It didn’t take long for Autumn to realize her parents weren’t going to come for her. She had spent the first few nights thrashing and wailing in the room assigned to her. She rejected meals given to her and wouldn’t come out of the room. She just sat in the corner crying. 

It was difficult for the staff not to fill sorry for her. Serving the Von Campers was tough but at least they were there willing. Autumn was an eight year old girl brought here under pretense by her own family and against her will. 

Even stern, mean Ms. Carlson soften at the little girls plight. No one knew why she was there not even Ms. Carlson. She genuinely believed the girls mother would call for her at the time. 

On the fourth day there Autumn finally got up from her spot, with swollen eyes she walked up to the head cook and tugged on her skirt. 

“May I please have some water please,” she sniffled

The head cook looked down at the little girl and smiled, “Of course dear, just go ahead and sit on the stool over there by the window.” 

The poor thing must be dehydrated, she thought to herself. The head cook dished her bowl of the soup she just made with some bread on the side and brought it to Autumn with a glass of water. 

“Thank you,” Autumn said, stuffing her face with the bread. 

“Eat slowly”

Autumn nodded obediently. 

As she ate the head cook's son ran up to the window and caused Autumn to shriek. 

“Marcus” his mother shouted, “How many times have I told you not to do that when people are eating."

Marcus ran off laughing.

Autumn watched as the child disappeared in the distance. She wanted to run off with him to test the possibility of regaining some joy. 

The head cook turned to look at autumn, “You can go with him, if you want”

“Really?” Autumn replied elated. 

“Yes of course, you’re not a prisoner here,” the cook said with a smile. 

Autumn got up and ran towards the stairs. Just then Ms. Carlson stepped in front of Autumn and she shrunk into her shoulders and crept back into her room. She stayed there and waited for Ms. Carlson to leave the kitchen before she headed for the garden. 

Autumn found her way outside and looked around for Marcus when a tall bulky looking man stepped in front of her, “Hey there, little lady.” “I’m going to need you to come with me.” Scared, Autumn complied and followed the scary looking man to see the master of the house. 

Autumn was led into Sean Clyde’s office. She stood in front of his desk as he looked her up and down. He whispered something to the man that had brought her in and he led Autumn out of the room. 

The man ushered Autumn into another room, a lot bigger than the one in the kitchen but this time the situation was worse. He stood in front of her door and wouldn’t leave. 

Autumn knew she wasn't safe here. She was sure she needed to leave. She needed to escape this house.