Julie would sneak out and back in through the bedroom window via the metal ladder she'd placed skillfully hidden in the bushes earlier that day. She would be out for just 2 hours, at 22:00. Alex would almost certainly be fast asleep. She knew from experience that he would check on her at 21:30 hours and so she would have half an hour of clear time to make sure he'd gone to sleep before she left.
In the backpack there was a torch, a phone, a change of clothes and some money. It was probably a bit too much for probably a walk alone around the neighborhood and maybe a visit to a late-night grocery store for some chewing gum.
She glanced at the clock by the bed. 21:58, and there had been silence from Alex's room for the past 27 minutes.
He was asleep.
"I'm pathetic," she thought. "I haven't been out by myself... Ever. Never had chewing gum. Alex is too overprotective for a brother seven years older than me..."
She smiled.
"I know he worries... But I can't get into that much harm in two hours... Can I?"
The clock struck 21:59. Julie grabbed the backpack.
She listened; nothing but sweet silence.
She checked she had the money; a £10 note. Definitely more than enough.
She stared out at the window, at the inky black sky.
Her heart pounded.
22:00.
"Go time."
She leapt out of the window.
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