Them

Kings Cafe

I don't think humans are made to be perfect. We're not made to be a certain way. We're not made to be the same as everyone else. It's so obvious that it's almost painful to see people try so hard. I suppose you don't always realize that when you're too busy fitting in. But now, while the only thing I think about is surviving another day, I realize that I was so occupied. So very caught up by the fact that I needed to be what they wanted me to be. 

The things you realize when you have all the time in the world, but no time at all. Mother had made sure that I wouldn't be able to go to family or friends. Her talons had everyone under her control.

After being kicked out, I wandered around for a while, but when the night fell I went to visit my best friend. Ex-best friend. After calling me a good for nothing slut, she slammed the door in my face. I didn't dare to try any more family members or friends after that. 

After a few months, I still haven't had to sell my electronic devices, which is something I'm truly grateful about. Not that I've had the opportunity to play a game or watch funny videos, but all of these devices are things I have worked hard for. The women at the shelter kept looking at me like I was crazy, but I couldn't care less. The only thing I care about right now is getting a roof above my head, which is something that proves to be harder than I expected. 

~

"Please, Miss, I'm really looking for a place," I beg the lady at the real estate office. She looks at me with a disgusted look on her face. "I'm sorry, but we're not offering apartments to those who will not be able to pay for it."
"You don't understand, I can pay for it! I may no-". Without listening to what I have to say, she slams the door closed in my face. Defeated I walk off. I hitch my backpack higher up my shoulder and head for the nearest cafe to grab a cup of coffee. 

Entering King's cafe, a glum look has fallen over my face and I have to bite back a yawn. For the past few weeks, a group of wanderers have been travelling through the same towns as me and chasing me away from my usual spots. It has left me cold, tired and very moody. 

The waitress at the counter waves me over as she pours another cup of coffee for the gentleman on the corner. Jameson was his name if I'm correct. He sits there every Wednesday waiting until his wife is done with her knitting club. 

"How did it go, dearie? Did Mrs Sunshye show you some nice places?". I shake my head as I sit down in front of her. "She eh, didn't want to talk to me. Said I  wouldn't be able to afford it. She didn't even-" I throw my hands up in frustration. Babette shakes her head and sighs before taking my hands in hers. "My sweet child, someday there will be someone who will look further than just your appearance. Until then, you have to hold on and keep strong."
"I don't think I can, Babette. These... wanderers, they don't want me here. They keep chasing me away, calling me names. I'm afraid of them."

Instead of answering, Babette goes to make a cup of tea. She hums along to the song that is playing on the radio. Something about a bridge over some dirty water. She looks around as if it's not safe to speak. "Hun, listen to me. These wanderers are dangerous people. You have got to stay away from them. They are bad news and they will cause harm to anyone who is in their way, so do NOT get in their way. They have hurt people before, some who will never be able to speak of it again, that's why no one will talk to you about it. Don't tell anyone I ever told you something about that." After that she places the cup of tea in front of me and saunters off to the newcomers in the cafe, asking them what they want to drink and eat.

I finish my tea and then leave, hoisting my backpack higher on my back. The cold air hits me like a bus after being in that warm cafe and I curse at the wind for being so damn cold. I hate being outside this time of year because it's so damn hard to find a good place to sleep. Especially with those wanderers outside. Like it isn't hard enough to find a sleeping spot in the first place.  

As I walk off, shivering in my thin coat, the cafe door opens and a person in a grey coat runs after me. My first instinct is to run, but on a second glance, I recognize Mr Jameson. He is red in the face and his normally tightly knotted tie is loosened. "Robyn! Wait up, please. I have something to tell you!" 

I stop in my tracks, seeing Mr Jameson so red in his face that I'm afraid that he could combust any minute now. "What's wrong Mr Jameson?". He pants for a good minute before straightening up. He is still alarmingly red in the face. "You have to know something. The wanderers, they're dangerous. They have killed, Robyn. they have slaughtered people and they have their sights on you. They are chasing you, making you uncomfortable, so that you'll run. And once you run, you'll be a perfect prey." A little disturbed I take a step back. "I think I'll be alright Mr Jameson, but thanks for the heads-up" I walk away from the man a little faster after that, he really freaked me out there.

I walk into the forest, searching for the little camp I set up earlier that day, only to find it completely trashed. I softly thank the trees that I had all of my valuables on me. Maybe Mr Jameson is right. But I will not let them chase me away.  
I get on my knees and try to fix my little camp as good as possible. Some of the little pieces of fabric are too torn too badly to be used again, so I put them aside for later to make a fire. After clearing it all up a bit, I sit down and get the blanket from the little hollow in the tree. It seems to be intact. Thank the trees. I curl up with the blanket, hoping it will give me a little extra warmth. 

A few hours later, I wake up in an awkward position. My neck and legs are all cramped up and my hands and face are so cold that I can barely feel them anymore. Next to those two not so happy facts, it turns out to be the middle of the night. I groan in frustration - and a little bit of pain. This is going to be a hell of a night. 

The woods normally are a good shelter for the cold and the wind. At times, it can even be peaceful. But not tonight. Tonight it's darker, colder, scarier than ever before. the growling of the animals, the chirping of the birds, the crackling of branches. 

The feeling forming in my chest is not completely fear or angst. A lingering feeling of sadness, anger, grief. There is no comfort. There hasn't been for quite a while. Not for months. On nights like this, it gets exceptionally bad. But tomorrow the sun will rise again and it will shine brighter than the day before. That's something my father would say... That is before he packed his bags and left with a young thing called Rosemary.
I put the blanket tight around me and push myself off the ground. SItting around in the dark at 2 am isn't going to help anyone.