Don't Talk to Strangers

IX

I didn't know what possibly could have possessed me not to go immediately to the cops upon returning to town. I felt different, though. He hadn't done much to me, just slapped a big wad of reality in my face.

Life isn't easy.

I found myself in the same, long road I'd first me Dan on. I parked it on the side, no one in sight despite it being just after noon. I broke down then, releasing the tears and the knot in my chest. The terror, the feeling of unease and confusion. I was finally far enough away to be certain he couldn't touch me—at least not for another hour or two.

I slammed my fists against the steering wheel, collapsing against it and shaking with the sobs. What am I going to do?

How was I supposed to get on with my life after he'd just come in and... destroyed what serenity I had? I screamed with frustration and sat still for what seemed like ages. Then exhaustion took over and I passed out against the wheel.

It was nearly two o'clock when I woke up. Terror really takes a lot out of you, I guess, I thought bitterly. A microscopic smile forced its way to the edge of my lips, but faded quickly.

I sat in the car for a while, waking up and thinking. I rubbed my neck; sleeping against a steering wheel isn't too comfortable. Then I decided I would wait for him, just as he'd waited for me. He would come from the same way I had—there weren't any other ways back to town from there, unless you wanted to cut through ridiculous brush—and I would be there. I would get answers from him, if it was the last thing I did.

I was terribly hungry, though, and if it took nearly an hour to get back with a car, he'd have to take much longer with just legs. "I'll have to use a drive-thru or something," I muttered. I wasn't ready to be found yet.

I climbed out of the car and made my way down the street, feeling more like a ruffian than anything. He'd changed me, and I wasn't sure if I was too angry about it. Sure, he'd taken away my sense of security—I wasn't going to be talking to strangers anytime soon—but I guess he'd done what needed to be done, in the long run. I needed to be woken up from my sweet, naive daydream.

Life isn't easy.

I found a run-down old restaurant and pulled my collar up higher in a desperate attempt to not be noticed. There was barely anyone inside, and I ducked my head, avoiding eye contact and ordered some food.

I took it outside with me, making my way back to the car. I ate there, sitting in silence afterward, staring around me.

It was time to wait.

Special thanks to my friend Kina, @Crystalina71 for the fantastic gif on the side.