Shadows In Durango

Chapter 1

*****Sofia's POV*****

"Your keys Miss, rent is due in a month - and remember to make it cash!" The grumbly caretaker tosses the metal towards me carelessly as I fumble to catch them, swallowing to wet my drying throat. "Thank you..." I manage to say, with my voice barely audible, but he nods nonetheless as though he had heard me before making his exit.

He was a stout man, who didn't pride himself much on his appearance by the looks of things, but who was I to judge anyone in this state?

I had managed to land this little apartment for only $350 per month, and although that doesn't sound much to the average person, it really was a lot for somebody who was new to town without a job...

Not to mention my new school that would be taking up most of my time during the week. I would need a night time job no doubt, something convenient to help me make some money - and fast.

I sigh, hearing the front door creak before finally closing over, giving me a proper moment to view the apartment for what it was.

It had nothing in it, no furniture, and the place looked as though it had seen over a thousand crack parties in its time.

I was already wary of my neighbours too who I had passed by on my way inside here. Two men who both stood out in front of the building seeming to smoke something that evidently wasn't normal nicotine or tobacco.

I peered out of the broken blinds, seeing one of them wobble slightly in his high state, before rebalancing himself and going in for another puff - this time from a small pipe that I could see...

Unfortunately, it seemed that one of the men was the top floor resident and the other was the bottom floor - sandwiching me in between them like some cruel prank in our block of three.

I had no choice though, this was the cheapest place I could find and I chose this life for myself... this was my burden to carry and I had to make the most of it at this point because I knew I would never go back home.

I walk towards the tiny kitchen, finding nothing in the cupboards other than some soup tins and so I quickly go back over to my bags which were left in the centre of the floor.

I unzip the one which contained my last small puddle of cash in order to scrutinise just how much I had fucked up thus far...

I had used most of what I took now, and this was my last chance to settle somewhere without them finding me again... and so this has to work!

I pull out my small pink zip purse, opening it to reveal some notes and coins as I slump down on the hard wood floor and tip the contents out. Taking a second to start counting it, I chew my lip in anticipation for how bad my situation really was this time around... fifty... seventy... ninety... Pointing to each coin for it to count towards my total, I slump my shoulders slightly and breathe out.

$137...

for next month's rent but it's something to get me by until I find

push all of

it's time to explore my new town -

was getting further West, but

me down, like I was a wild animal, and this time around I knew that I had to try a different tactic. A smaller town

better housing options, but I couldn't grumble - at least I have a roof over my head and a

over my shoulder and head back out - taking the keys and locking

sun, silencing my two neighbours

as I pass through the middle of them both, but after a few more steps they both snigger and mutter between themselves - their words inaudible and I wasn't sure if

a sign towards the town centre, learning quickly that my street seemed to be filled with addicts and drunken people as I passed by, but I didn't mind - as long as they were peaceful and left me

was shocked to find that a couple of blocks away from my own apartment, the streets were lined with ridiculously large extravagant properties and

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sat out on their front porches to enjoy the sun - with

school which I didn't want nor need on

a number of boutique restaurants and coffee shops, before finding a discount store that

seemed surprised when I walked in, but quickly

myself get this unkept... but this was nothing more than a result

granted myself permission to spend what I had to spend in order to

that they were pretty cheap, I grabbed a small basket and began to add shampoo, conditioner, body wash, a sponge, toothpaste, a toothbrush, deodorant and a razor to shave with. Calculating the total in my head, I was relieved to have only spent seven dollars - returning back to the checkout lady

one, glancing over what I had came in here

dear... it's on the house... don't worry about paying today, we all fall into a low place sometimes but you'll pick yourself back up again... I'll cover your total." The woman's words shock me, as my lips part and my eyes widen. "N-No I can pay!" I push, quickly

could have a look in there? I'll get this." She pushes, bagging up my products as I

was embarrassing, but I

just need some time to get on my feet." I nod quickly, realising that

dear..." She smiles and ignores my rambles, handing me the bag with a

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