Freddie gave a happy whine as she stretched her arms above her head, her shirt riding up to show the bruises that marked her skin. A dull, much-welcomed throb blanketed Freddie's body as she walked down the lit streets of her hometown. Her hazel eyes stared at the sky as she walked, studying each passing building.

Ever since she could remember, she’d lived in San Francisco. The tall buildings, lively streets and the crowded air were one of the few things she’d loved ever since she was a child. She was born here, made her first friend here, got her first boyfriend (that didn't last long), and made a name for herself in the ring. All in San Francisco. She was used to the smog coated air and litter covered streets. But now she was moving.

Her family had sold her childhood house and were now moving to a small town in Texas. She didn’t hate her parents for it, far from it. She was glad they had enough strength to move forward, get away from all the people saying their family would never leave, never achieve anything. There was just a hint of sadness that burrowed in her chest whenever she’d think of how she wouldn’t wake up to her cracked ceiling or white walls anymore. Or how she would never again run past that rundown gas station,

or hear the cars whiz pass in the early mornings as she got ready for school.

Freddie let out a breath and pulled her hair into a bun, walking up her driveway. Her family stood around the car, her brothers and father standing by the trunk. She gave them a wave and handed her bag off to her eldest brother, Eli, with an elated smile.

He put the bag into the back and gave her shoulder a squeeze as she shuffled past, watching her go with proud eyes.

Her family knew better than to talk to her after a fight. There was still that pent up adrenaline and primal desire. One wrong word and she’d be set off like a firework--a mix of colourful words and painful hits.

Freddie blew a piece of hair away as she climbed into the van, shoving past the youngest, who let out an angered squawk that became muffled behind Freddie’s palm.

“Quiet, Sherry. Your presence is annoying enough,” Freddie muttered, flopping onto her back in the way back. She set up a small nest of pillows and blankets after a minute of contemplation. A stash of junk food stood in the corner that would be gone by the time morning came.

Freddie waited until she saw the sign saying ‘You are now leaving San Francisco’ before she let herself fully relax.