1 Chapter 1:

The car ride home echoed through her mind. Buildings of restaurants, businesses, and other establishments littered the street as time passed on.

"Ready to go home?" Her mind was snagged by the words of the taxi driver. "It's been a long time, Ya'know." She only nodded in response. Was she ready to go home? It has been over ten years since she left. What has changed? More importantly, what didn't? Did they ever find Amire? Did they ever find mom? Zoey took a deep breath as she continued to look out the glass that separated her from the uncaring world that waited. Even though she talked to him a while ago, she wasn't ready to spill everything to them.

"I think I'm ready." Coldness constructed its way through her hands as she left the conversation there. She was ready. Heck! She had to be. Who else was gonna pay? Selling her home was thought to be the best thing for her. Starting new, living a new life seemed to be the only way to start. Yeah, new start. One where I lived freely. One where I don't have to worry about where my mom is. Where she is. Where she was, she is probably dead against the kitchen counter. Or... she could be in a morgue softly resting, not having to worry about the voice that separated them years ago. Well, at least she's happy. She sighed. The car ride after that seemed to last forever as time moved from hour to hour. Zoey watched as the people around her glanced at the bright yellow vehicle and turned in shame.

"Don't worry 'bout them darling, just a couple of nobodies." The cab driver's country voice drew confusion in her mind. She wasn't worried about what they thought, she was worried about the feeling of newness. The sight of people's faces when they realize Zoey William, a girl that once held this place so dear, coming back after a decade of absence. The woman's skin shivered as she laid back to try and get some reminisce of relaxation. Maybe I could head to the city's bar. Who knows how long it's been since I had a drink? Gosh, a gin would make my heart so happy right now. The vacancy of speed led Zoey to believe she was here.

And she was right.