Chapter 1
The soft glow of morning sunlight spilled through the sheer white curtains of Haily Prescott's bedroom. Her favourite room in the world. It smelled of lavender and the faint trace of yesterday's perfume. The walls were painted a calming shade of blush, lined with framed memories—photos of laughter with friends, family vacations, and moments she once thought she'd never leave behind.
Haily stirred under the pale pink duvet, the fabric cool against her skin. For a moment, she kept her eyes closed, clinging to the familiar warmth of her bed. She had slept in this room for as long as she could remember, and today was the last morning she would wake up here.
Opening her eyes, she let her gaze wander. The small bookshelf near the window still held the classic novels she loved—The Great Gatsby, Pride and Prejudice, and the poetry collections that had sparked her dream of writing. The vanity in the corner held an array of neatly arranged perfumes and a jewelry box her mother had given her on her sixteenth birthday.
This was her sanctuary, her safe space, but the thought of leaving it wasn't bittersweet. It was... complicated. Excitement swirled in her chest, though it came with the faintest twinge of nervousness.
New York was waiting for her.
Haily swung her legs out from under the covers, her feet hitting the soft, familiar rug that lay beside her bed. The plush fibers cushioned her steps, warm and comforting, as though the room itself was reluctant to let her go. The clock beside her read 7:30 AM.
This was the last time she'd see the sun streaming through the white blinds and sheer curtains, casting a gentle glow over the room. The golden light seemed to linger, as if it, too, knew this was a moment to remember.
She stood slowly, brushing the sleep from her eyes, before moving toward the bathroom. Her bathroom. The one she'd spent countless hours in, from lazy mornings to late-night reflections. The soft scent of vanilla from her favorite candle still lingered in the air, mingling with the scent of freshly washed towels.
Haily stepped in front of the mirror, the reflection of her familiar emerald eyes staring back at her.
"Where has the time gone?"
she wondered silently, her fingers absently brushing a strand of blonde hair behind her ear. Her gaze lingered on her face, tracing the contours of her features, the quiet realization settling in. She wasn't just leaving her room behind—she was leaving her childhood.
