The Ways of the Streets

The Tale of Lizzy

"Thief!" The man shouted after me as I took off running down the cobblestone streets clutching the small bag of apples close.

I smiled and laughed as the old man attempted to chase after me. Of course he had no hope.

I knew every twist and turn- every crack and pebble- of the labyrinth that was the city of Erin.

I ducked under a large beam the towns men were carrying, and climbed up and over one of the small huts that lined the street, bracing myself for impact as I landed. I took off running again, leaving the old man far behind, as my long red hair danced in the wind.

I ran faster through the streets, not wanting to let the hungry eyes of the thugs fall on me, or hear the dying moans of the diseased and let the stench of their decaying flesh hit me. I slowed down once I reached the old rickety stairs that lead down into the abandoned tunnels.

"Oy!" I shouted, "I brought dinner!"

A small boys head peaked around the corner. I smiled.

"Come on Finny," I said holding up the sack of apples to reassure him.

He whispered something and then started walking up the old stairs, minding where he placed his feet.

Two other children followed him up all looking happy to see me. I took an apple out of the bag and handed it to Finny. His small tan hands reached out for it. I took another one out for little Anna. She grabbed it with her small frail hands and then one for Johnny who took the apple gratefully.

The four of us sat down leaning back against one of the abandoned shops. I took out an apple for myself and bit into it, watching the others when Anna looked over to me.

"Where did you get this, Lizzy?" She asked looking concerned. I smiled and messed up her hair.

"Don't you worry about that, just eat."

Anna seemed to think it over for a couple seconds staring at the apple, but she gave in to her stomach and she took a bite. I threw the apple core aside and stared up at the sky.

Winter will be here soon...I better start to prepare, I thought looking down at my old torn clothes and then to the tattered clothing of the children.

Going to need warmer clothes...

I sighed as I stood up, pulled my red hair back into a makeshift ponytail when Finny look at me.

"Are you going already...?" he asked looking worried.

"I'll be back before nightfall," I reassured him, pulling my ragged coat closer around me as a cold chill swept past.

I frowned, looking down at the three of them as they shivered. I handed Johnny the apples.

"Don't eat them all, okay?"

Johnny nodded and three of them headed back down the stairs.

"And don't freeze!" I shouted after them.

I pulled my hood up and walked back outside. I headed down the cobbled road, resisting the delicious smell wafting from the bakery nearby.

"Focus!" I scolded myself and casted my hunger aside.

I shoved my hands in my pockets and kept my head down, not wanting to attract the attention of the rough looking men around me.

I stopped in front of the Weavers small store.

Ok...In and out, I thought walking around the building looking for a way in.

I finally came across a small window in the back. I stretched my arms then pulled myself up onto the windowsill, wincing in pain as one of the nails scraped against my arm. Blood blossomed against my pale skin but I ignored the sting. I looked inside and sighed with relief, the shop keeper was out.