BTW, in italics is her conscience

I had been walking for hours. The rain had eventually stopped, but the pounding in my head didn't. Nor did the pain in my heart. I didn't worry though. I knew it would fade. It always did.

I kept my umbrella up to cover my face so that no one would recognize me. I doubt anyone would though. People were normally too caught up in their own lives to notice me. I was typical, unoriginal, invisible. Or at least, I looked the part.

Feeling exhausted, I sat down on the sidewalk, and began to eat one of the granola bars. As I munched, I began to really come to terms with what I had done. 

Oh shit.

I hadn't really planned this out, and I had nowhere to go. I just knew, I couldn't go back. What was I thinking? I'm a sixteen year-old girl, alone on the streets of Greenville, without much food or money.

Stupid, stupid, stupid.

I mentally smacked myself. Well I can't go back, and I can't stay here or someone will eventually find me and I'll be tossed back into the system like a sack of dirty laundry people were hoping that, if they washed enough, the stains would come out. Definitely not doing that! Might as well head for the nearest train station, and see where it takes me. I dug this hole, and now I have to step in it. Or, I think that's how the saying goes.....

Idiot.

Finishing my granola bar, I picked up my umbrella. It was bright red, a birthday present from my abuela. I twirled the umbrella in my hands. Would I ever really be accepted anywhere? A foster kid, with a record to boot? My abuela's words echoed in my head.

"Elena, your heart is your best strength. It is more powerful than any trouble you might face. When you are lost, your heart will guide you."

I sighed and started walking.                                                                                                                                        Well, heart? Get ready for the time of your life.

(Also, Elena is Hispanic, if you didn't guess that already)