On the Run: Escape to Explore

CHAPTER - 7 The First Day

The bus ride stretched out over twenty-four hours, each minute adding to the weight of our decision. The seats were uncomfortable, and the constant jostling of the bus made sleep almost impossible.

The monotony of the road was broken only by brief stops at small, dusty towns where we could stretch our legs and buy some snacks.

During one of the brief stops, I took out the sandwiches I prepared back at home. We ate in silence, lost in our thoughts.

At night, the other passengers seemed absorbed in their own thoughts, heads bowed and eyes closed, unaware of the two teenagers embarking on a journey that felt monumental.

As the dawn began to break, the streets became narrower and more crowded. Street vendors were setting up their stalls, and people bustled about, starting their day.

We stepped off the bus. Sana and I shared nervous glances, the reality of our situation sinking in. We moved cautiously through the crowd, clutching our bags tightly.

"We need to find a place to stay," I said, scanning the bustling streets.

Sana nodded, her eyes darting around. "Let's start looking. We can ask around."

We approached a street vendor selling hot tea and pastries. After buying a couple of pastries to calm our growling stomachs, we asked the vendor if he knew of any cheap places to stay. He pointed us toward a small alley a few blocks away.

After what felt like hours, we stumbled upon a small, run-down building with a faded sign that read "Sunset Lodge". Inside, a middle-aged woman with kind eyes and a tired smile greeted us. After a brief exchange, she offered us a small room at a price that fit within our meager budget.

The room was tiny, with just enough space for two narrow beds and a small dresser. It wasn't much, but it offered a sense of refuge. We unpacked our bags and collapsed onto the rickety beds, exhausted but relieved.

"We did it," Sana whispered, a small smile playing on her lips. "We're actually here."

"Yeah," I replied, feeling a mix of relief and apprehension. "Now we just have to figure out what comes next."

We spent the rest of the day exploring the neighborhood, trying to blend in. South Caba was a vibrant but harsh place, full of life yet marked by poverty.

As evening fell, we returned to the hostel, our minds buzzing with possibilities and uncertainties. We had taken the first step, but the journey was far from over.