Page 2 of Saviour

I wakeup like clockwork as soon as the sun starts to rise. The streets are empty and it’s just me, myself, and I. I stretch my arms out wide and rise slowly, shaking my legs, letting the blood flow back into them.

I look up and down the road, to the left where I came from and to the right where I could go. Onwards. I need to find somewhere to wash.

Looking at the ground where I slept and patting myself down, a conscious habit of mine I can’t seem to get rid of, even though I haven’t had any personal belongings in almost two years, I nod to myself and set off for another day of my same old life.

After an hour or so of walking, I approach thicker trees in a wooded area and although I don’t know how deep it goes, I can’t help but enter. I try to avoid forested areas due to the risk of getting lost or being stuck in them overnight. I know I sleep outside every night, but I don’t want to risk being eaten by a wild animal, and as it’s only got to be about seven in the morning, I’ve still got the whole day to retrace my steps and get out.

I proceed into the trees and admire the nature around me, greens and browns painting the scenery, random bursts of colour from a few patches of flowers growing in between the trees.

Birds chirp in the branches above me and I take a deep breath in as I walk, inhaling the woodsy scent. A genuine smile plays on my lips as I take in the beauty of nature. Being forced to live on the streets, I’ve become quite fond of the outdoors. Sometimes, on a bad day, the beauty of being outside is tainted, but not today, not here.

I keep walking on and on, and I stop when I hear the light flapping of wings and a small splash. Training my ears, I listen for the sound again, and as soon as it reaches my eardrums, I run towards it.

Coming into a clearing, a small lake rests calmly in front of me, a white swan dipping its head underneath the water to appear back up moments later.

It minds its own business, swimming on the other side of the lake, and I smile, watching its grace. Oh, to be a bird and enjoy the simple pleasures in life.

I walk to the edge of the lake slowly and make small ripples in the water with my fingertips. It’s cold but not freezing and the shiver that runs through me at the joy of having a decent wash takes over all my inhibitions.

I steal a very quick glance around me, and within seconds my tatty clothes are on the ground and I’m diving into the gentle water, disturbing the swan's peace.

I relish the cold and stay in the depths of the water for as long as my lungs can handle it. Resurfacing, I take in a deep breath and pull the elastic from my braid and let my long silvery locks float around me. Tilting my head back, I drag my fingers through the curls and scrub my scalp, groaning at the ecstasy of clean hair.

After scrubbing at my body with my hands, I float on my back and take in this moment. I have no idea when I’ll next get to experience this, so I’m going to enjoy it whilst it lasts.

I lose track of how long I float in the small lake with the white swan, but my body is shrivelled and my fingers are pruney when I approach the edge.

It takes me more than two attempts to lift myself out of the water and onto the bank, my weak arms shaking trying to hold and lift my weight, not that there is much of it. I shake myself off, trying to get completely dry before putting on my newly washed clothes that I cleaned and left out to dry whilst I floated some more.

I gather my hair in both hands and braid it once again, letting it rest on my shoulder, the wispy bits flying freely around my cheeks.

Feeling better than I have in days, I use this new determination to find something to eat and a warm place to sit for the evening until I’m back out on the curb.

I walk on through the trees and after some time, the clearing opens up to a small town, similar to the one I left this morning. I walk through the streets and avoid looking at anyone I pass. I’ve learnt to keep my head down and my face hidden as best as I can by now. If I’m recognised, people might catch on to what I’m doing and never let me into their pubs or clubs and then I’d be screwed. I also don’t need people knowing I’m alone and vulnerable. No, thank you.

I walk past a grimy-looking bar with a lady outside shouting through the phone.

“I don’t care if she’s ill. She was my last waitress tonight. I have nobody else. I’m fucked!”

My ears perk up at the one-sided conversation as I pass and I sneak a look up at the bar. It’s small, looks quiet, and serves food. An idea springs to mind as the lady curses and hangs up the phone.

“Excuse me,” I say quietly. “I’m sorry, I didn’t mean to eavesdrop, but I can help,” I offer, knowing it’s a long shot.

“Who are you?” she questions, a scowl on her face, looking me up and down.

I fix the collar on the old shirt I’m wearing and offer her a small smile.

“Literally no one,” I start, then realise that’s a bit suspicious. “I-I mean I'm Aurora. I’m just passing through for one night on my way to visit my grandmother in the next town. I can help tonight if you’re desperate?” I lie. It’s not the first time I’ve sprung a quick lie like this on someone. In this lifestyle, a good lie gets you far.

She continues to look me up and down, but her eyes soften slightly. Thank God I found that lake this morning.

“Let’s pretend I believe you. Do you have any bar experience?”

I decide to answer honestly.

“No, but I’m a quick learner. You don’t even need to pay me. I’ll stay as long as you need me. Just a couple glasses of water, maybe some food, and I’m all yours.”

I realise how obvious my situation must sound to her, but she doesn’t question me, just shrugs one shoulder and nods.

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