Hell Followed with Us

01The Escape from Home

In the heart of a home where love should have been the foundation, seventeen-year-old Ben found himself trapped in a cage of intolerance and bigotry. His family, blinded by their religious fervor, refused to acknowledge his true identity as a transgender teen. The walls of their home echoed with their harsh words and the sting of their physical abuse was a constant reminder of their rejection. One night, after a particularly brutal confrontation, Ben decided he could no longer bear the torment. He resolved to escape, but he couldn't bear the thought of leaving his younger sister, Serenity, behind. He feared she might become the next victim of their family's wrath. Serenity, a tender-hearted ten-year-old, was blissfully unaware of the harsh realities of their family's beliefs. She looked up to her older brother with innocent admiration and trusted him unconditionally. When Ben revealed his plan to escape, she didn't question him. Instead, she held his hand tightly and followed him into the unknown, her faith in him unwavering. Their journey was a treacherous one, filled with uncertainty and danger. They were penniless, homeless, and alone in a world that seemed indifferent to their plight. However, fortune smiled upon them when they stumbled upon a group of runaway teens who had made a home in an abandoned warehouse. The group was led by Amarie, a charismatic and enigmatic figure who had created a sanctuary for teens like them. Amarie, a twenty-year-old runaway herself, was a beacon of hope amidst their despair. Her past was shrouded in mystery, but her leadership was undeniable. She commanded respect and loyalty from the group with her strength and compassion. She welcomed Ben and Serenity into their fold, providing them with shelter, food, and a sense of belonging they had never known before. Despite the harsh realities of their new life, Ben and Serenity found comfort in their newfound family. They learned to navigate the challenges of living on the streets, relying on each other and their new friends for survival. Yet, the fear of their past catching up to them lingered, casting a long shadow over their newfound freedom. But for now, they had each other, and they had hope, and sometimes, that's all one needs to keep going.