Sunday May 12th
(Cole’s POV)
I’ve been wandering the streets for several days and I’m sorely regretting my decision to run. My entire body aches in ways that I didn’t anticipate when I left the bottle of Vicodin in my hospital room. Dr. Moore never did explain the extent of my injuries, only that they were numerous and quite severe.
Being on the street with little in the way of food and shelter has made my decision a living hell. My only saving grace is the mild weather of May. My movements are slow as I steadily work my way southwest. I have no understanding as to why I’m drawn in that direction but my instincts are my only guide.
Just like in the hospital, my nightmares are a great source of anxiety. Each one waking me from my sleep, producing the adrenaline I need to get up and start walking again. I’ve been lucky enough that several people have taken pity on me and have given me small chunks of money, just enough to get a small sandwich when I pass by a fast food restaurant. Oddly, I seem to have more money than I’ve had food.
I recently found my way into a city. I have no idea where I am but for reasons I can’t explain I’m finding myself drawn to certain people. As afraid of everyone that I am, I find myself following a small group from a distance, a man, woman and small child.
They know I’m behind them as the man has stopped several times to turn and look at me. When he realized that I was staying with them I noticed that he spoke to the woman before getting on the phone. I merely stop and start when they do. We spend most of the day like this until the sun starts to set. To my surprise a large black suv pulls up, stopping at the curb a few feet from the bench they sit on.
After visiting many stores and slowly becoming loaded with bags, I’m certain they are exhausted. I know I am. I sat myself down against one of the stores they visited when they chose the bench. As hard as I tried to stay awake, I fell asleep. I never saw them get in the vehicle or the vehicle leave.
The street lights are on when I wake suddenly from my dream. It’s the same one on repeat; a little boy, naked and scared, pinned against a wooden table or desk getting whipped with the buckle end of the belt. He screams as he begs his father to stop but it does no good. I don’t physically see the environment he’s in, just hear and feel what’s going on. They started when Dr. Moore and Andre spoke of returning me to Alpha Demetri. Is he the father that’s beating this child? I certainly don’t want to find out.
“Are you okay?”
A gentle voice greets my ears as I slowly open my eyes. A slight wheeze has settled into my chest as I sit myself up. It hasn’t been the most comfortable way to sleep but there’s something about my backpack that drives me to protect it.
The gentleman I was following is now alone, crouching about three feet away from me. I watch him warily as I attempt to open my pack without looking.
“It’s okay. I can hear the wheeze. Do you have an inhaler?”
I nod my head about as slowly as I unzip the smallest front pocket. I pull the inhaler out, shake it gently and place it in my mouth. I take two quick puffs before holding my breath for a few seconds, letting it out slowly. Fortunately I can feel the relief instantly making it easier to relax in the presence of the stranger I was following.
“How long have you been lost?”
“I’m not sure.”
“Do you know today’s date?”
I shake my head as I lower it in shame. I don’t know how but he feels powerful and I don’t wish to anger him.
“It’s okay. Let’s start with something easy. My name is Devin Leroux. I’m the assistant manager of Shadowlands Grand Hotel. I have a good sense of when someone is lost and I’d like to help you. Would you like to join me for dinner?”
Against my better judgment I nod slowly. He stands, reaching his hand out to help me up. I accept his gesture with my right hand, barely remembering that my left is injured. I follow him a few blocks to a restaurant. It’s much nicer than the fast food ones I’ve been in instantly making me feel out of place.
“Two please.”
I hear Devin speak to someone as I look around.
“This way.”
I turn my attention back to him as he follows the lady in front of him. She shows us to a table, placing folded papers on the table before walking away. I set my bag in the seat beside me, sitting slowly in the wooden chair.
“I never caught your name.” Deven speaks easily.
“Colton.”
Is all I manage. He picks up one of the papers the lady left and starts looking at it. I follow his lead and do the same. I’m instantly overwhelmed by row after row of choices. There’s no way I’ve been in a restaurant before as none of this feels familiar, increasing my anxiety ten fold.
“Colton, are you okay?” I shake my head as I speak.
“I don’t know any of this.” I whisper in shame.
“You don’t know how to read?” He seems shocked. I shake my head again.
“I can read. It’s just this.” I place my finger on the paper. “I don’t understand this.”
“The menu?” I nod as he’s even more shocked now.
“It’s a menu of the different dishes that they serve here. I highly recommend the rib-eye special. It comes with three sides and a drink.”
All I can do is nod as I spiral out of control. I lift my hands to my head, covering my ears as their sensitivity to sound has bothered me since I left.
“Colton?”
I can hear the concern in his voice as his chair squeaks against the floor. My only savior at the moment is that this restaurant isn’t crowded and we’re the only ones in this section.
“Take it easy, Colton. Don’t yelp. I’m going to use touch to help you.”
“No.”
I whisper as I feel one arm slide down my chest. I wrap my own around his trying hard to contain my sounds as they are not safe to express. They have never been safe.
“Lean into me, Colton. I need you to talk to me. What’s overwhelming you right now?”
The way he speaks is gentle and encouraging. I relax slightly with his touch to my head. I wince slightly when he brushes over a sore spot that I was unaware of.
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