After several hours of thorns in my legs and rocks in my shoes, I at last push through the last row of trees and out onto a paved, cement walkway. I stand there for a moment, contemplating my options. I hadn't really thought this far ahead.
Do I have enough money to pay for a hotel room? I sure don't want to end up sleeping in the woods again.
I look ahead and notice the looming sign at the edge of the street. "Marleville." Well at least now I know where I am. Marleville is the next town over from mine. Police are sure to be here within the next few days looking for me.
That's when my stomach starts growling, this time more viciously than before. It is definitely not willing to wait very long for some food.
'I guess I'll just have to get something from a nearby restaurant.' I decide.
So, thus began my search for any place that looked like it might sell me a meal, or even a snack. Anything to ease my aching stomach. As I trudge along, I feel myself becoming light headed. I am getting alarmingly dizzy and so, so tired. I guess it is probably from lack of sleep, not to mention these endless hours of walking. I hope that wherever I ended up, I get there soon.
After a few blocks, I finally stumble upon an old diner. I glance at the vintage bill board in front. It has "Papa's Diner" prancing across it in a bold font. It looks a little run down, just enough to raise my alarm meter the slightest amount, but at this point I don't even care. I just need a place to sit down.
The bells on the door let out a faint jingle as I open it gently and enter the dimly-lit room. It immediately seems as if everyone is staring at me. I probably look terrible. Puffy, red eyes with dark circles underneath, dirty clothes covered in mud, and let's not forget my hair, which is probably sticking out all over my head, tangled into the most complex patterns known to man.
Maybe I'd better slip into the bathroom and attempt to clean myself up before ordering, at least so I don't draw so much attention to myself. I decide to do so, even though I'd really rather fall asleep in an empty booth. Ugh, this whole running away thing is a lot harder than I expected.