21 June 2012
Rain splattered angrily on the stone pavements like miniature bombs; exploding into a big mess as they came into contact with the ground. Amy pulled her hood closer around her face. Street lights flickered and buzzed, clinging to the last ounce of power in their fuse box. A fox snuffled hungrily around a tipped over trash can. "Why am I doing this?" Amy thought to herself, shivering as Jack Frosts fingertips stroked her cheeks. The cold was unbearable almost. Amy's teeth chattered uncontrollably and she hugged herself to stay warm. She saw flames flickering in the distance beneath a tunnel, and immediately she began to walk towards it. She could almost feel the warmth of the flames , when a rough hand gripped her shoulder. She spun around, shocked, and pulled away. It was an old man, dressed in shabby clothes and a grey, scruffy dog by his side. A grey beard was wrapped around his face, which brought images of Dumbledore to Amy's mind. "Who are you?" he demanded, revealing a set of yellow, broken teeth. The dog growled slightly. "A-Amy. I don't mean any harm, I just wanted to get warm" she stuttered, backing away. The old man looked her up and down and limped towards the fire. He beckoned her with his arm. "Come on. You'll freeze out there". To her surprise, the tunnel was full of homeless people. It was like a little lost village. Beds were set up, fires were burning from big steel cans and charity shop furniture littered the area. "Sit" the old man said. Amy nodded and sat cross legged by the fire, soaking up the warmth. The old man and his dog sat opposite her, staring into the crackling flames. "My names Archie, this is Scruff" he introduced, smiling politely. "Why is a girl your age out so late, then?" he asked, scratching his grubby chin. There was no point in lying to him. "I ran away from home. My mum and I are opposites, we never stop argueing, and I was sick of it. I couldn't take her nagging any more.". A rat scuttled across the floor, making little pitter-pattering noises with it's feet, as the man leant forwards. "And you fancy a life on the streets?". Amy nodded.
"It doesn't seem too bad". Archie grinned. "You see the girl over there?". Amy nodded, staring at a girl with straggly brown hair and a glum face. "She ran away from home too. She's 15, with no future ahead of her. No money or job. No chasing her dreams." He pointed to a boy sat against the wall, needles scattered by his feet. "That's Daniel. He's 16, he's a runaway too. He's on drugs, he smokes and he has alcohol problems. Now tell me, do you really want to end up like that?" Archie questioned. Amy shook her head, her mouth slightly gaping open. "Life on the streets destroys your life, my dear. You'll turn into a savage. Before you know it, you'll have wasted your life. All I'm asking is you go back home, and sort things out. They won't listen, but I've a feeling you will". Amy bit her lip in consideration, then stood up. "You know what, I think your right. Thank you, Archie" she said, slinging her rucksack over her shoulder and walking confidently back home.
Runaway • Opuss № I