Chapter 1: Puddles

Chapter 1: Puddles

Thunder rolled across the sky and heavy drops of rain pelted the sidewalk. The drops gathered together into growing puddles that were illuminated only by the street lamps and occasional car headlights. The stores on this block were all closed already; no warm inviting light poured out from the large windows. From under my protective awning I watched the storm, occasionally trying to get a better look at my surroundings. Lightning flashed off the sides of the buildings giving me the temporary comfort of daylight.

Giving up on my ride ever showing up, as was promised a couple of hours ago, I gave in to my empty stomach and fished a couple of bucks out of my coat pocket. Pulling up my hood and gripping the money tightly in my fist I made my way to the nearest late-night cafe. Luckily for me, it was just a few blocks away.

I slowly made my way along the sidewalk, getting more and more drenched with every step. I gently placed my boots into the puddles, forming ripples that broke the reflection of myself surrounded by the dark shops. I watched my feet as I walked, not wanting to look around for fear of the unknown. I'd lived in this neighborhood long enough to know how to avoid trouble; or so I hoped. I'd never really been bothered by anyone, just sassed by the occasional street hermit.

As I was about to place my boot into a relatively deep puddle, I stopped mid-step. A thought occurred to me, and I opened my fist and looked at the pair of lonely dollar bills in the palm of my hand. If I spent those tonight, just what would I use to buy food over the next couple of days? A raindrop slid down my forehead to the tip of my nose, then plopped onto the toe of my boot. I moaned and shoved the money back into my pocket. An empty stomach for one night wasn't going to kill me. I'd certainly come to learn that lesson.

Letting out an exaggerated sigh, I turned around and walked in the direction of my apartment, more slowly than before. I can't exactly say that I was returning to the warm comforts of home.


Chapter 2: Who are you?

It was an hour before I made it back to my apartment. My body shook violently and I felt as though I was soaked all the way down to my bones. My cheeks felt poker hot, however. Shaking my head slowly I shoved my key into the old lock and turned the knob. The door squeaked open and I switched on the light. The old bulb flickered ominously before it buzzed to life. Dull yellow light flooded the one room apartment and cast odd shadows in the corners. The old venetian blinds were closed, as usual. I quickly changed into a dry pair of jeans and a hooded sweatshirt and fell into the mattress in the corner, still shaking. A deep roll of thunder shook the whole building. Somewhere down the hall a door slammed and heavy footsteps passed my door and faded away. My eyes became heavy and the room slowly faded to black.
*****

The sound of someone humming slowly penetrated the throbbing between my ears. I could hear that the rain had stopped, but did not yet want to open my eyes. A heavy soft blanket had been laid over me as I slept. The smell of good things to eat filled the room and I suddenly sat straight upright.