When I awoke the next morning, I felt terrible. All the pain had doubled, it seemed, from yesterday's quest to climb the tree and fall about a million times. I rolled up my sleeves to my grimy dress, and saw at least five bruises on my lower arm. On my upper arm, I saw at least seven on the outside. I didn't even want to look at the damage to my legs.

So, I grabbed my satchel and umbrella, making sure I wasn't robbed (I wasn't), and carefully made my way back to the park. I loved it there. It was a nice place, and I liked the little girl from yesterday. Claire was her name, right? I think it was.

As I opened my umbrella, people around me looked at me as if I had grown a tail. I don't know what they expect from a pale skinned, frail teenager who just walked out of an alleyway in a grimy white dress with a blue shawl on over it. And a pair of boots. Why are people so judgmental?

 When I got to the park, Claire was waiting for me in a tree. She carefully climbed down, making sure not to rip her beautiful, sunny yellow dress. She had a cute white flower crown in her hair, which was put up in a bun. Overall, she was adorable, and I wish that I could be like her, with nothing to worry about.

Then I remembered my curse.

If I get too close to Claire, she may die. I cannot, at all costs, let that happen.

"Hi! You never said your name yesterday!" Claire said when she got over to me.

"I'm Jenny. It's nice to see you, Claire." I said. I was scared out of my mind for her life. Anyone and everyone I've ever gotten close to has died. I can't let her be the next. But, I can't just shut myself away from her. She'll think I hate her.

"My older sissy is here with my parents today! I think you would like her." Claire said. She grabbed my hand with her smaller one and said, "Come on! You should meet her and my mommy and daddy!"

"I'm coming!" I said. She didn't let go, though. I appreciated it, but was also scared. I hoped I wouldn't get to close.

When we got over there, her mom was immediately looking at my grimy, dirt covered dress, and my tangled hair. I couldn't even run my fingers all the way through it.

"Oh dear, what in the world happened?" she asked.

"Nothing, madam. I'm an orphan, living on the streets. I ran from everywhere I've been." I explained, not giving her detail on too much, such as how I've killed every friend I've ever had. Or they died of a "tragic accident" or "food poisoning" or something to that affect. 

"You should come back to the hotel with us. We can get you cleaned up." she said. "Come, Claire, Adeline, Charles." She got up, and looked down at me. "I'm Kiara, by the way."

"It's a pleasure to meet you, madam." I said, curtsying. "I'm Jenny."

"Lovely to meet you. Such an adorable name, too. It fits you. You have a very cute physique. Honestly, I think you may be as lovingly adorable as Claire." Kiara said. "Once we get you cleaned and into a new dress, you'll look even better." and she led the family away, me in tail. 

Where we ended up was a miracle.

Armistice, the hotel for the wealthiest people in New Orleans.