Erika Coyne

Erika enters the Salvation Army building looking for temporary shelter from the rain. Little does she know her life is about to be changed forever.

Erika ducked under the overpass just as the heavens broke into great drops of water. It was almost as if the clouds knew how Erika was feeling right at the moment- or to put it into words, like crap. She pulled her old hoodie closer to her, wishing that she hadn’t thought of today to go scavenging for some food. She knew there was plenty back in the tree house on the North Shore that she lived in, but she also knew that if she didn’t get more before the snow started, she would starve. Erika did consider going south with the birds, but, she realized, a proper journey down south- especially on foot- would take her months.

Seeing that the rain wasn’t going to leave of soon, Erika decided to run to the Salvation Army on the Boulevard of Allies, where she knew the receptionist would give her temporary shelter. Right now, she was near the Strip District, right near the Heinz History Museum. Erika flipped up the hood and ran out into the street. Although there were many cars on the street, Erika kept running, stopping only for a red light, because she was moving with traffic. Ten minutes later, she burst into the Salvation Army building, cold, wet, but feeling like she had passed a small test in the adventure of life. She walked to the desk at the left side of the doorway and waited for the receptionist to look up.

Leanne Bernardi was a short, stout woman with an eye for things that were quite out of whack from ‘mainstream’ society. She was almost a hippie, but tried to stay away from the ‘psychedelic’ side of life. Presently, she looked up and her dark eyes met Erika’s green ones. “Good afternoon, Erika,” she said warmly. “What would you like? Shelter, clothing, or maybe food?”

Erika rolled her eyes. “I got shelter, and as you see, I’m not walking around naked, but food would be nice. Er, and a chair to sit on, just till the rain’s done.”

Leanne smiled. “Well then, why don’t I take you to the back room, and grab you same Ramen.”

Erika nodded. She had been dreaming about a warm, steaming bowl of Ramen for months.

Leanne stood up and led Erika to a door behind the reception desk. She opened the door with a small key and opened it to a small room with a fireplace, cushy armchairs, and a few books.

Erika’s mood brightened up considerably when she saw this, and slowly walked and sat in a chair in front of the fire.  “Thanks so much, Ms. Bernardi. I really appreciate this. Just tell me when the rain’s done.”

Leanne winked. “Don’t worry dear, just for that I’ll get you a towel, some new clothes, and that vegetarian Ramen that you so love.”

Erika grinned as Leanne shut the door, leaving her alone with her mind.

Or so she thought.

 

Author's Note

Feel free to critique and correct me on my Pittsburgh descriptions throughout the story. =]

Reviews

[Fluffy]

I like it...

Also...

Erika Coyne is a real person who has been my best friend since I was 1...

Where did you come up with that name?

[TIFFANY!]

deep, did you know?.......but....ERIKA COYNE IS A REAL PERSON!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[Vannah]

coool....