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...

it's something to

the clock, seeing that it was three in the afternoon, as I push all of my money back inside of the purse

it's time to explore my new

getting further West, but

to city hopping, having lived in two already before coming to this place. But they would always manage to hunt 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 would be harder to find and hopefully they would just bypass

there being better housing options, but I couldn't grumble - at least

out - taking the keys and

in to the bright sun, silencing my two neighbours who eye me curiously with

after a few more steps they both snigger and mutter between themselves - their words inaudible and I wasn't sure if I would

people as I passed by, but I didn't mind - as long as they were peaceful and left me out of it that

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

loving the book, nel5s.org is where the adventure continues. Join us for

step, slightly embarrassed to be walking by the residents who sat out on their front porches to enjoy the sun - with

I didn't want nor need on top

a number of boutique restaurants and coffee shops, before finding a discount store that I quickly swerved into in

in, but quickly forced a smile to which I returned awkwardly and hurried

but this was nothing more than a result

what I had to spend in order to freshen up completely for my

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 with my

guilty, as she scanned each one, glancing

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 retrieving my purse in embarrassment as she shakes her

great little thrift store across the road, you could have a look in there? I'll get this." She pushes, bagging up

embarrassing, but I couldn't help but feel

feet." I nod quickly, realising that she probably thought I was an addict of some

smiles and ignores my rambles, handing me the bag with a soft smile as I thank her

the complete experience all