I surveyed the little Brooklyn apartment. It was in awful shape – one wall was cracked, the bathroom looked leaky, and there were some questionable stains on the floor.

A grin split my face wide open. It was perfect for me. And it would be mine and mine alone; I was the one who was paying rent, after all. My parents refused to help, because they didn't approve of my painting.

I couldn't wait to move in and get started. Only three more weeks and I could. The minute I graduated, I was going to.

My new life was finally beginning.

a/n: ta-da. that's the end. :) i may or may not do another character. if i do, i'm thinking Ca-larke Reynolds. not sure yet. :)