Chapter 6

Elena pov

I keep bolting through alleys and between houses on my run. My lungs start to hurt really bad when I come to a dark alley and just have to get some rest.

hiding inside I take cover behind a dumpster and try to listen if anyone follows behind me.

I'm shaking in fear and I know it's probably stupid to be this scared for nothing!

I have no idea who I accidentally bumped into on my way out from the station and the man who barked out stop was most definitely not shouting at me. Right now I let my scare take away all my rational thoughts.

Tears are running down my cheeks and I cover my face with my hands and let them fall. Feeling sad about how my life has turned out to be! A shitshow!

Always on the run and nowhere I can breathe and feel safe.

Will this be the rest of my life?

I sit there for what feels like ages and probably two hours later, just breathing and trying to find some will to keep fighting for my life.

Slowly rising up from the ground I brush off some dirt and listen for any noises before walking closer to the street. I don't hear anything and carefully peek behind the corner of the house before taking a step out from my hiding place. It's the middle of the night right now and the street is empty of people.

The only sound I hear is my own feet on the pavement.

I brought some new shoes the first chance I got from the money I had in my bag. The others were too big for me. I have been using these every day since they are the only ones I got and right now they start to fall apart.

I don't have the money to buy myself some new, I need to save everything I can. Just use what's necessary. I have managed to save some money from working but it never feels like enough if I have to get away quickly.

I need to be able and do whatever I can to get away if I'm found.

Some nights I rest outside on park benches or other places I can hide to save money, if I know before I won't be able to sleep I don't use any money and rent a room. There is no point in taking that cost if it's not going to give me anything else than a hot shower!

That's one thing I miss the most! Be able to take a long hot shower or even a bath and relax.

These days I have been washing up in the public toilets under the cold water from the tap. Never really feel clean, just hurry to quickly have it done before putting my clothes on in a rush while I'm about to freeze my fingers off me.

I have bought three sets of clothes to change between me when I'm using my last clean one I rent a room for the night and wash them. Just so I can fit everything in my backpack!

I would love to have more clothes but I don't have any room left after my big jacket takes up most of the space and I couldn't live without it on cold nights or use it as a pillow if needed.

Walking down the sidewalk the air is fresh and not too cold yet, I can manage in my hoodie for the night.

Seeing a park and some benches I walk that way while listening for strange sounds. That is what I constantly do! Listening for suspicious sounds.

When I reach the benches I find a good dark spot on a bench behind some bushes. I won't be seen from the street in the dark corner here.

Taking off my bag I place it on the bench and take out a bottle of water and a package of crackers I have with me. Sitting down beside my bag I start to eat them while I look at my surroundings. It's a neighborhood with houses and some apartment complexes. From where I'm sitting they look nice and familial. I bet the neighborhood is calm and friendly to live in.

Eating some crackers I see a black car with tinted windows slowly drive by on the road. It feels odd with such an expensive car driving around here in this neighborhood. I see when it slowly turns around a corner and it's out of my sight.

Opening the tap of my bottle I take a few sips of the water. I have to save some water until I can buy myself more tomorrow.

Placing the crackers and water back in my bag I close it and place it down on the bench before I lay down on it with my head on my bag. Using it as a pillow tonight.

I slept enough on the bus today and now there is no point in trying to get some more sleep. I'm going to spend my night by looking up at the sky and trying to come up with a plan for what to do tomorrow.

When I decided to go here I hadn't a plan for what to do once I got here. I usually never have any plans since they can change with the next breath I take. I have a routine I do every time I come to a new city, I always start by looking around and finding every escape route I can before searching for a job and any safe place to stay at.

It has happened before that the city I have been in doesn't feel right or there is hard to escape fast from it, then I get on the first bus or train out of there.

If I can choose what to take then the bus is my first option. It's easier to get off on the way and usually, there are no cameras to monitor people getting on or off.

Occupied with my thoughts I hear a strange sound and put all my attention to it. Seconds go by and the sound slowly moves forward, only to stop a moment before it comes again.

Slowly I start to sit up without making any noise, I don't want to draw any attention my way.

The sound comes closer bit by bit and I can hardly breathe.