Maybe I'm Better Off Dead

1:1

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Part 1

I kicked a can, sending it flying across the asphalt. I honestly knew this would happen but why did it have to be now?

Where could I possibly go now? I sighed thinking about giving up. I couldn't live in fear.

I stared at the can that I kicked which was now a few feet away. The sad can was just like me used, tossed away and forgotten.

"Hey kid, can you hand me that can?", a beggar holding a bag of cans asked me, pointing to the object of my thoughts. I bent down and picked it up, handing it to him.

He smiled and took it gratefully. "Even if it's just a can, it can be recycled and be made into something new"

It was just as if he read my mind. I felt a strange comfort from those words. I watched him curiously. He continued to search for more cans while digging through the trash. The old beggar smiled every time he found a can. I got jealous of how happy he seemed to be.

After a minute he noticed me staring and kindly smiled at me. 

"Ran away from home, boy?"

"It's more complicated ," I mumbled.

 looking at my feet I began to clench my pants with both hands.

"Well you're welcomed stay the night at my place, that's if you help me search for more cans," he offered.

I nodded without so, much as pausing. the thought of a safe place sounded like heaven. I rolled up my sleeves before helping him dig through the trash for cans. It was disgusting at first, but I got used to it and after a few hours of searching we called it a night. I helped him carry the bags full of cans and followed him as he lead the way. After a few minutes we reached a small park.

"Here we are!", he pointed at a hidden tent in the trees.

"Looks cozy", I said sarcastically.

He laughed, "Yes it is when you get used to it, boy. Go ahead and make yourself at home, I need to sell these cans at the recycling place."

I thanked him and went inside the tiny tent. I looked around curiously. It was full of dirty clothes, empty food wrappers, and... a used tissue? I cringed. I tried to tidy up a little bit, making room so I could lay down. I moved a dirty blanket and found a folded piece of paper. I knew I shouldn't look into other people's private things but I couldn't help myself. I unfolded the note and saw a picture of a boy similar to me.

Find and give us the boy . We will pay you nicely .

My eyes widened as I re-read the note. 

At the end of the letter was a symbol of a teddy bear with a black tie. I knew I had seen this before... but where? I stared at the teddy bear, trying to remember where I'd seen it. Suddenly someone opened the tent, grabbed me from behind. They held a cloth to my mouth making me dizzy. I clutched onto the person's hand trying to uncover my mouth but they were too strong.

The last thing I heard was strange laughter before I passed out.