Cold chilling my bones

Jason Davenport

The only time I'd ever left Wayne's county was during the holidays, on trips with Dad and mom. Now I was all alone in a strange town. I'd been spending nights cooped up in dark alleys and abandoned cars, still unsuccessful at finding a job.

Close to death, I'd scavenged through a trash can behind a small restaurants to pick out leftovers for myself.

Today I couldn't find any abandoned cars to sleep in so I was squeezed in an alley, hands deep in the pockets of my hoodie.

I shivered, the cold chilling my bones. Trying to think happy thoughts I finally managed to doze off.

I woke up to someone shaking me roughly. Instinctively, I backed pushed the figure away, getting prepared to run for my life. These leftovers were my last. I didn't need anyone trying to steal it from me.

"Hey, hey, calm down boy. I'm not here to hurt you," The figure spoke reassuringly, raising both hands as if in surrender. "I was just passing through."