Never thought I would like it here

Fucking America (Chap 1)

1968

I despise America, especially New York. Well, maybe "despise" is too strong of a word. I don't exactly have warm feelings toward America or New York. Despite its undeniable beauty-those vibrant green trees and the city lights that twinkle like tiny stars when the sun retreats and the moon takes over-I can't shake off the unfortunate circumstances that brought me here. I miss home, I miss the nights back in Australia where the starry sky remains untouched by the blinding lights of urban life.

To make matters worse, I find myself succumbing to sleep's grasp, huddled on a worn-out bench in front of a shabby apartment. I'm only dressed in a thin black t-shirt and thin pants with no shoes. It's the dead of winter, and I'm desperately trying to avoid frostbite. All this because I ran away from some creep who wanted to steal my money. Exhaustion engulfs me before I even realise it, and my eyes surrender to the darkness as they close shut.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~

I'm suddenly awoken from slumber as a gentle touch grazes my shoulder, causing me to spring up into a seated position. The world outside remains cloaked in darkness, but as my dreary eyes adjust, I realise there's someone standing before me. Instinctively, I inch closer to the bench, hoping to blend in with it.

"Whoa, it's okay. I won't harm you," the man reassures me. I opt for silence, thinking that if I remain quiet, he might leave me be. "But this weather could be lethal. Why don't you come inside? My apartment is warm, and you won't freeze to death there," he offers.

"How can I be certain you won't hurt me?" I manage to whisper, though the words barely escape my lips. I observe a softening of his expression under the dim streetlight.

"I won't hurt you. In fact, the weather poses more danger than I ever could," he replies, his voice sincere. A small smile plays on his lips. Extending his hand toward me, he waits patiently for my response. I hesitate for a moment before finally reaching out to take his hand. It's only then that I notice the tremor coursing through my body, and he, too, notices. Swiftly, he removes his jacket and offers it to me. Underneath, he sports a plain black t-shirt and combat pants, with a knife secured to his belt.

As I catch sight of the knife, I instinctively step back, my apprehension evident. Sensing my unease, he reassures me, "Don't worry, I won't use it against you. I carry it for protection."

"Protection from what?" I inquire, my concern genuine. "Do you have enemies I should be worried about before I enter your apartment?" His laughter echoes through the night, followed by a reassuring shake of his head, though I remain genuinely curious.

Slipping on his jacket, I revel in the comforting warmth it offers, curling inward to absorb every bit of its embrace. Together, we set off towards his apartment, situated just behind the bench where I had fallen asleep. Rather than ascending the stairs, we descend, arriving at a hidden door tucked away beneath the staircase. With a deft motion, he opens it, revealing a path leading to more stairs.

I trail behind him, soon realising that there are far more steps than I had anticipated. Faint lamps cast dim light, lending an eerie ambiance to our surroundings and amplifying my unease. "Are you absolutely sure you won't hurt me? This seems like the perfect place for someone to meet a sinister fate. No one would hear my cries for help," I express, my voice quivering. Up ahead, his laughter drifts back to me, soothing my anxieties. "Don't fret. I promise, I won't hurt you."

We continue our descent for what feels like an eternity. Fatigue creeps back into my bones, causing each step to become increasingly difficult. The urge to close my heavy eyelids grows stronger, making it harder to navigate the stairs without stumbling. The young man retrieves his keys from his pocket, preparing to unlock a small door ahead. Leaning against the wall, I inadvertently surrender to my exhaustion, closing my eyes while I wait. Unknowingly to me, sleep creeps in like a stealthy predator, and I slowly sway forward. Alert to my predicament, the young man swiftly catches me, preventing an imminent collision with the ground. Unlike before, I don't jolt awake; instead, I lean into him, surrendering to the embrace of slumber. Though he speaks to me, the words fail to register in my drowsy mind. I allow myself to succumb to unconsciousness, momentarily forgetting where I am and who I'm with. The consequences can wait, for now, as I grant my weary body the rest it desperately craves.

AN: So this is my first story ever that I'm publishing. This is sort of a way for me to keep up with writing. I have no idea how many chapters this is going to be, I'm kinda writing this on the fly and it could end up going horribly wrong but let me know if you like it and if you would like to see more of this story. I just finished watching The Queen's Gambit and it got me inspired to write something so here is the inspiration. :)