My bags were packed,
my room was empty,
and my memories were gone,
as I spent the last moments
in my empty room
saying goodbye
to the only life I’d known.

When the time came,
I couldn’t leave—
I wasn’t leaving.
Her nails dug into my ankle,
as I got dragged away.
The rough carpet scraped my skin.
After I struggled to break free,
I held my Nana’s hand.

“I will always be with you.”
Her hand
slipped away from mine.
Papa’s shaky arms
surrounded mine
until the tears overflowed his eyes.
He turned away
as I walked out of the door.

Car door was then locked,
and I watched my home disappear.
All the memories faded away,
as the house was out of sight.
Then I knew—
I was gone.