Would it be worth it though, to warm myself in that monster’s clothes?
The smell would keep me awake, a constant reminder of everything I’ve run from.
Nah, I’d rather freeze than have that shirt touch my body again.
I peruse the job board at the library again.
Maybe I missed something.
Forklift operator, must have a license.
Stock yard manager, must have at least five years experience.
Kindergarten teacher, must be police vetted.
Must have, must have, must have.
I have nothing.
I’m nobody.
Even if I wanted to go home, which I don’t, I’d have to walk for at least two weeks.
Just to get the beating of my life when I return.
If only I could find a way to get to the city.
At least in the big smoke, living on the streets would come with options.
More job vacancies.
More food scraps to rummage through.
And the beach.
I could sleep on the beach.
I find my way to the main highway and stand there with my thumb out.
At least until the queasiness in my stomach makes me dizzy in the heat.
Nobody bothers to stop.
Not even a horny pervert.
Three little thumb lengths on the map, yet nineteen hours on the road.
So close, yet so far.
And now, with my hand out, even one thumb can’t get me there.
Lowering my arm, I trudge back to the park in defeat.
???
Sip some water,I remind myself.At least water is free.
I round the corner just in time to see a woman lugging a huge suitcase.
