#heading-out

Penny slumped against the pillows, and continued to press the ‘channel up’ button on the remote. It was generous of the Benbow Apartment owner to give her a small one-bedroom apartment of her own, since finding out that she didn’t have anywhere to stay. It was one that needed some repairs, and wasn’t quite ready to rent out to actual paying tenants, but it still gave her shelter and warmth. Tomorrow, she would venture out on her own and look for a job so she could start paying some rent. But, in the meantime, it was slightly boring and very lonely being by herself, with only the television to keep her company. Her stuffed bear didn’t do much talking these days, and she hadn’t found any mice or cats wandering about.

The only clock in the apartment read 10:30 PM, and Penny was feeling a little hungry. Restless and hungry. She tapped the remote to the bed a couple times while staring at the television. Restless and hungry and wanting some spinach dip. Which meant she had a craving for Chippamunka, a diner across the street. Even though she had been told about the citywide curfew of 10PM, she didn’t think that a brisk walk across the street would cause a problem. It would only take her a couple minutes to dash over to the diner, and she could sit there while watching the people.  She wouldn’t feel so alone, then! And she would have some delicious spinach dip to munch on.

Suddenly, Penny felt energized and excited. Throwing her legs over the side of the bed, she grabbed her jacket, and pulled it on, using her hands to lift her blonde hair out. Her Converse shoes were already on, and all she needed now was her key. Stuffing it into her pocket, she crossed the small living room and quietly opened the door. Peeking her head out, she didn’t see nor hear anyone around. Stepping out into the hallway, Penny remembered to lock her door securely and tiptoed the rest of the way to the door leading outside. It opened easily, and she walked out onto the sidewalk, and on to the dimly-lit sidewalk. She knew that she had to take a right, and go down a couple blocks before heading across the street to the diner. Easy peasy, lemon squeezy!