Dark Places

Chapter One

I shiver against the cold bench. It's better than sleeping in a loud subway, so I can deal. The wind picks up again and I brace myself from the cold. Maybe this wasn't the best idea, but I don't really want to wander in the dark by myself. I'm not scared of the dark; I'm scared of what's in the dark. Lurking.

I shake the thought from my mind and sit up on the stone bench. Even if I could fall asleep, I'd wake up from the monsters that haunt my dreams. I'd wake up screaming, initiating people's curiosity. That would lead to attention; exactly what I don't want. If I were to draw attention to myself, I'd end up drawing attention from the police. That whole encounter would end with them sending me right back.

No, that's not an option. I will never go back. I made the decision to leave when I walked away from my mother and her fiancé and I won't turn back.

I sometimes find myself wondering if I'd made the wrong decision to leave home. But then I start to think about what would happen if I had stayed... I shiver; this time not from the cold. I watch a young couple stroll through the park, holding hands. It's dark outside, probably close to midnight.

As I watch them I notice how consumed they are with each other, and can't help but wish I could have what they have.

I've gone five days without food so far. I'd find a way to get some if I was hungry in the first place, but my nerves keep my attention away from my empty stomach. My mind starts wandering toward what happened that night.

The worst night of my life, when everything fell to pieces - including myself.

I left home to try to piece myself back together... and so far, I'm doing fine - all things considered. My dad always taught me to be independent. I remember how he used to teach me things from fishing to how to set up a tent.

But I suppose it never occurred to him to teach me how to deal with losing someone so suddenly your world doesn't seem yours anymore. My eyes well up with tears, but I push them down; ignoring the sharp pang I feel running through my body.

I've hidden my emotions from people for so long, that now I feel numb above all else. Aside from the sorrow and pain that's consumed my life.