But this woman lookedatme instead ofthroughme. Her smile was genuine. She didn’t have to give me the grilled cheese, but she did. And even if I were in a hurry to get out of here, I wouldn’t marginalize her kindness to do it.
“You really do have the best chili in the city.”
She smiled, and it reached her eyes as she laid a hand over mine briefly. “You’re welcome, hun. Stay warm out there.”
Sometimes it was hard to remember good people still existed. But it was also really important not to forget. I wasn’t very old, but in my experience, cruelty began where kindnesswas forgotten.
I packed up every bite, including the packets of crackers, sugar, and creamer. When that was done, I counted out four dollars and laid it on the table for a tip. It was really more than I could afford but less than she deserved.
Suddenly, I was a little sad to be leaving so soon, but that voice in the back of my head kept urging me to go. I lingered another moment, summoning the nerve to walk to the door. I’d have pass those three guys to get there. Maybe it seemed like I was making a mountain out of a molehill, but in the past few years, I’d learned to trust my instincts. Only once had someone ended up not being what I assumed. Everyone else? Worse.
Life tip: If you expect the worst, you’ll always be prepared.
Gripping the top of the paper bag with one hand and the Styrofoam cup with the other, I slid to the edge of the booth. Heart beating too hard, I dragged in a shuddering breath.
“Order up!” the waitress who’d served me said cheerfully, approaching the thugs’ table with a large tray of food.
Thankful for the distraction, I stood from the booth and walked quickly to the door, keeping my eyes straight ahead.
“Hey—” a deep voice called out, and every muscle in my upper body tensed.
“Can I get you a refill, doll?” the waitress said instantly.
“You can get me something, all right,” the deep voice replied.
The other guys laughed, and I slipped out the door.
I barely noticed the sharp slap of the frigid wind but was surprised at how dark it had gotten.
I didn’t have a phone or watch, so I had nothing on me to see what time it was, and I’d forgotten to look at the diner. Judging from how dark the sky was, it had to be past five. And it was snowing again.
Tugging up the fur-lined hood, I started in the direction of the shelter. It might not be open for the night yet, but I could get there early and get in line.
“Hey!” The deep shout came from behind, scrambling my thoughts with panic.
Maybe that wasn’t meant for you.It really wasn’t hope that whispered through my addled mind but more of a wish.
Cautiously, I peeped over my shoulder, stare instantly colliding with the three thugs standing in the wide-open door of the diner.
The second he saw me look, his chin lifted, and he stepped farther onto the sidewalk. “Come here,” he ordered as if I would tuck my tail between my legs and slink back like some whimpering dog.
Iam nota whimpering dog.
But I was most definitely a scaredy cat.
My worn shoes slapped the unforgiving pavement as I sprang forward, the burst of movement blowing the hood back from my head. Snow pelted me in the face, and my eyes watered as I raced over the sidewalk, the to-go bag and coffee still clutched in my hand.
“Let’s go! Get him!” the man shouted, and all three of the thugs bolted after me.
Frankly, I thought it was a waste of food. They didn’t even get to eat. Probably didn’t pay their bill either.
As I darted around a couple strolling through the snow, I strained to hear my pursuers’ pounding footsteps over my own ragged breaths. The coffee in my hand sloshed through the small hole in the lid onto my bare fingers, the warm liquid reminding me of the wintry air.
I took a chance and glanced back, only to nearly trip and face-plant when I saw how much closer they were. Willing myself to run faster, I pumped my legs with wild abandon, knees and bruised hip screaming in protest and threatening to give out with every step. Despite the adrenaline, panic coiled in the center of my chest.
They’re going to catch me. Take my money.It’s three on one…
A hard hand slapped onto my shoulder, and I yelled, twisting and ripping free. A sneering face filled my line of sight, and he reached for me again. I flung the coffee at him, the lid popping off and splattering his face. He roared and cursed, but I didn’t wait around, darting down a nearby alley. With any luck, I could cut over to another street and lose them.
