Kiss me Not

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e orphanage treated me with a tenderness that felt familial, almost maternal, which was something I had longed for. She was an admirable person, embodying kindness and compassion toward all of us children who lived under her care and protection. She once shared with me that after an

t dawned on me that my parents had abandoned me on purpose, a realization that was both painful and bewildering. Why would they do such a thing? I had no answers to that haunting question, and it wasn't somet

anage, along with the manager and a few teachers, surprised me with a fantastic birthday party that I would never forget, a memory I would cherish forever. Their thoughtful gestures filled me with warmth and gratitu

ned me to follow her to her office, her expression tinged with concern and seriousness. I could tell something w

ssed my mind to wonder what she might reveal, what important information she was holding back. When she caught me yawning, she turned

talk first thing in the morning?" I tried to maintain my pol

on and firmly replied, "No, now. We

y, placing my hands at my sides, trying to appear composed despite the turmoil within me. She sighed deeply and slumped into her chair, he

filled with a mix of hope and dread. "Plans for what exactly?

e was usually so kind and gentle, like an angel in disguise, but now she seemed anxious a

ached me. The distance between us felt like mere inches, and I could sense the gravity of her words, the weight of the moment settling around us. "

How? Where? To what end? You're kidding, right?" I struggled to smile, hoping against hope that she

learn to rely on yourself. For many years, we have taken care of your needs, but now is the time for you to find the things that will make

ising within me. "No, please don't evict me from this establishment! Since I was a child, I haven't ventured beyond these four walls. I have no friends, no family, and nowhere to go because I

th was I sup

n eyes glistening with unshed tears that mirrored my own sorrow.

have much money, but you know that already. This is the best I can do for you. I sincerely apologize, but the time has come

felt as if I were already living on the streets, a chill creeping into my bones. I rarely left the orphanage unless it w

e out! If you need a maid, I'm available. I can help! Please let me stay here. I have

pecifically for homeschoolers, which, in the grand scheme of things, didn't really

d my own. "Could you please leave now? Leave my office immediately. And I d

, cutting deeply into the bond we had formed. I had treated her as if s

e normally, my vision blurring from tears that refused to stop. But I had no choice. I sobbed uncontrollably, dragging my feet as I await

, and I certainly didn't want to see my fri

cent condition. I didn't have much in the way of clothing, and I fled into the shadowy streets, heading t

rred from their slumber yet, making the place feel desolate and abandone

, to show me a way out of my predicament. I was truly in a bind. With only a few dollars,

e, an idea sparked in my mind. But just as I thought I had a plan,

y, the driver spotted me and brought the car to a stop just inches away, narrowly avoiding a catastrop

me, concern etched across his features. "Are you okay? Did somet

e hair caught the moonlight, and I was captivated by the contrast, the warmth radiating from him. I let out

. Don't freak out. What are you doing out here all alone? This place is dangerous. I can give you a ride anywher

ght of my situation pressed down on me, making it difficult to think clearly. My mind raced, grappling with both fear and a flicker of hope. Did I really

ied me. "What's your name?" he asked gently, as if he wanted to let me know that I was safe with him, that I

eline. And I just turned eighteen a few days ago," I replied, the words tumbling out of my mouth as I felt a strange mix of

of my element, flushing like a foolish schoolgirl caught in an embarrassing moment, overwhelmed by the mixture of emotions swirlin

I didn't ask to see your ID. I'm not a cop, you know," he teased lightly, attempting to lighten the mood. His easygo

"Excuse me." My heart raced, and I could feel my pulse quickening as I tried to gather my thoug

ide home. You shouldn't be out here alone," he insisted, his tone firm yet gentle. The offer felt

I just turned eighteen, and now I'm supposed to leave the orphanage, and-" My voice trembled a

e with me. I have no objections. I can help you find your footing in this world," he said with conviction, his

ly and bent down to grab my bag, my heart pounding with uncertainty and fear of the unknown. "Thanks for the offer, but it's time for me to leave

eness and urgency. "You're not going to end up like that. I'm not a killer. I'm an orphan too, just like you," he reassured me

of my situation. It was difficult to discern his intentions, but something about him felt genuine. Judging by his attire and the car he drove, I was reaso

til I can find a job and a place to stay. I promise I won't be a burden," I said, my voice steadying as I made a decision. The tho

et's get out of here quickly because, honestly, this area is crawling with trouble. You can't count on me to keep you safe forever, but I can at least help you f