Runaway.

 

I cannot stay here in this house on Asbury Street. Two coke lines of town houses that face one another. Large front windows. They pass stories underground to one another. Of how you’d strike me down. A luxury you cannot afford to keep around. I load up my backpack and stash it behind the chair in the living room closest the front door. I plan to leave soon. Destination Ross’s house. I won’t even put on my shoes before I open the door quietly. I hit the pavement running. Running away.

I see you around school. Rebellious type we are. We fight because we don’t know any other way. Like our demons are the same because they are the same. Said, “I slept on the street once. It wasn’t fun. To sneak into Christopher’s house when his family is asleep. Creep into the attic. Knock on the window and run until I see his face in the window. The joy is hollow. Back to Asbury Street.