He gave me that stranger’s look and said, “You can’t trust me because I can’t trust you!” Then walk away without looking back.

Even though he breaks their heart every time he leaves, no one can resist him. Poppy has that pale, silky skin along with the ability to bring temporary joy to his friend. But for the large majority, people know him through a rumor: “he is the source of all evil and inhumanity”. There are some periods when he once drowned himself in all kinds of trouble, everything from theft to being involved in gang activity. People started looking for him all the time; they missed what he used to bring them.

That also includes me. Poppy is like a crucial part of my life. However, at that moment, I was sure that it felt like another person had taken over his body. He has been acting differently since his return. I remember seeing him rummage through my purse like he was making sure of something. He turned around and gave me that bullet stare. The room was dead silent, but I ensured that I experienced something extraordinary, like a dream…with real consequences. Then he slowly walked to the old clacking door, carrying all my valuables.

I can’t tell which is the reality, which is the illusion. My dear old grandpa looked down on me. After a long sigh, he kicked me out of the small coffin garage. With five bucks in my ripped jeans pocket, I wander on the street, knowing tomorrow is misery. I kept heading somewhere until midnight, then came across the small school-like building. A familiar voice exclaimed, “ Wanna change your life?” I turned around and saw a bold, amiable man. On the other hand, my hunch kicked off immediately, “ An obnoxious notion.” But then I unwittingly followed him.

“Poppy pushes people to this place, but they are determined to start a new life, unlike the majority,” The old man said, while walking me inside the place.

We finally reached a small wooden house behind the yard. In contrast to the surroundings, the house has looked abandoned for a hundred years. I slowly cracked open the door.. An unpleasant smell came straight into my face. From what is inside, I can tell this place used to be a butchery. That sharp metal equipment swings back and forward every time the wind blows. With all the guts, I slowly step inside, thinking, “at least I had a place to sleep.”

I remembered one ultimate rule that said “the door is always open, and you are free to leave anytime.“ I glanced at that alleyway in front of the house. My body begged me to walk away, but I knew that once I walked out of that gate, I would seek Poppy again; then my life would just be worse. Heading to the bathroom, I looked at myself in the mirror and realized that there was nothing left. That greasy, overgrown hair represents those care-free days. Eyes are rimmed with exhaustion, deep inside me, my soul, body, and mind, all gone.