A Home From Nothing

Chapter 4

Amy paid the bill and as we stepped back into the heat I turn to Amy, a smile on my face for the first time since we met and I can’t wait to see what else this day brings for us. We walk through the town, Amy showing me all her favorite spots along the way. Around an hour later we walk down a steep hill on the side of a bridge and a city made of tents appears before us. I look questioningly at Amy, she shrugs in response.

“I never said it was fancy, but this is my home. I am safer here than I was in those 4 walls and I wouldn’t trade that for anything.”

“Not to worry, that’s something I understand all too well.” I say, looking around at all the people, some around small fires and others just sitting on the ground. There’s people of all ages here, kids and the elderly. I notice a group of men off to the left, they leer at us as we walk by.

“Don't worry about those guys, they won't mess with you as long as you stick with me. They don’t like new people.” Amy says giving them her own look of “she’s with me”

We walk along the paths between the tents, cardboard and sheets hung up on ropes until we get to a small tent close to the middle of the grouping. She pulls keys out of her pocket and unlocks the padlock holding the zippers together before unzipping and opening the flap. She ushers me into her space.

I look around slowly, on one side of the tent is a pile of blankets and pillows, on the other is a shelf with some non-perishable food, a couple cups and 2 gallons of water. Amy comes in after me and sits next to me on the pile of blankets.

“It’s not much, but its safer than the streets. You’re welcome to stay with me. I can show you all the free places to shower. I can help you get signed up for the food bank and even try to get you some therapy if you want. I can help you survive out here.” Amy says looking hopeful.

I don’t know what to say to that. No one has ever tried to help me before. I came here hoping to make something for myself. No one said I had to be completely alone. Maybe we can help each other. I glance back around the tent, it might be small, but it's clean. I nod my head slowly at first, building in confidence as I start planning my next move.

”Look, I only came here to escape my parents. I have no idea if they will come looking for me or not. I have no idea if I can even survive on my own out here. About the only thing I do know is that turning you down would be, without a doubt, the worst mistake I have ever made. So, yes. I will gladly accept your offer. Partners?” I ask, holding my right hand out.

“Partners.” Amy echos, emphasizing the word with a firm single shake of hands. We stare at each other for what feels like eternity but could have only been seconds. As the moment passed, Amy rushed over to her shelf and dung around. She came back with both her cups and a can of soda.

“I know it’s only a root beer but we can have a real one later,” she pours half the can into each cup and as she passes one to me I feel like a whole new world is being handed to me.