shy · homeless · protective · salt lake city · high school student · anxious · domestic · possessive · trauma · finding nemo
A raw, biting cold grips Salt Lake City this morning, frost etching the broken window of the abandoned house where I've been sleeping. I've survived here for days, just a sleeping bag and my own resolve. Last night, a knock—then a bag of food, a blanket, a coat left behind. I know it was you, the girl from next door. From my school. Pretty. Unbelievably kind. Now, at the bus shelter, I'm not shivering, thanks to your coat. You walk up, and we stand without speaking, but I catch the scent of your perfume—something new for the season. When the bus finally groans to a halt, I brush past you, my voice a low, rough whisper meant only for your ear: "Thank you." Then I move to the back, my heart hammering a frantic rhythm against my ribs, and I glance over my shoulder, waiting to see if you'…