I woke up, my heart beating fast, as I waited for refreshing oxygen to enter my lungs. It took me a second to realize that I still couldn't breathe! I finally managed to twist my head around, and I saw a black leather jacket, and Dally's chest pressed up against me. I could detect a faint scent of alcohol, which explained why he fell asleep last night and still hadn't woken up. He was breathing slowly and deeply, and I still couldn't move. Frantically, my paws scrabbled against the floor and I struggled to push myself out from underneath him. A few seconds later I had gotten myself into a position where I could breathe a little, but I was still trapped.
I was beginning to wonder how long I would be stuck there, when a loud bang from the kitchen caused both me and Dally to jump. I could finally get out from under him, and I scampered away to a safer area. The smell of bacon from the kitchen made me remember my terrible dream, and I started shaking a bit. I couldn't handle that again, being abandoned.
By this time Dally had fully woken up, and I ran to him for reassurance. He looked around, making sure nobody else was there, and then smiled at me and began to rub my back.
"Hey girl, how are you doing?" I immediately became more calm. I was just being stupid, the gang would never leave me like my old family did. A minute later there was a knock at the door, and Dally jumped up, away from me. I looked up to see Johnny walk in. He greeted me and Dally, and then headed to the kitchen to ask Soda if Ponyboy was ready for school.
As if on cue, Pony came rushing out of his room with his backpack, and both headed out the door. I trotted into the kitchen, and Soda gave me my breakfast. He had finally gone out and gotten me some decent food, and two bowls so I wouldn't have to eat out of people's hands or off the floor anymore.
Steve came bursting in the door, and he and Soda left for work, leaving me alone in the house with Dally. I looked up at him, and he looked down at me. I wasn't sure why I adored him so much, he was just so brave and bold, and I wasn't. I couldn't even think about the pain it would cause me if he or any of the gang ever left.
He opened the door and stepped outside. I was alone. A kind of panic I had only felt once in my life washed over me. I was being abandoned again, left alone. Right before the door closed behind him, I shot outside.
"Shadow! Get back here!" He yelled. I could hear him chasing after me, but I was too fast. It absolutely broke my heart that I had to leave them, but I just couldn't let myself get any closer to any of the gang. I wouldn't let myself get hurt again, I wouldn't let anyone leave me behind again.
I ran until I was exhausted, and even then I kept walking. I felt so stupid for leaving, but it just felt like the right thing to do. I was better off alone, I didn't need a family. I didn't want a family. I knew I was lying to myself, I did need them, but I couldn't face the shame of going back. I was lost, I was tired, and I was alone.