Since Ham-Ham Interviews is gone, I had some time to get started on this story. I’ve been planning it in my head for a while now, so enjoy!

On My Own: Penelope’s Story by cappyandpashy4ever

Prologue

Maybe it’s not my fault that mom died.

Maybe it’s not my fault that Pashmina and I were left all alone.

But everything else is…my fault.

It’s my fault that Pashmina had to get a job to support us.

It’s my fault that she’s under so much stress.

I’m the one to blame. Because of my existence, Pashmina has to work hard every day and night just to keep me alive and well.

It’s my fault.

All my fault.

But what am I supposed to do…

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Chapter 1: Leaving My World Behind

I passed Pashmina in the hall today.

Under a cocoon of stress, she has changed. Changed into and empty, emotionless shell.

She used to be a neat freak, making sure that everything was in its rightful place.

But now trash scatters the floor. Her long golden brown hair is messy and sloppy. And her beautiful eyes, the ones that used to gleam with happiness, are now blank and sad.

We ate dinner in silence.

After dinner, I went up to go to bed. I got into my pajamas and brushed my teeth. I was going to say goodnight to Pashmina, when I heard a voice coming from her room.

Quiet as a mouse, I slipped into the doorway. Pashmina was standing up in her bedclothes and staring out the window, speaking softly.

“Mom, why did you have to leave us?” Pashmina whispered to the sky. “It’s getting harder and harder each day to survive. I know I just turned eighteen, but I’m afraid everyday that I’ll lose my job and not be able to have enough money for Penelope and I.”

“Poor Penelope, she must think so poorly of me now, mom.” Pashmina said. “I wanted to keep the family together, I thought I could do it, but I’m on the brink of failure mom! Why did you leave us? I know I should be able to handle it on my own, but it feels like a weight is pushing gown on me and getting bigger every day. I have to fight for my own and Penelope’s survival. And I’m so close to failing…”

I left the room as Pashmina began to cry. I knew I had to do something before Pashmina did something really rash.

My fault…

“My fault!” I cried. That was it. Pashmina was like this because I’m only thirteen and unable to fend for myself.

That’s what I had to do.

I had to show the world that I, Penelope Mafura, can fend for myself. But maybe not just for me, but for the sake of Pashmina as well.

To help my sister, I must erase myself from her life.

I packed a bag and left a note on the dresser.

Please don’t feel sorry.

After all, it is all my fault.

Goodbye, sister.

I snuck out of the back door and into the woods. I would have to sleep there for tonight.

I crawled into my pull out tent and under a thick wool blanket. I slowly began to shut my eyes…

Tomorrow I would start my adventure. I would leave my world behind.

Tomorrow I will prove once and for all who I am.

My name is Penelope Mafura…

And this is my story now.

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I know, a short chapter, but the next chapter will be better and hopefully longer. Please keep reading OMOPS and review! Arigato!