Kyla's Journey

 P a r t   T h r e e

-R U N N I N G   A W A Y-

Kyla found a seat on the bus next to a Spanish lady holding a book bag. Kyla was very nervous, but she couldn’t go back. Not now, at least. 

After two more stops to pick some people up, the bus drove to its destinations. The bus driver yelled back to Kyla. “Where you be going li’l missy?” 

Kyla stuttered at first. “Uh—I—I’m try—trying to go—” 

“Yer gonna have ta speak up, ‘cause my hearing ain’t that good.” The driver hollered back. 

Kyla got up her courage and tried to holler, “please take me to the farthest city in the state.” 

The driver hollered back, “that’s about fifty some dollars miss. Are ya sure you can pay that much?”

 Kyla quickly counted her money, and answered, “yes I’m sure.” 

Kyla was the last to get off the bus because her destination was the farthest away. She finally reached a city called Charleston. She hopped off the bus confidant but as soon as the bus drove away, her courage sank and she became afraid. “Bus! Bus! Come back!” But it was no use. The bus was far down several roads, probably never to be seen by her again. The story will continue on following page

P a r t   F o u r

-F E E L I N G   C O M F O R T-

Kyla walked on the sidewalk thinking about what had just happened. “I can’t believe this happened. I can’t believe I did this. I—” 

“Can’t believe what happened?” Asked a little boy, about eight or nine. “Sorry, it’s just that I heard every word you said and it made me curious.” 

Kyla stopped, not knowing what to say back in reply. “No, you don’t have too sorry. I was just upset, that’s all.” 

The boy came closer. “Upset about what? Do you have a home? Do you like goldfish? Are you married?” 

Kyla laughed. “No, no. It’s just—” Kyla paused for a moment. Am I really going to share important information with some little kid? Kyla decided she would. Maybe he could help her. 

“Actually, I don’t have a place to sleep, and the only supplies I have is a blanket, some water, and a box of peanuts.” The boy’s face lighted up. “My name’s Malachi, and I know a place. You can sleep at my house. My parents won’t mind. They’re really nice, and right over there!” He pointed to a couple buying some cotton candy, about ten twelve feet away. They soon walked over and handed one too Malachi. 

“Here’s some flavored cotton. Happy Birthday Malachi.” The wife noticed Kyla. 

“Who’s your friend, Malachi?” 

“Oh, that’s just Kyla. She ain’t got no place to sleep, so I said she could sleep at our house tonight.” The couple looked at each other and then at Kyla. 

“That’s fine with us. In the morning, we’ll try to find you someplace you can stay. Alright?” 

Kyla smiled with gratitude. “Thank you.” She said nervously. 

On the way to their house, the two people introduced themselves. 

“I’m Lisha.” 

“And I’m Ryan.” Kyla felt comfortable around them, and almost forgot her own family.