When the guards left the place the lights went out, Tay took a few steps and sat down on the bed, at that moment a tiger came down from the other bed and laughed at the sight of him.
Tiger: So you are the depraved one who likes to rape girls.
Tay: .... (he sighs)
Tiger: I think I will have fun with you tonight and if you try anything stupid I will break your ribs with my fists.
Tiger: (he approaches Tay) Is that clear bitch?
Tay: (he looks at him with a lot of fear) Please leave me alone, I don't want you to hurt me.
Tiger: Don't come to me with whining.
After saying that, the tiger jumped on Tay.
Tay woke up very scared, looked around and he breathed a sigh of relief, he was in his room.
Tay: "It was just a bad dream".
He looked at his watch, it was 4:46 in the morning.
Tay: "It's time."
He got up and wrote something on a piece of paper, then grabbed his backpack and sneakers and took one last look at his room before leaving.
He walked down the hallway without making a sound, just listening to his heartbeat and breathing, he went downstairs and walked to the front door, after putting on his sneakers he opened the door, with a long and heavy sigh he went out closing the door. He mounted his bicycle and pedaled without looking back, without a direction, without knowing where to go.
The hours passed, the day began to light up with the first rays of sunlight, Brenda woke up with red eyes for having cried almost all night, then she shook her husband waking him up, he also looked like her.
Brenda: Jason, it's time, call your sister and tell her we are sending Taylor this morning.
Jason: Okay (He said with sadness and tears in his eyes).
Brenda: I'll go pack Taylor's things (she leaving the room).
Jason sat on the bed and picked up his cell phone, he was trying to hold back the tears as he dialed Sherry's number, he was broken inside.
Sherry: Hi Jason, why are you calling me so late, I was just about to go to bed.
Jason: I'm sorry to bother you Sherry, something happened and I want to ask you a favor (he said unable to hold back the tears).
Sherry: What happened? (there was concern in his voice)
But before Jason could tell his sister what happened Brenda came into the room interrupting him.
Brenda: TAYLOR'S GONE.
Mason Williams - Classical Gas (acoustic)
Jason: WHAT DID YOU SAY?
Brenda: Taylor ran away, Jason.
Brenda shows him a piece of paper on which was written "the McIntosh family sucks".
Jason: I'm really sorry Sherry but I have to hang up, I promise I will explain everything later.
Jason cut the call short without giving her time to answer.
Jason: What do you mean he's gone?, have you looked for him?
Brenda: Yes I did, I looked in his closet, under the bed, he's gone (she panicked).
Jason: I'll go look for him in Isabelle's room, you check if he took anything or left another note, whatever.
Jason went into Izzi's room and started looking for him everywhere, Izzi woke up and when she saw her father she asked him.
Izzi: What's wrong dad?
Jason: Taylor's gone, you didn't help him, did you?
Izzi: No dad.
Jason saw the worried look on his daughter's face when he found out that Tay was gone, she was telling the truth.
Jason: Come on, help us find him.
Izzi: Yes dad.
The two went out into the hallway and ran into Brenda, she was crying.
Jason: What's wrong honey?
Brenda: I checked his things, his backpack is gone and there are clothes missing from his closet.
Jason: It can't be, we have to ask the neighbors if they haven't seen him.
Brenda: I'll call the police.
Jason and Izzi went outside and started calling Tay, they looked for him around the house, while looking for him in the garage Jason noticed that one of the bikes was missing, Izzi went to the backyard and crossed the fence to call Becky.
Becky: Good morning Izzi, it's too early for you to come see me, don't you think?
The raccoon looked at the dingo after rubbing her sleepy eyes, Izzi was still wearing her pajamas and was crying from worry.
Becky: What's wrong with you? Why are you crying? (she said more awake and worried)
Izzi: Taylor's gone, ran away from home, I thought maybe he came over here or he was seen.
Becky, No Izzi, we haven't seen him.
Becky: What happened, why did he leave the house?
Izzi: I'll tell you later, now I have to find him.
Before she left Becky held her paw.
Becky: Wait, I'll go with you.
Becky went inside to put on a coat and met her mom, she asked her where she was going so early and the two girls told her what happened then she also went with the girls to look for Tay.
Then Jules, Scooter and some neighbors joined them to look for Tay, after a while a patrol car arrived with two policemen, Brenda handed them a picture of Tay begging them to find him, an officer took the picture and put it on the missing persons list. And so they continued to search for him all over the neighborhood.
Tay was tired and felt hungry after having pedaled for hours, he was somewhere in the city that he didn't know but he didn't care, he looked around, the sun was almost at the top of the sky, the people and the movement of the city was typical and very hectic, cars were coming and going, and there were people everywhere, between all that movement Tay could see a hot dog stand and walked to it pushing his bike, when he arrived he looked at the seller, this was a shiba inu dog.
Tay: Good morning sir.
Salesman: Hello buddy, it's a good day to exercise, don't you think (he said with kindness and smiling).
Tay: Yep, I'm waiting for some friends but they are running late and I got a little hungry, so could you sell me a hot dog (he said trying to look casual).
Salesman: Sure, I'd be happy to, I'll make it for you right away.
After a couple of minutes the shiba handed Tay his order, Tay devoured the hot dog with a big smile and the seller looked at him with joy, when Tay finished eating he took out a 10 dollar bill from his pocket to pay, but the shiba didn't receive it and handed him another hot dog.
Salesman: Don't worry, you are my first customer today and it's on the house.
Tay: Thank you very much (tries to hold back his tears).
Salesman: You're welcome, the truth is you reminded me of my son when he was your age.
Tay: And where is he? (I ask with curiosity)
Salesman: He is now in Afghanistan, I hope to see him again (he said sadly and let out a sigh).
Tay: I hope he comes back soon and nothing happens to him (said feeling empathy for him).
After eating the other hot dog, Tay said goodbye and continued his trip, he pedaled through the sidewalks full of people, on one occasion he hid in an alley when he saw a parked patrol car and stayed there until it left, then he continued walking with his bike, The sun was already high in the sky, while he was walking among the people he arrived to a square, there was a fountain in the middle and in front of it was a beautiful colonial style Cathedral, Tay sat down to rest on one of the benches that were in front of the Cathedral. He looked at the people arriving and leaving, they were felines and canines of all varieties and colors, the bells started to ring, Tay looked up to see the clock of the Cathedral, it was 12:00.
When Tay looked down he was startled to see two policemen walking near him, Tay jumped up and ran pushing his bicycle, he tried to look for a place to hide but the only thing he could see was the inside of the Cathedral, Tay entered and hid behind the big gates then he looked out a little and saw that the policemen were standing guard near the entrance, Tay leaned his bicycle behind the gate and decided to sit on one of the benches of the Cathedral, there were not many people only a two old sheep, a couple of foxes, a wolf with her cub and an old bear, Tay felt relieved and he sighed as he looked at the religious figures and pictures, everything was bathed in golden color and it was very beautiful to see, at that moment he remembered what happened the night before, his mom was very angry, Izzi the person who had betrayed him and his dad who seemed to be very sad, Tay began to shed his tears with those memories, he was now a bad person and felt like a criminal to be hiding from the police, as if they knew what he had done and wanted to arrest him.
Tay: "What will become of me now?"
Tay: "Will I never find the happiness I had before?"
Tay: "Will I ever be able to stop hiding like a criminal?"
Tay: "Will I be able to live alone without anyone's help?"
Tay cried not knowing what to do, now he was alone and without anyone's support, but then he remembered this morning, when that good salesman gave him food, that memory gave him a breath of hope, Tay wiped his tears and looked at the altar.
Tay: I know I don't deserve your help after what I did to my sister.
Tay: But I still beg you to help me, to take care of me and not to let anything bad happen to me.
Tay: I beg you to give comfort to the people who were my family.
Tay: And please, help me find a good place where I can sleep tonight.
Tay got up after feeling comforted and went to get his bike, before leaving he looked out to see if the policemen were still there but they were already gone, Tay bought a lunch in a restaurant nearby and continued his way to wherever those avenues and streets took him, after having pedaled for hours, he noticed that it was already getting dusk, he stopped to rest a moment and looked around, he was in a neighborhood he had never seen before, some of the houses were painted in bright colors and there were signs in some stores and minimarket ads that were written in spanish and he did not understand what they said, but still this neighborhood was cozy, it felt quiet and everything was clean and tidy, Tay walked pushing his bike until he reached a small park, in it there were a few children and some adults but they did not seem to notice his presence. Tay looked for a place to rest until he saw a bridge near the playground, he walked and sat under it, after a while the screams and laughter of the children stopped, minutes later Tay began to feel a horrible loneliness, the darkness and the cold began to surround him, the park was empty and the fear of being alone took over his mind until he could no longer hold back his tears.
Tay was crying as he cowered hiding his face with his arms, he had never felt so lonely, it seemed that no one was listening to him, no one would come to comfort him, but the voice of a little boy stopped his wailing.
Boy: Oye, por que lloras?/Hey, why are you crying? (The boy spoke to him in Spanish).
Tay just stood there staring at the ground not knowing what to say or do, but then he heard a woman's voice.
Woman: Aqui estas, ya te dije que no corrieras/There you are, I told you not to run.
The woman looked at her son, he was staring into the dark tunnel of the bridge.
Woman: Que estas buscando hay amor?/What are you looking for, love?
Children: El esta llorando mama/He is crying mom (he pointing to the dark interior of the tunnel).
Woman: Llorando?, A que te refieres?/Crying? What do you mean?
The woman came closer to see what her son was pointing at and could make out a shadow that looked like a big ball so she reached for her cell phone and shone her flashlight on Tay, he was sitting there, sobbing and shivering from the cold.
Woman: Dios, pero si es un cachorro/God, he's a puppy (she said surprised).
Woman: Que haces aqui tu solo?/What are you doing here all by yourself?
Tay was confused, he didn't understand what the woman was saying and without knowing what to say to her, he buried his face in his arms, sobbing. The woman entered the tunnel and knelt down in front of Tay, the little puppy stood next to her.
Woman: Por favor tesoro ya no llores y dime que tienes?/Please honey don't cry anymore and tell me what's wrong? (She said in a sweet voice)
Tay: I'm fine, it's nothing.
He answered thinking it was the answer she was looking for not knowing if she would understand.
Woman: Oh I'm sorry love, I think you didn't understand us (She said speaking in English).
Tay: Yes, I'm sorry for being silent (His voice cracked).
Woman: Come on honey, let me look at you please (She said in a soft and comforting voice).
Tay raised his head and saw a beautiful golden retriever kneeling in front of him, she had such a sweet expression that made him feel good and next to her was a small German shepherd who was smiling and wagging his tail.
Woman: What are you doing here alone and crying?
Tay thought as he looked at the smiling golden.
Tay: "If I tell him that I ran away from my house she will want to help me and take me to the cops."
Tay: "What can I tell him so she will believe me and not take me to the cops?"
He swallows saliva and trying not to look her in the eyes he said.
Tay: I have nowhere to go, I'm alone.
Woman: How? And where are your parents?
Tay: My mom died in an accident a few years ago and my dad drinks a lot, today he took me to the city and left me there, he told me I was just a nuisance and he didn't want to see me anymore.
He starts to cry more for the fact that he had to lie about his parents like that than for any other reason.
Woman: God, you must have had a terrible day (she said sadly).
Woman: What's your name honey?
Tay: Taylor (takes a deep breath and looks at her with teary eyes)
Woman: It's a very pretty name (smiles and caresses his head comforting him)
Woman: My name is Carmen.
Boy: And my name is David.
Said the little German shepherd almost jumping, he also knows how to speak English.
Carmen: Please love, don't cry anymore, I can't stand to see those beautiful emeralds full of tears (She wipes Tay's tears with her fingers in a very loving way).
Carmen: I know I'm a stranger and you shouldn't trust strangers, that's ok.
Carmen: But even though this neighborhood is quiet during the day, at night some vandals come out and bother people and steal.
Carmen: I can not leave you here to your fate, they could find you and do you many evils, so I ask you to come with me (She said with a soft and warm voice).
Tay looked Carmen in the eyes, his gaze was warm and radiated security, it was like looking into Brenda's eyes, he smiled wiping his nose and nodded with a smile.
David: Yay, I have a new friend.
The little boy was jumping with joy and wagging his tail, because of his innocence he was not able to fully understand what was going on.
Carmen helped Tay to get up and carried his backpack, little David was pushing with difficulty Tay's bike, it was a little heavy for him. Carmen took Tay's hand tenderly and they started to walk, he was very happy to find a good person who wanted to help him, it seemed that his problems were disappearing although it still hurt him to have to lie to her but he had no other option.
They walked for a few minutes until they arrived at a house, it was a modern family house, it was not very big and had a carved stone enclosure with metal spears on top, even so it had its charm and seemed to be very cozy, Carmen opened the metal gate and the kids entered, as they entered Tay saw a beautiful garden adorned with many flowers chosen with taste, and there were also some toys lying everywhere. As Carmen closed the gate Tay looked at little David, he was tired from pushing his bike and feeling some guilt he asked her to give it to him to put it somewhere, David indicated a place to leave it and Tay put it there, then Carmen walked to the door of the house and after opening it she called the kids, Tay and David came in behind her.
Carmen: YA REGRESAMOS AMOR/WE ARE COME BACK LOVE.
At that moment some footsteps were heard and a little golden retriever appeared.
Girl: Mamaaaaa, dijiste que no te ibas a demorar mucho/Mommy, you said you weren't going to be long (she make pouts).
Carmen: (she smiles) Lo siento corazon, tuve un pequeno contratiempo/I'm sorry sweetheart, I had a little mishap.
Girl: Estoy segura de que te quedaste chismeando con las vecinas/I'm sure you were gossiping with the neighbors (she crossing her arms).
Carmen: (she giggles) No cielo, la verdad es que me encontre a alguien/No honey, the truth is that I met someone.
Girl: A quien?/At who?
Carmen: Pues conocelo tu misma/Well, meet him yourself.
Carmen stood to the side and introduced Tay to her daughter, Tay looked at the little golden she was very pretty, she was dressed in a pink t-shirt with purple details and blue shorts and white tennis shoes, in her hair she had a black brooch in the shape of a flower and she looked very similar to her mother with that sweet and warm look.
The girl also looked at him and smiled causing Tay to blush.
Girl: Holaaa, Me llamo Katherine/Hello, my name is Katherine (She said with a smile).
Tay just stood there with a slight blush on his cheeks.
Carmen: (she laughs) El no habla en español cielo/He doesn't speak Spanish honey.
Katherine: Oh, sorry I didn't know that, what's your name? (She said speaking in English)
Tay: Taylor (he looks at the floor sheepishly)
Katherine: Taylor, nice to meet you, I like your name.
Katherine: Well, I already told you my name, it's Katherine.
Tay: That's a very pretty name (he blushes a little more).
Katherine blushed too.
David: Mom, I'm hungry.
Carmen: It's ok honey, your daddy should be here soon, Katherine will you help me set the table?
Katherine: Yes mommy, come with me (she takes Tay's paw).
Katherine took Tay to the dining room and sat him in a chair then ran to the kitchen, Carmen just smiled to see that her daughter liked Tay, unlike her brother David she was not very affectionate with other boys. After putting Tay's backpack in the living room Carmen also went to the kitchen and David sat down next to Tay.
David: Wow, my sister seems to really like you (he flashes a big smile).
Tay: Why?
David: The boys at school are silly and they are always bothering her.
David: That's why she's always grumpy with the boys.
David: But for some reason she likes you.
Tay: I guess (he said while blushing).
David was playing with some toy soldiers and Tay was watching him, in the kitchen Carmen and her daughter were preparing the plates with food and Katherine was bringing some dressings and salads to the table, every time Katherine looked at Tay she smiled mischievously and ran to the kitchen, after about 5 minutes they heard the big garage door open and after a moment the lights of a car illuminated the living room of the house, after hearing the big door close they heard some keys in the front door, When the door opened a big German shepherd entered, Tay looked at him after hearing that the door closed, that big dog was stocky and looked very intimidating showing a serious expression, Tay looked at him from head to toe noticing that he even seemed to be taller than Jason, Tay hid behind the back of the chair feeling intimidated, but when David and Katherine ran very happy to receive him that intimidating dog changed his expression to one of happiness and gentleness.
Katherine, David: DADDY!
Sir: Hello my loves (he said in a deep and comfortable voice).
He carried his two children playing with them, Carmen came out of the kitchen and gave him a kiss.
Carmen: Hi honey, how did it go?
Sir: It was a waste of time, those idiots almost took apart the customer's engine only to find out that the fault was a blown fuse.
Carmen: (she laughs) It's not that bad love.
Sir: I know, but what a way to not let me enjoy the weekend.
Carmen: You were only gone for 5 hours, come on the food is ready.
Sir: Great, I was starving.
The big dog went lowered their children, Katherine went with her mom to the kitchen and could not avoid crossing her eyes with Tay's, when she saw him a little scared she just laughed at him and went into the kitchen, the dog sat on the main chair at the table, David followed him and sat in the same place where he was before, when the dog looked at his son he also noticed Tay who seemed to be a little nervous.
Sir: Hola campeon, eres amigo de David?/Hey, Hi champ, are you David's friend? (he said gently)
Tay just shrunk back a little not knowing what to say.
Sir: Que pasa, te comio la lengua el gato?/What's the matter, cat got your tongue? (he laughs good naturedly).
Tay also laughs nervously and at that moment Carmen served the food to her husband after listening to them.
Carmen: El no habla español amor, no te entiende/He doesn't speak Spanish love, he doesn't understand you.
Senor: Eso explica su silencio/That explains his silence.
Senor: Hello little buddy, what's your name? (he said speaking in English)
Tay: Taylor (his voice trembled a little bit)
Sir: (he laughs) Don't be scared, I don't bite.
Sir: My name is Gonzalo, you're not from around here, I don't remember seeing you in the neighborhood.
Tay: I used to live somewhere else (he said with more confidence).
Gonzalo: You are new here, well I welcome you.
Tay: (he smiles nervously) T-thank you.
Carmen finished serving the plates of food with Katherine and then they sat down.
Gonzalo: Parece ser un buen muchacho, los nuevos vecinos deben ser amables tambien/He seems to be a nice guy, the new neighbors must be nice too (he said speaking in Spanish).
Carmen: La verdad amor es que lo encontre llorando en el parque ase 15 minutos/The truth is that I found him crying in the park 20 minutes ago.
Gonzalo: Que? Pero de donde viene? Sus padres lo deben estar buscando/What? But where did he come from? His parents must be looking for him (his face showed concern).
Carmen: Pues te vas a sorprender, el me dijo que su madre murio y su padre alcoholico lo abandono esta manana en la ciudad/Well, you will be surprised, he told me that his mother died and his alcoholic father abandoned him this morning in the city.
Gonzalo: Dios, no se por que alguien busca tener hijos si no va a ser capas de cuidarlo/God, I don't know why anyone would want to have a child if they are not going to be able to take care of it (he said a little upset).
Tay watched Carmen and Gonzalo talk, he did not understand anything of what they were saying, but he was worried that Gonzalo would not accept it and would throw him out on the street, he looked at David and Katherine they were very attentive to their parents? conversation.
Tay: "I'd give anything to know what they're saying"
He said in his mind letting out a sigh that no one noticed.
Hello everyone, here I leave you another chapter of the story, I was forced to change it because it was becoming very murky and it is not what I wanted, but it was for the best because now it will have a more hopeful ending, also I could add without much trouble to the new characters created by me. Without more to say, I hope you like the story.
