Another car whizzes by, tail-lights fade to blackness. It’s almost midnight.

Sixty miles from anywhere – why do I keep doing this? The shelter wasn’t that bad.

Unroll my sleeping bag and crawl in. A mile away some farm-dog barks like mad. I close my eyes and pray no-one skids off the highway.

Sunrise, everything’s soaked with dew, and the ditch reeks of garbage. I collect my stuff and stick out my thumb. A car stops, and I sprint to an open window. 

“Hop in, chief.” He looks at me with lizard eyes, but I get in anyway.

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Linda Rock
Linda Rock(@linda-rock)
Reply to  Preston Randall
6 months ago

What a story, Preston! Chilling that things might have turned out so differently. It’s these moments in our lives, and I’ve had some myself, that make us what we are today, stronger and, as you say, wiser. I really enjoyed the audio version of ‘Shelter’, it was good to put a voice to the author! Congratulations on winning the public vote, well deserved.

Jan Randall
Jan Randall(@jan-randall)
7 months ago

Hop in Chief- what a great line. Runs so counter to the mood, and yet fits right in on that fine line that inhabits all is well and yet there could be something awful ahead.

Margarida Brei
Margarida Brei(@margarida-brei)
7 months ago

No, you should not hitch hike and definitely not enter a car driven by a creep with lizard eyes. Could you be encouraged to write the next story line, please?

Thompson Emate
Thompson Emate(@thompson-emate)
7 months ago

Yes. I agree with Margarida. You shouldn’t hitch-hike a car driven by a creep with snake eyes. Don’t even give it a second thought.

Linda Rock
Linda Rock(@linda-rock)
7 months ago

That last line made me shiver, Preston! I can only imagine how it feels to be homeless and the risks that come with it. Powerful writing.

Sophie Toovey
Sophie Toovey(@sophie-toovey)
Reply to  Linda Rock
7 months ago

Completely agree! The lizard eyes detail is a great choice. Conveys so much.

Lotchie Carmelo
Lotchie Carmelo(@lotchie-carmelo)
7 months ago

Hello, Preston. That man with lizard eyes spook me up. I was shivering. I wish your protagonist didn’t get in. 

Allan Neil
Allan Neil(@allan-neil)
7 months ago

An ending that leaves the reader gagging for more. Part II please, Preston!

Emily O'Leary
Emily O'Leary(@emily-oleary)
7 months ago

It’s saddening, when you realise just what sort of conditions people are willing to endure instead of the “safety” of a shelter. It says an awful lot that your protagonist would sooner keep traipsing on!

Powerful piece, Preston.

Christer Norrlof
Christer Norrlof(@christer-norrlof)
7 months ago

Congratulations to a well crafted story, Preston! The last line, although evoking some negative reactions, is an important part in the context. It goes perfectly well with the details about sleeping in a ditch and waking up to the morning with moisture and foul smells. It’s all very visual and powerful. This is about darkness, loneliness and uncertainty. Well done!

Marianna Pieterse
Marianna Pieterse(@marianna-pieterse)
6 months ago

Preston, this was a well written story that vividly described the risks and uncertainty that homeless people face. That last line was very creepy, but a great finish to the story.

Lotchie Carmelo
Lotchie Carmelo(@lotchie-carmelo)
6 months ago

Congratulations, Preston.

Lotchie Carmelo
Lotchie Carmelo(@lotchie-carmelo)
Reply to  Preston Randall
6 months ago

You’re welcome.

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