End of Term, and the Return.

Getting off the bus, I stand around for a minute, deciding what to do. I don't want to go home just yet; it's only 6.30.

Crossing the road, I decide to wander the streets, and go where inspiration takes me. Heading off, I turn away from the main road and down a quiet, dark street. Lyrics course through my head: "I guess they would say we could set the world ablaze".

I settle into a steady pace, the pounding of my feet on the ground mesmerising. As my consciousness retreats, the steady rise and fall of the hills of West Auckland become a blur.

Eventually, I find myself surrounded by light. Rising from my ponderings, I look around, gather my wits, and realise where I am. It's the local mall. My phone tells me it's around 8pm. I don't use a watch anymore; all they are to me is a constant reminder of time wasted.

My stomach rumbles. I realise I haven't eaten since yesterday. Foolishly, I had left the house with no money. Regretting that decision, I make my way to the nearest supermarket. When I arrive, I walk straight past the entrance, choosing instead to sneak around the back. Supermarkets don't like people going through their rubbish. Which is bizarre; anything there has been thrown out, which is surely a viable argument against any potential lawsuit. It's almost as if they have something to hide.

I manage to get behind the supermarket without being noticed, and I arrive just as some teen working for peanuts dumps the latest load of wasted food. How very clichè, I think to myself.

Rushing to the dumpster, I throw open the lid and start rummaging. I give myself a minute before whoever's supposed to be watching the security cameras sees me.

Finishing up, I slam the lid shut and rush back to the relative safety of the shadows. With my roasted peanuts and bread, of course. Pleased, I chow down on a cheese bun, and continue my journey to nowhere.

I next arise from my deep thought when I run out of food. This time, it takes me longer to realise where I am. I'm at a golf course, apparently. Giving up on trying to find anything else, I sit under some treesm and light up a Crosaire herbal cigarrete. I've been off the harsh stuff for a while now. It's camomile and peppermint. Relaxing.

I sit there, under the trees and stars, in the cool wind, looking over the lights of the city for a good few hours. I like this spot; it's calming.

Then, I notice a figure approaching from across the course. I assume it's a worker here, probably coming to tell me to go away. Why would anyone be here this late? I wonder.

As the figure draws closer, it gradually becomes more familiar. How unusual. Eventually, I recognise him. A feeling of dread falls over me.

Apparently my break is over.

"Hello, my good sir. I'm back."

"I would say it's good to see you, but I don't want to lie, Sialon."

Sialon grins, as menacing and mysteriously paternal as ever.