The Roadside

The bus was pulling away before regret fully hit him, but by then it was too late. He rested his forehead against the window glass and watched the scenery fade into the distance. August couldn't stop thinking about her all alone in her crib. What if she was crying right now? He wouldn't be there to make faces and make her smile again.

His hand shot up and pulled the emergency stop. The driver obediently pulled off to the side of the road.

"Turn around!" August begged. "I forgot something."

"This isn't a taxi, kid," the driver snapped back. "Now quit playing around! I have a schedule to keep." August had no choice but to sit down and wait for the bus to make its next stop. The other kids were filing out so he followed along.

The boy with the roll of money started peeling back what was left and handing it out to the others. "This will hold you for a while. Just be careful the cops don't catch you or they'll drag you right back into the system." August stuffed his share of the money in his pants pocket.

"What do we do now?" he wondered.

"Whatever we want." And with that the group started to disperse. August stayed in place watching the people walk by. Do whatever we want… What he wanted was to go back to Emma, but he couldn't anymore. Even if he knew the way, Big Ugly would be angry that the kids ran off. August didn't want to endure any more hits from that man.

He chose a direction and started walking. All the adults were so wrapped up in their own lives they didn't notice the child among them. As he walked August's fingers clenched tightly around the brim of his hat. He might have given up everything else from home but he couldn't let go of this.

August walked until the hunger and thirst was too much for him. He pulled out the money in his pocket. Big Ugly complained about money a lot. Money for food, clothes, electricity, even water. Everything cost something and August didn't have nearly enough. He sat down right there on the sidewalk, dropping his hat onto his lap and covering his face with his hands.

"Papa," he whispered. "Papa, please…" The tears felt hot against his fingers. A hand touched the top of his head. August let out a gasp and dropped his hands. "Papa?"

"I'm sorry." The woman took an awkward step back. "Did you lose your father?" August blinked back his tears and nodded. "Here, I'll take you to the police. They'll help you find him." Just be careful the cops don't catch you.

"No, no, I… I know where he is. I just got a call from him. He's very sick, and I need to get to him right away. But I don't have enough money for a bus ticket."

"You poor thing. I could drive you…"

"It's okay." August wiped away his tears. He didn't even feel guilty about his lies anymore. They felt very natural coming out of his mouth. "I don't remember the directions; I just know which bus to take."

"Then let me at least give you some money." The woman started digging out her purse and this time August didn't protest.

He used the money she gave him to buy something to eat and drink. Having a full belly made him more relaxed. It was a relief to him now that Emma didn't come along. She was so small… She would be safer where he left her. Big Ugly was mean, but he wouldn't hurt a baby.

August found a place to sleep where hopefully the cops wouldn't find him. The night turned cold and he ended up shivering the whole time. He would need to get warm clothes tomorrow. His mind was already full of the lies he needed.

Emma would have to wait.