64
Booked
1st Place | Short Story
volume 10
All the Ws by Maecel Joy Priolo
The scorching heat of the sun directly hits my face as I walk on a seemingly isolated road. I've been walking for hours with nothing but a small amount of cash, my backpack with a few clothes, and a water bottle that's half-empty which helped me to survive this endless walk. The road seems to stretch forever and the sun is about to set and, yet again, to disappear into the darkness in which I wish I could too. Finally, before the darkness engulfs me in the road, I came upon a town that appears to be small and fairly old. As I was searching for a place to stay, I saw a diner called "Toby's". There were about 10 to 12 empty tables inside and a counter. I went straight to the counter and rang the bell on top of it. A lady in her mid-40s appeared from the back which I guess is the kitchen. She looked shocked as she saw me. I didn't bother myself with the way she reacted and ordered right away. I sat at a table facing outside, and not so long, my order was served. I only ordered a burger and fries and I was wondering why there is a milkshake that came with my order. I faced the lady with a puzzled look. "That's a welcome drink. It's on the house. I believe you're new in this town," she smiled and went back to the kitchen after she spoke. I just shook the thoughts in my head and hurriedly finished my food. I paid afterward and left. I went to look for a place and, as I walked past some houses, I found myself sitting on a bench in a park. The cold breeze and the silence almost put me to sleep not until a footstep alarmed me. I quickly walked away and never had a chance to look back. The bright light coming from my window woke me up. It's almost noon when I woke up. Last night, after I walked away from the park, I saw an inn named "Moonlight" and decided to stay here. I took a quick shower and went out. I was heading to Toby's to grab something to ease my hunger when I remembered
