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Is that a damn cockroach? This place is absolutely revolting, but what other choice do I have?

That shit heap of a van broke down just as I was headed to my storage unit. That unit is my lifeline, it's where I've stashed my money and personal belongings, the few treasures I have left. To make matters worse, I found only a handful of crumpled bills hiding in the glove box of that rust bucket. Without that small fortune, I would be utterly stranded.

So here I am, stuck in this rundown motel for the night, planning to head to the storage unit first thing in the morning. But now, I’m questioning my decision; the filth and insects are making my skin crawl.

As I attempt to relax on this ancient mattress, which I swear is older than I am, my mind keeps racing. Thoughts churn relentlessly, and I can’t help but ponder my situation. It has me thinking… I know I’m wanted by the police, but why am I running away while they get to live in their little bubble of happiness? I can't shake the thought that I’m leaving those two fuckers behind, in their happily ever after, while I’m off in the shadows, consumed by misery. How is that fair? This situation isn’t something I can ignore any longer. I won’t let them enjoy their blissful lives while I suffer in isolation. I have to do something to rectify this imbalance.

One of them has to pay the price, and it’s clear to me that Raine is the weak link in this scenario. She should have been mine from the start. Not that I would touch her now, used goods don’t do it for me. Nah, I will just have to kill her, she will be easier to kill than Don. I have to make a plan.

Well, first I will get my stuff then I will figure it out from there. I can’t think properly in this shit hole.

I wake up early, though I have not slept much at all. The night felt endless, filled with a gnawing anxiety that made it seem like invisible things were crawling on my skin, leaving me in a constant state of discomfort. The thought of stepping into the shower is unsettling. I can't shake the paranoia that the water might come out brown or contaminated, so I decide against it entirely.

Before heading out, I rummage through the laundry room and borrow a few pieces of clothing. They don’t fit quite right, too baggy in some places and tight in others but they will have to suffice. Now, I have to figure out how to get to the storage unit. It’s still about a two-hour drive away, too far for my liking. I kick myself for choosing such a remote location; it had seemed like a good decision at the time. I consider hitchhiking, but the risks are too high. If someone recognizes me, they might tip off the police. The same for taking the train. That leaves me with only one option: the bus. No one pays attention to passengers, and that’s how people like me manage to slip through the cracks. I take a deep breath. Yes, the bus will be my best bet.

***

Four hours, it takes me to get to this stupid place. Who was to guess the bus would take the longest route ever and stop at every stop along the way. Well, I didn’t. I can’t quite recall what possessed me to stash my belongings here, but it feels as if I’ve stepped into a different world, like a bustling city compared to our quiet little town. This is why I picked this place; who would pay attention to someone hiding their life in plain sight among these crowded units?

Once I finally retrieve my items, a wave of relief washes over me. I navigate my way to the nearest high-end motel, still hindered by my lack of a fake ID, which prevents me from checking in anywhere more conventional.

The moment I step into the shower, the hot water feels like heaven washing over my weary body, though the sting from the cuts and bruises serve as a reminder of my recent struggles.

After the shower, I emerge feeling rejuvenated, with a renewed sense of purpose and determination. With a rumbling stomach, I treat myself to the biggest meal on the menu. It’s a small yet meaningful indulgence. I can’t remember the last time I had a proper meal. I savor each bite, reveling in the rich flavors and the comforting satisfaction of filling my belly after what felt like an eternity of deprivation. I settle down in the bed to devise a strategy, it has to be unshakeable, a fortress of a plan. No room for chaos this time; I learned that lesson the hard way. I need to reach Raine and then kill her swiftly and without a trace. Simple enough in theory, right? But with the golden boy now stepping in as her bodyguard, things become a tangled web of complications. He’s clever; I’ll grant him that. But if I play my cards right, I can outsmart him.

Once I'm confident that I've crafted an airtight scheme, I carefully stack all my dishes on the nightstand. Without a care in the world, I pull the comforter tightly around myself, seeking solace in the warmth of my bed, ready to plot the next move in this intricate game. I’m going to sleep well tonight, because come tomorrow, these fuckers won’t know what hit them. Tomorrow is going to be a bright, bright sun-shining day, for me at least.