I woke up knowing that something different would happen today. I didn't know how or why but today was the day that things were going to change.

And that honestly scared me to death.

I looked immediately to my small TV on the floor and slid off my bed to be closer to it.

I took one of my large blankets with me and threw it around me to keep me warm, then leaned against the screen.

Sometimes... I feel like my only friend is this TV.

Movies are all I have in this little world of mine. The last time I saw the outside of these walls was when I was four. Ever since then, It's been like this.

I still don't understand why my parents keep me here. I mean I know why but, did they think I'm dangerous?

I sighed and then remembered the name of the Yokai I was descended from.

A Hashihime. A vengeful, jealous spirit that haunts bridges.

But I'm not like that at all!

My ancestor isn't me...

I stared at the ceiling and started daydreaming about becoming a director and making my own films one day. The allure of capturing stories and preserving them is tempting. It kinda makes me want to get out of my room.

I heard a knock at the door.

"Come in. " I said.

I heard the sound of multiple locks opening and then the door opened. The maid quickly stepped inside and continued locking the door again.

After that, she began to tidy up my room.

When I was younger, I used to shout at the maids, "Look at me! Talk to me! ". I didn't realize that they were forbidden from recognizing my existence.

The only time they're allowed to talk to me is if I'm hurt or if I'm requesting a movie or TV show.
Other than that, it's like I don't even exist.

I scooted closer to the warmth of the TV screen.

My parents.... They must hate me.

I looked up and saw that the maid had looked my way for a split second.

She's new... I've never seen her before.

Her hair is very long and her eyes are green but hidden by her glasses. I would love to cast her as a lead actress in a movie.

But I can't make a movie...

I felt tears start to slide down my cheeks.

The maid looked at me again but this time, didn't look away.

Her face showed her emotions perfectly and she seemed to be arguing with herself internally.

She finally sighed then pulled a remote out from her pocket and pushed a button.

"That will disable the cameras for a little while... Are you okay?" the maid said.

Is she talking to me?

She walked closer to me and I instantly flinched.

"I'm not going to hurt you. " she said and smiled.

The maid is.... Breaking the rules. Showing emotion... Smiling...

"Can you say your name sweetie? "

I cleared my throat and tried my best to form words.

"Suu... Name is... Suu. " I croaked out. .

"Suu? That's a pretty name. My name's Ayani. "

"A... Yani? "I said.

She nodded.

"I only have so long so I better just spit it out. I'm making a request to transfer you to a different home. "

Huh?

"If I suceed, your parents will have to send you to live at Ayakashi hall."

No, I don't wanna leave! It's safe here! Nothing can hurt me here!

"You're... Maid... Why? " I said.

"I'm actually a part of the Secret Service. I'm going undercover as a maid so I can tell you : There's a chance for you to live, Suu. " she said.

I started crying even harder.
I don't want to leave!

This is my safe haven. I won't get hurt by the outside!

She must have interrupted my tears for tears of relief because she immediately smiled.

"It's okay, Suu. "

No, it's not...

"Leave... Don't... Want... To.. -"

"Don't speak. I know it's hard for you to talk to people. I know you're scared. But if I succeed, can you at least give the outside world a chance? " Ayani said.

"But... Scary..."

Ayani grabbed my hand and squeezed it.

"Life is about taking chances and making your own decisions. Don't run from that. Yes, it's scary... But it's better than staying here forever. "

I couldn't say anything to that so I just figeted around uncomfortably.

"I... Try... But... Just try. " I said.

She smiled.

"Okay then. " she said and made her way towards the door.

I instantly started to feel an ache in my heart and lunged from the hem of Ayani's skirt.

"Please... Stay a little longer... " I said quietly.

She grinned.

"Okay. " she said and sat down beside me on the floor.

"Tell me... What is... Ayakashi hall? " I asked, my words finally starting to come out better.

"It's a safe place for people like us. You'll meet genetic throwbacks just like you and you'll be able to watch more than one movie a day. "

"R-Really? " I said.

She laughed.

"Yep. And who knows, you could make friends. "

I pondered on the word Friends.

It's a nice word. I see it a lot in the movies. It's when two or more things stay together. And 99% percent of the time - it's completely irrational. I see how working together helps in some ways but sometimes a friend will get hurt for the other friend. It's so strange... Why would somebody do that?

"Have you ever had a friend? " Ayani asked.

"I don't... Think so. Nobody talks to me. I'm... Alone. " I said.

Ayani looked like she had been punched in the gut.

She suddenly put her arms around me and hugged me tightly.

"It's not fair! Why must we live in world where parents of GT children still try to isolate them! You're just a little girl. Why would they do this to you! " Ayani said and started to sob.

I just froze.

She's so passionate about freeing me. She's hurting herself and she doesn't need to. Is this...

I poked her back and she let go of me.

"I'm sorry... I must've scared you." she said.

"Ayani... Are you my friend? " I said.

She flinched and looked at me with a flabbergasted face.

"You're hurting... Yourself. Don't. I'm... Fine. " I said.

Is this helping the other person? There shouldn't be a reason for me to do this but...

"Oh, Suu... Do you want me to be your friend? "

Hmm.

Friends... It's a strange concept and I don't really understand it but.... I think I like it.

"...Yes. " I replied.

She grinned.

"Then the first thing I need to do is get you out of here. "

She got up and fetched a small telephone out of her pocket and dialed a number then put the phone up to her ear and waited.

"Hey.... Yeah, I'm in... She agreed... I'll start the infiltration now... I know it's not protocol... I know I'm taking drastic measures... She's been locked in here for most of her entire life, bastard. She deserves better than that... I'm not taking this personal!... I'm doing this by myself then... It's not kidnapping... If they want her back then they can fight for her... Goodbye." she said and hung up.

"I hate him. " she said and stood up.

"Come on, Suu. We're getting out of here. " Ayani said and helped me up.

I put my blanket on the ground and revealed my skinny frame.

Ayani just held me close to her.

She took out her key to the door and opened it.

My heart stopped as the door started to creak open.

Is this okay? Are mother and father going to get at mad at me for this? Is the world going to want me in it?

I wanted an answer to these questions but I don't think I realized then that I already knew the answers to all of them.

The door opened to reveal a hallway I hadn't seen in many years. We stepped into it and sirens started wailing.

"Run! " Ayani shouted and we ran out with me nearly tripping over my own feet.

Maybe I should've stayed in my room if I had known what was to happen.

Maybe.

But that isn't what happened.

It was much more than 4 walls and a TV screen.