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“Sweetie?”
Avery opened her eyes to find a plump, pleasant looking woman peering curiously down at her.
“Oh my God… shit!” she exclaimed and frantically looked around for Cole. He was still fast asleep next to her.
“I’m so sorry..” she mumbled to the woman “Please don’t call the police. We were so tired. But we’re going now, I’m sorry” she rambled, quickly picking up her brother.
The woman, still shocked, looked at Avery but then slowly smiled.
“Honey, I’d never call the police on you. I was just surprised to find a teenager and a baby in my front yard… Is he your…I mean, are you his..” the woman stopped, embarrassed to finish her question.
“No! No, definitely not.. He’s my brother. ” Her cheeks were burning.
Does this woman think I’m some slut? Well doh Avery, what else should she think? You're sleeping on her front yard with a kid in dirty clothes..”
“I should get going..” Avery mumbled as she got up and placed Cole on her shoulder. He woke up and began to cry.
“Where are you going?” the woman asked, “Do you even have anywhere to go? What’s your name? How old are you? Where’s your family?”
Avery looked at the woman in bewilderment. Is she kidding me?
“I’m sorry.” The woman said “That’s personal, you don’t have to tell me anything.”
“I wasn’t planning to. Look, can I go now? Before you change your mind on calling the cops?”
The woman smiled, “I’m NOT calling the cops. I don't know you, but I assume you have nowhere to go. How about some breakfast? I live by myself and I could use a little company.”
“Breakky!” Cole exclaimed now fully awake.
“Your brother seems up for it, I’d love for you two to come inside.”
“I’m not some charity case.” Avery spat at her angrily.
The woman looked upset.
“I never said you were, I was just inviting you into my home for a snack because I love meeting new people.”
“I don’t trust new people..” Avery muttered
“You can trust me.” The woman smiled, then extended her hand.
Slowly, Avery took it.
His eyes were fogged up constantly now. Who was this monster? He didn’t love her anymore. He didn’t love anyone. He didn’t love life… he was dead.
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