.....I pressed harder on my chest. Ouch! Yes, defiantly some broken ribs.


     In addirtion, I had countless bruises, but that was something I had learned to except. I had also become accustomed to covering them up, long sleeves, even in the dead heat of the summer. I could wear shorts and tee-shirts if I wanted to; I had become very skilled with a make-up brush, and could usually cover most of them, but all that make-up comes with a heavy price tag.
     A snapping twig brought me out of my daze. I looked to my right; just my happy little deer friend. He had been following behind me for most of my journey. He was beautiful; his bronzed, golden fur, his eight-point rack. It reminded me of when Jon and I would go hunting together. It's too bad he moved out last year, I missed him being in the house with Father and me. I cringed again at the thought of him. I felt nauseous again, and as I caught a case of the spins, I suddenly wanted a place to lay my head.
     "Should I go back, Mr. Deer?" I asked. The deer cocked his head in an expression that read, "Why are you asking me? I'm just a humble woodland creature." I  knew it was time to come to my senses, and take the other path.
     "Would you like to walk back with me, Mr. Deer?" I asked, realizing how ridiculous I looked. I quickly turned around, for fear that if I didn't, I would soon become insane. The humidity of this small florida town was begining to cause my hair to frizz. Although, having a good hair day wasn't on the top of my priority list. I turned around to survey Mr. Deer, he was busy munching on some deep green ferns. I turned to my left and started to walk along the other path. Once again, I noticed the sound of cars along the pavement.
     I wondered what time it was. I had figured out that I was facing north, so I judged by the shadows of the trees, using the forest as my own personal sun-dial, that it was nearing 3 o'clock. I wonder if Father had woken from his drunken slumber yet. If he had, I felt delighted at the fact that he would wake with much more than the regular hangover headache he was used to. I felt a smile creep across my face. Was it a smile? It had been so long since I displayed one of those.
     I was coming upon the road now, much larger than I had previously anticipated. It was a highway. I looked around for what could be found at the next exit. Conveniently, the sign was to my right.
     "Exit Twenty-Three," I read out loud, "Food. Wendy's McDonald's, Long John Silvers. Gas. BP, Sunoco, Chevron." No lodging. Damn. I kept walking. The next exit was much more promising; a Comfort Inn. I began picking up my pace. Nothing else ever seemed as important as it was to find a warm bed now.


Part Three is posted now. Go check it out to keep reading!