Mentions Of Kennedy

The Search For Hope

It came back to me, eventually.
I tossed and turned in bed
I woke up in a sweat
As if she'd called my name once more
Begging me to have the courage to finish
So I will.

After I discovered that Kennedy and Daniel were missing, presumed dead, I left. Took nothing but my wallet and a suitcase and left nothing but a note of explanation.
I sprinted through town, past the block we ran on pavements in, beyond the spray painted alley, and around the library, I took the next bus out of the neighbourhood. I slept in the seat until dawn turned to dusk.

I spent most of my dreams pondering whether she sat on the seat I was on.
If she breathed the air I was breathing.
And unlikely or as idiotic as it was; I had hope.

I woke with a start when the bus reached New York. It was a first, feeble guess of where she could be, and it was probably a lie, but it was the only lead I could pursue.
Suddenly among the bustling streets my soul became a little brighter than it had been since she left. My feet took me wherever; until I had an idea.
"Excuse me?"
The girl behind the register at the vinyl store grunted at me.
"Uh- by any chance did you see a girl around here with a toddler, she's about this tall with blue hair?"
The shop assistant raised an eyebrow.
"Nope."
I struggled not to roll my eyes.
"Thanks anyway," I muttered bitterly.
Tired and frustrated, I stomped down the street.
I visited five more stores with no luck.

And then I saw the store advertising a job opening.
A job opening to work at the record store splattered with spray paint.

My heart flew in anticipation, and I sprinted across the street to the disdain of the drivers. I flung open the door.
Out of breath, I walked up to the counter. The girl at the register was turned around, her brown hair in a messy ponytail, earphones and a pencil in behind her ears.
"Have you seen-"
And then Kennedy Hope turned around.