The Drifter

Chapter 7: San Francisco

I marched proudly down the street into Westborough, where through a series of long bus rides, I managed to arrive at the bigger part of San Francisco. Sure, I received some funny looks on the bus as I carried a large can of corn, but I tried my best to ignore them. Plus, I had some pretty good views. I gaped at the tall buildings and structures, along with the beaches in the far distance. This was the largest city I had ever seen. I wanted to see Union Square or the Golden Gate Bridge. I wanted to explore the area. Just me, my bag, and my can of corn. The bus passed diners, stores, and houses, anything I could ever need. I knew I'd need to be careful, but this was a dream come true for me. A place I had always wanted to see! I bought a new notebook as well after filling my first one with my final entry thus far.

Eventually, the bus stopped, and I figured out the first place I wanted to go; the Golden Gate Bridge. I found a good taxi, which was a lot easier than I thought for a fifteen-year-old traveling alone holding a large can of corn. I paid the man enough money to get me to the bridge, plus a five-dollar tip. Thankfully, the bridge was just inside his district. After a little while we arrived at the bridge, and I told him to drop me off here. He drove away and I made my way to the pedestrian walkway. After a decently short walk, I made it to the center of the bridge and took a deep breath of fresh air as I finally was able to drop the can onto the ground and absorb my prize.

I took a second to take in the magnificent view of the ocean and bay. It was beautiful, and I probably stood there dumbfounded for at least half an hour before deciding that I didn't come here just for the bridge. I walked back to the end of the bridge I came from and found another taxi that would take me to the main city for a little extra money. I've walked this far, I probably could have walked some more, but I needed this rest. Eventually, the taxi nearly drained me of the last of my pocket-cash, but I made it into the large city. People everywhere, cars honking at every block corner, it was amazing. I thought of everything I had accomplished, everything I'd been through and done to get to this point. From sleeping under a bridge and sneaking onto a train, to walking among huge buildings on the other side of the state.

I was about to find a spot to eat rest when I noticed a man on the sidewalk. He had a beanie and a very thick jacket, along with fingerless gloves and a coffee cup in his hand as he sat against a wall. A homeless guy. He caught my eye and I figured he was just another victim of government taxes and poverty or whatnot. He had a small sign and appeared to be a beggar. He also seemed asleep, or so I'd hoped. I propped my walking stick against the arm with the can and stumbled my way across the street, dodging a car on the way. I noticed a small family walk right by, not even noticing him, or just plain ignoring him. The man seemed a little down until he glared up and noticed me.

"Well, hello," he spoke. His voice seemed a little raspy, but he seemed friendly. A little old with a short gray beard. He held out his hand, and I shook it. "I'm Joel," I said through a hoarse voice. "Close. I'm Joe," the man said. "What's a youngin' like you doing out here alone dressed like that?" Joe asked as he scratched his short beard. "Same as you, I suppose. Trying to survive, I mean," I said, dropping to one knee and placing down my can of corn. I winced as my stomach curled while I crouched due to my side, which still hurt a little as my stomach let me know it disagreed with my choice.

"Are you okay?" Joe asked me, nodding to my side as I held it with my hand in pain. I nodded. "I'm good. Just took a fall," I replied. "Tore up my side pretty good." "You new around here? You don't look familiar," Joe said, placing his hot coffee aside. "I am, actually," I said, making myself comfortable. "Thought so. I know everyone around here, but your face is new. Where you from?" he asked. I told him where I was from down in the southern part of the state, and he seemed surprised. "You traveled all this way by your lonesome? That takes guts," Joe told me. "So, I've noticed. I'm about out of guts to give," I remarked. "That's impressive. We could use you around the camp," Joe said. "The camp?" I asked, confused. "Oh sure, we got a camp up a little ways for homeless folk. Uh, you is homeless, ain't ya?" Joe asked. I nodded, and Joe slowly stood up.