Chapter 37

• I hugged my arms around myself, trying to keep warm as the biting cold penetrated through my thin clothes.
• I walked for what felt like hours, searching for a place to rest or hide, my heart pounding with every step I took. Suddenly, I saw a public bathroom, and I knew I had to take advantage of this opportunity to clean up. I pushed open the door and was met with the overwhelming stench of urine and decay. I crinkled my nose in disgust but forced myself to move forward.
• I found a stall, locked it, and began to undress. My body was caked in grime and sweat, and I knew I had to get rid of it. I took off my outer clothes and my undergarments, grateful that I had worn multiple layers of clothing. I folded my clothes and set them aside, then turned on the tap, the sound of the water a soothing relief.