getting heavy. Distant memories faded through my head, as I thought about my family. As the clouds broke apart, to reveal the blue sky, the sun started to appear. I waded through the long, golden grass, as the sound of tires humming filled my ears. My heart skipped a beat, as the rusty, decrepit vehicle clunked past me, down the gravel dirt road.

Adrenaline surged through my weakening body. Red and white striped tents flapped in the distance, as wisps of smoke, spiralled into the air, and gracefully floated away. Excited thoughts scrambled through my head, as I felt my heart beating eagerly. Step by step, I eventually approached the tent, my head full of wonder. Nervously peeking my head around the flap, I gasped in amazement. Blinding colours sped past me in a blur, as extraordinary people bustled around. A rough, grating voice interrupted my thoughts. Jumping in fright, I turned to see a burly, stout man, standing there furiously. Panic rushed through my veins, as I stuttered in shock. His gravelly voice echoed through my ears, as my fearful voice stammered excuses. My heart missed a beat, as his green, beady eyes burnt into me like the marks, left by a school masters cane.

I warily eyed him up and down, as the tent behind me flapped in the breeze. Swallowing the lump in my throat, I opened my mouth to apologise. Suddenly the sound of sharp footsteps fill my ears. Glancing around, I notice a tall, lean lady strutting towards us. I hear a short breath of air, as the man stalks of resentfully. As the gaunt lady approached me, her kindly face became more visible. Wrinkles of wisdom engraved her indulgent face, as her electrifying blue eyes, radiated kindness and warmth.

Her clear voice, rung in my ears, as she invited me into her tent. I scuffed along the short, burnt grass, as I traipsed along beside her. Her face was wreathed with smiles as she welcomed me into her tent.

I shuffled through the dimly lit tent, and creaked down into the aged, rocking chair. Strutting over to me, she examined my freckled face. Humming to herself, she picked up my filthy hands, stroking them gently. Confused thoughts rushed through my head, as my bones tingled all over. Her excited voice then interrupted the silence. I had just come to accept that my life would be ordinary, when something extraordinary happened.

She handed me a sparkling leotard, and I was led into the ring. The music started to play, as I was whirled into a steady rhythm, my feet moving, and my heart singing. I felt free, as light as a feather.

As the music slowed down to a complete stop, a smile beamed across my flushed face. At that moment, I knew in my heart that I was finally home.

By Ashleigh Allum