I’d imagine that bastard locked outside crying, just as I have been on many occasions.
That stupid ugly door.
I’ll never ever walk through it again.
Not for all the one dollar coins in the world.
???
Damn. Still no ride.
I’ll give it five more minutes.
The sky has begun to pale at the edges.
Just enough for me to see a dead snake in the gutter.
Poor bugger was probably crossing the road at the wrong time.
I suddenly feel exposed.
If I can see the snake, anyone passing through town can now see me.
Every abrasive caw of that stupid crow shortens my window of opportunity.
He’s warning me to start walking now while I still have the chance.
I stand to my feet, slinging the heavy backpack over my shoulder.
The pain makes me wince.
Goodbye Jundah.
See you never,I whisper.
There’s only one place I’ll miss.
I spent all day yesterday down by the river, sitting under my favourite tree.
Wish I had a photo of it.
Somewhere down the street, a dog has started barking.
Waking up the town, as though it’s alerting people of my betrayal.
Perhaps it’s jealous that I’m on the brink of freedom.
I watch the empty road.
Three slow minutes pass.
A sliver of orange burns bright along the horizon.
Fuck. I’d better start walking.
With shoes that feel like lead, and a heart to match, I leave the shadow of the tree.
Time to begin my journey north.
