3. Searching for Refuge

"I'm so tired."

That was the one thought that ran on repeat in my mind as I walked along the sidewalk. Rain had fallen earlier that day, and the heat from this painfully scorching night brought up small wafts of steam from the slick concrete. Even among this heavy heat, I still felt a chill shudder along my neck every once in a while. Once again the phone in my back pocket vibrated, startling me enough to make me slow my gait. I took a deep breath and ignored the device, stepping. I didn't know who the caller is, and honestly, I couldn't care at that moment. I hugged my arms loosely, my fingers gently gripping the material of my light material of my long-sleeved collared shirt.

"Just one more block."

...

"I think."

I sighed heavily at this, turning my head away from the street and towards the empty park before me. Near a patch of thirsty tulips I spotted a bench.

Yes, a bench.

The weary soles of my feet begged for rest, and I took a moment to digest this thought, all the while gazing at the smooth marble seat. 

"But I'm so close."

I stepped forward, back on the sidewalk and away from the bench. As I quickened my stride I slipped the phone from my pocket and flipped it open, my thumb already flying as it punched numbers. Thankfully, as late as it is, the receiver picked up on the second ring.

"Kally?"

"Hey," I said in a soft voice. "Can I come over?"

"Sure." He sounded tired. I dreaded for a moment that I'd woken up, then he said."I was just studying. Do you need me to pick you up?"

"Actually," I said, stopping my gait. "I'm kinda already here."

A small hesitation. "Oh. Okay."

I looked up at one of the small windows on the third floor and spot a shadow behind the curtains. "C'mon in, then."

I slapped the cellphone closed and continued looking at the window, waiting for the shadow to move away. Then it was drawn back, and the boy looked down at me, a small, almost pitying smile on his face. But I knew better. It wasn't pity. He just knew me.

I step towards the door and rest my hand on the knob, wondering why it took me such a long time to find my refuge.