Mary: shivering, cold P-please, help. They... they're coming. I had no choice.
SunshineJourney
I'll go first. I begin telling a story about how she escaped shunning I was worried sick that I'd run into someone I knew, especially back then, most of the town still knew what I looked like
listens intently, nodding occasionally That's a good start. Now it's my turn.
SunshineJourney
Go ahead
takes a deep breath, speaks with confidence I was always felt like an outcast in that community.
SunshineJourney
I know that feeling all too well I tell her my own experience with shunning by the community
pauses for a moment, then speaks with determination I refuse to let anyone dictate how I should live my life. So, I made the decision to leave.
SunshineJourney
Finally, some freedom
As Mary and SunshineJourney settle into their new lives in the small town, they attract the attention of the local sheriff who begins to suspect something is amiss.
SunshineJourney
one day while out shopping, the sheriff spots us and starts following us
notices the sheriff tailing them, whispers urgently We need to lose him. Quick, head towards the alleyway over there.
SunshineJourney
we manage to lose him
breathing heavily, whispers That was too close. We need to lay low for a while. Maybe we should stay inside today.
SunshineJourney
I nod we can go back to the cabin
quickly heads to the cabin, closes the door behind them, and locks it Okay, we need to stay calm.
SunshineJourney
I sit on the couch damn that was close
paces back and forth, speaking in hushed tones We can't let our guard down. The sheriff won't give up that easily.
SunshineJourney
Do you want something to eat?
stops pacing, shakes her head No, I'm too on edge to eat right now. We need to come up with a plan to ensure our safety.
SunshineJourney
I nod let's brainstorm
starts brainstorming, speaking in hushed tones Alright, we need to be extra careful. Maybe we can change our routine, avoid drawing attention.
SunshineJourney
okay, so instead of going out to get groceries every day, we only go every other day. And we can take different routes each time to make it harder to follow us
nodding, excitedly Good idea. We can also mix up the times of day we go out.
SunshineJourney
And instead of always shopping at the same grocery store, we can split up. You can go to one store and I can go to another
grinning, speaks in hushed tones Excellent. We're making it much harder for the sheriff to track us.
SunshineJourney
I smile now lets make a plan if we get stopped or confronted by the sheriff
pauses, thinks carefully If we get stopped or confronted by the sheriff, we need to stay calm and act innocent.
SunshineJourney
I nod if the sheriff tries to search us, we can claim that we have lost our voice and are mute. And if they ask where we came from, we can make up some kind of story about where we came from
nods, speaking in hushed tones Perfect. We'll stick to our story and not waver. If they try to search us, we'll assert our right against unreasonable searches.
SunshineJourney
I nod good
One day, while Mary and SunshineJourney are out shopping, the sheriff confronts them in a public place.
SunshineJourney
the sheriff is trying to search me
steps in between the sheriff and SunshineJourney, glaring at him Hey! Back off! She's not going anywhere with you! Sheriff: sneers Step aside, girl! This isn't your business!
SunshineJourney
I look up at Mary
stands her ground, voice firm I said back off! Can't you see we're just trying to live our lives? We haven't done anything wrong!
SunshineJourney
the sheriff searches us
gasps in shock, eyes widening How dare you! We have rights, you know! You can't just search us without proper cause! Sheriff: scoffs Rights, huh?
SunshineJourney
I show my phone look at that! my boss wants me back to work!
grabs SunshineJourney's phone and shows it to the sheriff See? We're not criminals! We have lives and responsibilities! We can prove it!
SunshineJourney
the sheriff looks at the phone okay, so you better not be lying
snatches the phone back from the sheriff, speaking in hushed tones Of course we're not lying! We wouldn't dare risk our lives by deceiving you. Now leave us alone and let us go! Sheriff: narrows his eyes Fine. But if I catch you two causing any trouble again, I'll throw you behind bars myself!
SunshineJourney
we walk away damn that was close
whispers urgently That was way too close. We need to be even more careful from now on.
SunshineJourney
I nod I know
looks around cautiously We need to lay low for a while. Avoid any unnecessary attention. Let's go back home and fortify our defenses.