Welcome to New York

Prologue

I wake to feel the sunlight in my eyes. The glowing orange warming my face, a small smile stretching across it as I think of my peaceful, dreamless night. I roll out of bed and stretch my arms above my head as I yawn. After rubbing the sleep encrusted in my eye out, I walk over to the small bathroom attached to my hotel room. I run the hot water and once the mirror is coated with a thin layer of steam, I step in.

The hot water hits my back with unexpected heat. I jump in fright, before easing myself under the stream. Letting my long, dark hair cascade my back, I think about all the reasons I'm even here in the first place. A frown settles on my face as I begin to think about him and all the pain he put me through.

I step out of the shower, stepping onto the cool tile. Drying myself, I walk back to the small, worn-out hotel room. I get dressed for the day, deciding on some distressed black jeans and an oversized hoodie that belonged to my brother. I run my fingers through my hair, deciding that its good enough, and pull it into a bun on top of my head.

Sliding my phone, my purse, the keys to my car and my room key in my pocket, I grab my bag and leave.

I sign out of the hotel at the front desk, feeling crept by the way he was staring at me. I flinch as memories resurface and leave as quickly as possible. My stomach grumbles as I start towards my car, and I remember that I didn't eat yesterday. I dump my bags in my car and lock it, before walking down the street to McDonald's. I open my phone, looking at the bank app. The screen lights up with $1,098.67 savings and $20.44 spending.

I get a 6 chicken nugget happy meal, already my mood giddy at the thought of it

"NUMBER 243!! NUMBER 243!!"

I check my ticket. 243. I collect my food and skip back to my car listening to the sounds of my stomach as I giggle to myself. Once I get to my car, I open the nuggets only to realise they gave me 10 instead of 6. I can tell today will be a good day.

I crank my music as I drive down the deserted road until I notice someone walking down the street. They stop, resting their hands on their knees, before starting up. I slow down my car before coming to a complete stop in front of them. I don't know what possesses me to offer but I roll down my window.

"Would you like a ride?" I offer, hesitance clear in my voice.

The boy looks up at me, unsure of what to say.

"Please. Let me help you."