The sound of yet another can of beer had been the last straw. Natsuki was afraid. She didn't want another beating, she didn't want her stuff to be destroyed again. She hated that she loved her papa so much to stay with him until this point, but she was scared that she wouldn't be able to ever read another manga, or bake another tray of cupcakes for her friends. Afraid of not waking up after another of his bad nights.

After taking a few things, Natsuki managed to make her way out while her father was drunk and asleep. The rain was pouring, and she fell down from her bike quite a few times, causing her to hurt and cry. But the adrenaline of the moment kept her going, without feeling any pain until she was safe.

There was one place where she felt like she could stay. Almost shyly, she knocked on the door, and waited.

"Please be home, please be home, please be home..."