33 Ch. 33 - How my life begun six years ago.

Starring endlessly into the streetlights of the highway of the town I used to live in. Watching the dark early morning sky occasionally seeing flashes of lightning in the forming bad weather in the sky. The sky is filled with dark clouds and im not sure whether my decision to leave my aunt's home in resentment and return to my old hometown was worth it. Clearly I am seeing signs of a bad luck, while meddling with my own thoughts at the bus seat. I left my aunt's home cause I was so fed up on her unfair treatment and toxic behavior. She always reasons that she has no obligation to take care of me, especially since she's also struggling on her raising her two children. I couldn't really blame her, she is right after all. She doesn't have to get involve in the problems my parents had caused. She provided me a place to stay for all these years, I am still grateful for it. But they're financial situation is getting worse and I really had enough of her very strict toxic behavior. So I left in secret, to find a new place to start over and to provide for myself. I am now alone on this journey, I am scared but you gotta face the truth. It was my decision, I am fully aware of the risk but I still went on with my plan. There was no turning back.

I look inside my bag and what pocket money I had left. All I have to do is find a part time job before it all runs out and then im safe to stay in here.

If not, then...then...who knows.

I dont wanna think about it, I dont wanna come back anyway. Im pretty sure If I do they'll just reject me and humiliate me. This was a gamble, a very risky one.

I get out of the bus in a random location, the place felt very familiar but due to some changes in establishments over the years I couldn't recognize any of it. I aimlessly walk in the dark, lonely, and quiet street of my apparent old hometown, I look at my watch and it was 5 AM in the morning. But the sky is still dark due to the thick dark clouds, it was only a matter of time before it bursts rain water. I must find a place to stay before it does. All I have with me, is a few clothes, a blanket, my phone, my pocket money and my will to survive and be free. I can't help but feel scared and pessimistic.

I walk around looking for a place to rent. The sun's still isn't out, even though its morning already but the thick dark clouds are also starting to become more visible to the eye, it is very alarming. Its also disturbing for me that each person I walk pass by also look at me steadily due to my strange looking appearance in clothing and a huge bag on my back. This wasn't a tourist spot of any sort so carrying something like this cant help but get their attention. Suddenly I pause as I saw several flashes of lightning and heard the roaring claps of thunder. The boughs of trees violently shakes due to the strong surge of storm wind, and the next thing I know is the sudden burst of rain water. I am almost completely wet by the sudden drop of rain. I panic and run to look for somewhere to get cover from, I dont care about me getting sick or cold, as I am used to such conditions and I have strong immunity. I am more worried about my things that could get wet I have no where to dry it off, or the funds to buy new ones. I saw a bus and hurriedly run towards it, I didn't pay attention to the pothole I was running to. I trip to it and fall, my feet got caught on it and badly scratched my achilles and bridge. My knee also hit the surface of the road way too fast. I ignore the pain and struggle towards to the cover in front of me.

I sat down and rest myself from the exhaustion and terror. I look at my feet and my socks are drenched in blood, I took it off and saw several cuts on my feet to some sharp stones on that pothole. My left knee also got some scratches on it.

"Son of a b*tch!"

I said loudly because of the pain. I was only wearing sandals and socks so it didn't offer that much protection. I look inside my bag and I was relieved to see none of my clothes inside didn't get wet. I searched inside and found a small bottle of rubbing alcohol. I know it will sting but since I am drenched in rain water, I might get some infection if I leave it like that. I mentally prepare myself and immediately poured it in on my wounds. I clenched my teeth as I felt the stinging sensation throughout my entire leg. I breath in slowly and try to laugh it off.

For several minutes I was sitting there, my clothes soaked waiting for the rain to stop. I just look in the sky and pray for a miracle.

"Hey! You there!"

The silence was suddenly interrupted when a man in white raincoat calls for me. I couldn't exactly see who he is cause it was still raining hard.

"What is it?"

I shouted back.

As he got closer to me I started to wonder whether I should let my guard up or not.

"What are you doing out here in the middle of the storm? Your soaking wet and your foots bleeding."

I got a clear look at him and figured he was a police officer on patrol.

"Oh, I was looking a place to stay and got caught in the rain."

I replied.

"Are you new around here?"

He asked.

"Yes."

"How about your foot? Is it okay if I take a look?"

Before I could reply he bend down and examine the woulds.

"Can you walk?"

He asked. I simply replied "Yes."

"Can you follow me to the station? You'll be tended there and I need to check your identification."

I get up and said.

"Yes, sir."

I thought he was gonna make me walk in the middle of the storm, but then he handed me an umbrella. It was foolish of me to assume he'd be that ignorant.

- Police Station. -

I haven't been inside a police station before, I feel nervous and uncomfortable sitting in a room all by myself. I was shivering because of the cold weather and my heart is beating so hard. At this point I was scared as I am unsure what might happen to me next, everything that has happened to me are all just bad luck. I couldn't stop shaking.

Two officers then came inside with a first aid kit and a dry warm blanket.

"Here, take this."

He handed the blanket to me and I immediately cover myself with it. The warm and dry sensation offered by the blanket is blissful and relaxing.

One officer sat in front of me while the other tends on my foot.

"We're just gonna be asking you several questions, okay?"

I nod.

Police Officer 1 : "So what's your name?

Akagi : "Akagi Masahiko."

Police Officer 1 : "Age?"

Akagi : "18."

Police Officer 1 : "So kid, where exactly are you from?"

Akagi : "I-I am f-from Shizuka."

I couldn't stop stuttering as my mouth is shaking as well. Whether its because im nervous or cold. I couldn't tell anymore. I fear I might annoy them if I won't control it. So I bite down and swallow so I can properly answer they're next question.

Police Officer 1 : "Do you have any relatives here or from Shizuka we can contact."

I fear this might be the end of my journey. I mustn't let them know otherwise they're just gonna sent me back.

"I don't have anyone else, sir. I only have my grandparents and they already past away."

The police officer nods.

"Do you have a place to stay?"

I simply replied "No."

He wrote everything on a piece of paper and tries to contact someone on the landline.

The dense atmosphere of the room breaks when I heard him mention a room for rent to the person he's talking to in the phone. I try to calm myself down and the fact I might have a place to stay eases my worries even for a little bit.

"Alright, I've taken care of your wounds. Its not that bad, but at least your safe from infections."

Said by the officer who tend my feet.

"Thank you, sir."

He just smiled and pack it all up and left the room.

"Alright, I've talk to a friend of mine who owns an appartment you can rent."

"Thank you so much sir!"

"No problem, here's the address."

He gave me a piece of paper with the address written on it.

"Take the umbrella I lent you earlier, just return it when the rain stops. You'll be alright by yourself, right?"

My mood lighten up and I was filled with relief and excitement.

"Yes sir! I can get there no problem."

*Chuckles* "You're a lively one, okay take care."

I was dismissed from the station and made my way towards the address written on the paper. There was a map right next to the station, I take a good look at it but to be sure, I took a picture of it on my phone. As I continue walking, now knowing where I am heading. It feels more comfortable and relaxing to walk around. I was able to enjoy my walk as if I am strolling.