For now, it was convenient. I had no idea where we’d be hanging our hat the next day. Sometimes, I didn’t bother packing. What was the point?

Then I thought about the vacant house next to Ms. Noel. It sounded great, but we couldn’t afford it. We were already rubbing pennies. Sara blew our money on that stupid fortuneteller. We were barely getting by paying for the cheap hotel. I suspected by the end of the week, we’d be forced into the streets.

 

 

***

After I’d finished my last paper, I was excited to relax and goof off the rest of the day. Then my stomach started to protest. I’d eaten the other sandwiches last night that Ms. Noel had made for today. Texas had their signature hamburgers, but this sandwich beat the burgers hands-down. Crusty French bread, crispy shredded lettuce, sliced tomatoes, Creole mayonnaise paired with sausage. They were so tasty that I couldn’t stop eating until I’d finished the last bite, leaving me lunch-less today.

With the wind running through my hair as I glided down the steep hill, I tossed the idea back and forth whether I should visit Sara at the diner. I decided to go for it. She’d promised to feed me if I stopped by. It was about one in the afternoon. I figured folks would be clearing out, and I wouldn’t be imposing too much. My mouth began watering thinking about an ice-cold chocolate shake and crispy fries, the universal food of champions in my opinion.

I wanted to show Sara my bike. When she got in last night, it was late, and I was dead asleep. This morning, I was up before the roosters’ crow and out while she was still sleeping.

I put the pedal to the metal and off I went, soaring. A catchy tune was running through my head. Mindlessly I hummed to it. The crisp air felt invigorating, a nice change from the heat. Feeling a bit daring, I closed my eyes letting the cool breeze rest across my flushed face.

Then something alerted me.