"Mom. Dad. I'm... I'm gay."

It wasn't the most flashy proclamation, but it did the trick. For months I've been keeping my true gender and sexuality identity from my parents, but today I mustered the courage and told them.

"What? Scar, that's ridiculous."

I sniffled, and hugged myself tightly.

"It's not. I'm gay. I'm also non-binary. I have been for a while..."

Dad walked over to me and frowned. "Scar, you're just confused."

I shook my head. "I'm not; at all. I've found out for months and I wanted to tell you, but I didn't want to because I was scared..."

Mom stood over me with a weird look on her face. Sadness? Anger?

"Scarlet. Pack your things, you're leaving."

I froze. "Mom?"

"Get. Out."

I ran to my room and slammed the door. I couldn't stand another moment in this house with these homophobes.

I grabbed a suitcase and filled it with clothes and things. I wasn't paying attention, I just threw things into the case and ran outside.

Once I was away from the house, I broke down. I was alone in New York and I didn't know what to do.

"Excuse me? Little girl?"

I jumped up at the sound a woman's voice. I looked up.

"Y-Yes?"

The woman knelt down. She had dark skin and black hair, and her eyes were full of worry.

"What are you doing all alone, sweetie? Where are your parents?"

I sniffled. "My parents don't love me. I'm all alone."

The woman frowned. "Why wouldn't your parents love you? You're a good kid, aren't you?"

I nodded slowly. "I came out to them. I'm a non-binary lesbian. They heard this and kicked me out."

I felt more tears, but the lady hugged me and said, "You poor thing. Tell you what, you can stay with me until we find a proper place for you, okay?"

I nodded, tears swimming in my eyes.

"Hey, it's okay, sweetie. What's your name?"

"S-Scarlet."

"Well, Scarlet, I'm Tracie, and I'm here for you. I promise."