Page 29 of Running Risk

My thumb taps the side of my phone, looking at the red text on the screen. I have two missed calls from Rylee. I guess she got my note, but after all that time she gave me the cold shoulder, I’m nervous if she’s going to bite my head off or cry. I don’t have it in me for either of those things.

“Hey, man. Is anyone sitting here?”

My head snaps up at the voice as his shadow casts over me. “Uh, no. Go for it.” I scoot to the edge of the bench.

“Thanks.” He puts his bags on the concrete before sitting down.

The buses and taxis park in front of us before picking up passengers and driving off.

The travelers walking around seem to be on a mission to find their next destination, dragging their luggage and loved ones behind them. “Are you waiting to be picked up?”

I nod, not taking my eyes off my phone. I close my phone and rub my hands up my face, taking a long exhale.

“Seems like you have a lot on your mind.”

I narrow my eyes at the man next to me, finally taking him in.

He’s a skinny guy with brown hair, and he sits with his ankle crossed over his knee and an arm draped over the back of the bench.

“You can say that.” He’s wearing a T-shirt that says Marines on the front, and I turn to face him. “You headed for boot camp too?”

His lips lift into a crooked smile. “Oh, yeah. I’ve been waiting for this day for years.”

I nod, looking at the ground as I realize I only just made the decision a few months ago, but as soon as I committed, it was the first time I knew I was doing the right thing. I hate how it’s hurt Rylee and my mom, but I know this is the path I need to take.

“How about you? Are you ready to leave your life behind and give it your all?” His tone has a challenge in it. He has to see I’m struggling with something.

I glance at my phone on the bench between us, and my mouth pinches into a frown.

“Want a little advice my dad gave me? He was a Marine.”

I nod, knowing I’m pretty lost right now.

“Leave it all behind. Whatever drama or loved ones you have back home, you need to leave it there. If you want to make it and do well, you have to give it your all.” There’s a seriousness in his tone, and I wonder how much of it he’s saying for me and how much he’s saying for himself.

Our ride pulls in front of us, and we both stand, grabbing our luggage. “Thanks. I’m Clayton.” I stick my hand out to shake his.

His hand grabs mine as he says, “Mitch.”