Tears stream down Vanessa’s face as she tosses her few belongings into an old suitcase. It is weathered and worn; seen far too many motel room floors and taxi cab trunks. A final glance around the sparsely furnished studio apartment, she clicks the beaten traveling companion shut.

“Goodbye Vanessa,â€? she whispers into the quiet loneliness of a life she will not soon miss.

Suitcase at her side, Alanis Morissette screaming about a pain she could relate to, Vanessa pulls out onto the highway and directs her car towards Los Angeles. Wild dreams of becoming an actress slows her tears.

“You love, you learn is right Alanis.â€? The volume quickly increases as she flicks the volume knob and begins to sing along. “You cry, you learn. You choo-oose, you learn.â€?

The car speeds westbound, past a sign that reads “Leaving Kansas, Come again.â€?. She tips a polite wave to it and a smile creeps onto her face. “Kansas. That’s a name people will remember.â€? Her eyes dart to the rear view mirror, “Kansas DuBois, nice to meet you.â€?