Runaway

Chapter 1

The kindness of strangers

Theodore had just slumped down an alleyway wall, he was cold, alone and soaking wet from the pouring rain, with tears stinging his face and as he sat there crying he wondered if anybody had noticed his absence, but knowing and thinking that 'nobody has and I doubt that anybody will', Theodore faintly heard footsteps coming in his direction but thought that they would just walk past as he felt that he was invisible to the world, the next thing he knew a silhouette came closer to him and knelt down. he did not look up, not wanting to show anyone his tears or pain, keeping his head down for the warmth in his coat, the stranger knelt down next to him and touched his arm "are you alright?…what has happened to you"? the stranger asked, Theodore kept silent with his tear stained face hidden by his coat, after a few minutes Theodore finally understood that the stranger would not leave until he had at least spoken to them "please g-go a-way I-I just w-want to be on my own" he sobbed "you don't look like you should be on your own right now" the stranger told him, their voice seemed strangely familiar but Theodore did not care that much at that moment in time, Theodore kept still and silent for another few minutes before realizing that this one person was not about to give up on him and seemed genuinely concerned for him, he lifted his head from his coat and wiped away his tears and began to re-tell his sad and lonely story….