I expressed my frustration loudly and twisted the key for the fifth time. The choked sound of the engine was enough to trigger tears in my eyes. I reached down to check my phone again, as if the battery would magically become at least one percent higher. The screen stayed black. I leaned back into the cars black leather seat and closed my eyes. This couldn’t be happening. I wasn’t here. I wasn’t alone. In an old red car. That wouldn’t turn on. And didn’t have working locks on the door. In the middle of an alleyway. With a dead phone. That situation sounds horrible for whoever was going through it. But luckily, it wasn’t me. I opened an eye. Yeah, it was definitely me. I peered out the car window and into the night. The streets were still packed to the brim. Everyone walked with a purpose while I sat like the helpless person I am. My grandfather told me to call him if anything happened to his old car, but even now that wasn’t an option. How did they contact each other in the old days, pigeons? I growled and shoved the steering wheel. It let out a loud _honk! _But everyone still moved along. Sometimes I hated the city. No one cared enough to even look over at the old car honking it’s horn. It’s all about yourself. I sighed and sank into the seat. Then I sat up again and gripped the wheel. My restless legs had to move, but do what? The people walking by would think I’m some kind of homeless freak begging for money. “Yoo hoo!” A knock came from my window and I nearly jumped out of my skin. I rolled it down an inch. “Sir, can you help me?” I asked the man immediately, ready to blurt out the whole story. “Car broke down?” He asked. I nodded, the relief sinking in and slowing my pattering heart. I realized my hands were shaking and placed them in my lap. “Can’t help you.” “Wait, what?” “Can’t help you. I ain’t no mechanic and I surely don’t got no… jumper cables? Is that what you need?” “I… don’t know.” I said. “I can give you a push start, that’s for sure but I ain’t gonna hang around if it don’t work out.” My heart filled with gratitude. “Oh, please do!” The man walked towards the back of my car, flicking his cigarette butt onto the pavement. I twisted the key and he pushed it forwards. The car rumbled to life. He waved me away before I could stop to thank him. I forever remember that man on the street, but I certainly did not tell my grandfather about that incident.

Being homeless wasn’t great but I didn’t expect it to be this bad. It all started when my company collapsed, I carried an abundant amount of debts it led me to become a homeless man who was even having a hard time finding shelter. All I had left was a small car that I kept for nostalgia as my first car, I never thought of me using this old car again. I’m glad I made the right choice to move to the centre of the city, much more food waste in the garbage bin than the other places. Yet there’s still some cons of this decision. The worst part of living in the centre was the night, always so noisy, too loud for me to have even one night without being woke up during midnight. It would have been nice if there’s no disgusting couple around my spot at night too. Spending night like this would have made me feel so ill but I’m just too dulled and tired. My job was quite simple, begging on the street, it’s a easy yet exhausting job. Despite all the bad aspects of my life, I still managed to find myself a thing enjoyable, art is a beautiful thing to had and made. Drawing was once my shortcoming, haveing a lot of time to practice drawing enhanced my skill. I usually draw within the the alley no one would enter, I don’t like to be disturbed by others. My artwork is a little bit different from others, it’s made of trash and paint I found in trash cans which made my artwork unpredictable even for me. The life of mine isn’t the best nor the worst but I guess it was bearable. I’m going to continue living like this perhaps until I naturally dies since I am satisfied with my lifestyle now after such a long time.

I didn’t expect the windows to fog up but my breath was making the air warm inside my car with all the windows closed. I really didn’t feel safe but at least I had some shelter and my doors were locked.

Mum bought me this car I really wanted,I couldn’t stop her and I am really grateful. I wonder what she would think if she knew now that I was spending the night cuddled up in my own arms on the back seat with nothing more than the clothes I was wearing and a hoodie to keep me warm. I’m not finding sleep is coming easily and I’ve nothing to do except stare at the street light across the road. Every time a car goes past i rock a little and I hear that distant swoosh. Hopefully I’ll make it through the night alive to see what answers daylight brings. Trust me to attempt a spur of the moment adventure and end up getting way more than I bargained for,a nice quiet night at home on the couch sounds perfect to me right now but instead I’m out here hoping I live to tell the tale about the night my car broke down and I had no place to go,too far from home and I didn’t want to call anyone but as long as I can get help in the morning I will be fine.

“Okay. We can still talk about this.” Pliao said nervously to Hioana.

“It’s too late for that. Sioa.”

Sioa immediately pulled him towards the door. “Come on.” She growled. “Stop resisting!”

She eventually got him out the door.

Once they disappeared, Hioana sank to the floor. “I still can’t believe it.” She sobbed.

Just then the tall man came into the room. “You alright? I saw them walk out of the apartments. And your door was open.” The man shut it behind him.

“I’m fine.” Hioana wiped her tears away. “I just don’t want to believe my husband would have actually done something like that.”

“I did. Right from the start. He always seemed like that kind of guy to me.”

Hioana glanced at him as he walked over and sat beside her. “What does that mean?”

“Ever since you two stepped in here, I’ve been watching you. Seeing how this would play out. A playboy and the prettiest woman I’ve seen.” The man gently moved a stray hair out of Hioana’s face.

“Aw, thanks.” She glanced away.

“I mean it. You’re very beautiful.” The man whispered.

Hioana looked back and the man took his chance. He pressed his lips to hers in a desperate sort of way.

“Will you give me a chance?” He pulled away.

Hioana glanced down. “I don’t even know you’re name, and I’m not sure I’m ready to commit to another person yet…”

The man lifted her face up to his. “Think about it. Give me one week and then make your decision. And it’s Lio, by the way.”

“Lio’s a nice name.” Hioana smiled. “Okay, I’ll think about it.”

——————

Hioana pushed the cafe doors open. Lio stood there, waiting.

“There you are!” He pulled her close and kissed her. “I have a surprise for you.”

A growl sounded from the cashier. Hioana turned to it. “Lio, look!”

“That was the surprise.” Lio laughed.

Hioana walked over to Pliao. Lio followed her. “You work here?”

“Yes.” He said through gritted teeth, glaring at Lio, who was behind her.

Hioana glanced back at Lio and towards Pliao again. “You jealous?”

“Yes.” Pliao growled.

“You shouldn’t be. You cheated on me! Not me on you. I can date whoever I want without you here. It’s pretty freeing actually. And what happened with you and Sioa?”

“She turned out to be a dumb cop. Remember?”

“Oh, yeah, I do remember now. Thanks for reminding me.” Hioana smiled.

Lio grabbed her hand. “Come on, babe. Let’s find a seat.”

Hioana let him lead her away to a small table by the door.

Lio grabbed her hand again on the table. “You don’t need to talk to him, you know.”

“Yeah, but it’s funny seeing how obviously jealous he is of us.” Hioana laughed.

“You’re right.” Lio agreed. “You know, I actually do have another surprise for you.” Lio reached down and pulled a small box from his pocket and handed it to Hioana.

She opened it slowly. Inside was a beautiful necklace. The charm was a small silver feather.

“Aw, I love it!” Hioana laughed.

“I knew you would.”

——————

The sun set in the perfect shade of orange. Hioana stood facing happily.

Lio walked up behind her and tapped her shoulder.

Hioana spun around to face him. “You scared me!” She exclaimed.

Lio chuckled. “Sorry.”

Hioana grabbed his hand and pulled him in. “I always wished to be standing on a beach with a faithful man.” She smiled and kissed him.

Lio leaned into it. He had wished of this too.

Then they broke their kiss and stood staring at each other lovingly.

Suddenly, Lio bent onto his knee. He pulled a box from his pocket and opened it in front of her. The setting Sun glinted perfectly on it. Making it look even more pretty.

“Hioana, will you marry me?”

Hioana gasped and started crying. “Lio… yes!”

She rushed towards him and kissed him again. Lio slowly stood up, closing the box and putting it in his pocket again and returned it.

Hioana stepped calmly into her apartment. Then she kicked the coffee table angrily.

"Why me?" She shouted.

"What happened, babe?" Her husband poked out from the kitchen. "And take it easy on the coffee table."

"We're getting evicted!" Hioana cried.

"What? How?" Her husband stepped fully out of the kitchen.

"I don't know! The owner just told me as I was coming up here!" She growled, kicking the coffee table again.

“Hey, I said easy on the table. Calm down.” Her husband walked over to her and placed his hands on her shoulders.

Hioana took a deep breath. “Okay, okay.” She sighed. “But why? We’ve paid every month!”

Her husband suddenly looked nervous. “Well, maybe we accidentally got short every time?”

Hioana looked at him. “It was you, wasn’t it? You’re planning something.”

Her husband laughed nervously. “No? Hioana, look, I- I don’t know why we’re getting evicted, okay? I have nothing to do with this, I promise.”

Hioana sighed again. “I can’t believe we have to sleep in the car.” She sat on the couch.

“Maybe just for tonight? I’ll look around tonight while you sleep and find us a new apartment to live in, okay?” Her husband sat beside her.

“Okay. Thanks honey.” Hioana breathed happily.

——————

The night came quickly. Hioana grabbed the handle to her suitcase and looked to her husband.

“I hope you find a place.” She whispered.

“So do I.” He kissed her forehead.

Hioana walked past him and stopped at the door.

“Why’d you stop?”

“The door.” Hioana said.

“Right.” Her husband rushed over and opened it for her.

Hioana stepped out and headed down the hallway and down the stairs. Once she hit the bottom, Hioana went straight for the door.

“Hioana!” A familiar voice shouted.

Hioana turned toward it and saw her ‘friend’, Sioa, standing there. “Sioa! What are you doing here?”

Sioa suddenly looked nervous. “I- i um, I’m here to apply for a job! Yeah, that’s it.” She stuttered.

Hioana narrowed her eyes suspiciously, but didn’t say anything else. “Okay.” She started heading towards the door again.

“Wait, why are you leaving? What’s that suitcase for?” Sioa asked.

“My husband and I got evicted. I have to sleep in the car while he tries to find us another place.” Hioana responded without stopping. She opened the doors and walked out to the car.

Behind her, her husband came down the stairs and went right over to Sioa, pulling her in and kissing her.

Hioana opened the car door and slipped inside the passenger seat. Out of the corner of her eye, she saw Sioa pull away from her husband. She felt a jolt in her heart, but ignored it. She closed the car door and pretended not to notice.

“Of course.” Hioana growled. “He can’t look for a place. He set this up! He doesn’t have a car! I’m such an idiot!”

Hioana furiously reopened the car door and stormed back inside the apartments.

“They went up to the room.” A tall man told her from a couch.

“Thank you.” Hioana immediately started to run up the stairs but the man stopped her.

“I’ve had this happen to me before. Don’t assume anything at first. Just walk in and look around. Spook him maybe, call his name.”

“Right, thanks.”

Hioana ran up the stairs and stopped at her door. She slowly turned the knob and heard fearful hushed whispers coming from inside.

“Pliao…” Hioana whispered, stepping into the room. No one was there.

Of course. Hioana thought. He wouldn’t just sit there.

“Pliao…” Hioana said again. “I know what you’re doing. Come out and show yourself.”

Pliao stumbled out from the bathroom. Hioana twisted her head towards him and smiled.

“Now, Hioana, don’t be rash. We can settle this.” He held his hands out and Hioana advanced on him.

“I caught onto your little trick. You can’t find us another place! You set this all up! Get me out of the house so that you could cheat!”

“Okay, okay, yes, I did do that. But we can work this out.”

Suddenly, Sioa stepped out of the bathroom. She had a very uncomfortable looking police uniform on. Hioana glanced at her and smiled.

“Wait, you’re a cop?” Pliao stuttered.

“Yes, she is. If you had asked, she would have told you.” Hioana stood straight up.

Sioa walked over to Pliao and pulled his arms behind him.

It was an unexpected turn of events that found me stranded in the heart of a bustling city, forced to spend the night in the confines of my car. As darkness descended upon the streets, I braced myself for the challenges and experiences that lay ahead.

The city, usually a cacophony of noise and movement, seemed to take on a different persona under the cover of night. The streets, once crowded with rushing pedestrians and honking cars, now appeared serene, bathed in the soft glow of streetlights. I settled into the driver’s seat, finding solace in the stillness that enveloped me.

As the night progressed, a symphony of sounds emerged from the city’s hidden corners. Laughter spilled from nearby bars, mingling with the distant melodies of street musicians. I watched as couples strolled hand in hand, their faces illuminated by the glow of their smartphones. The city seemed to come alive with a vibrant energy, a secret life that only unfolded after dusk.

Through the windshield, I caught glimpses of people passing by - each with their own story, their own purpose. A weary traveler lugging a suitcase, searching for a nearby hotel. A group of friends, their laughter echoing through the empty streets as they embarked on a late-night adventure. The city was a tapestry of lives intertwining, each thread adding depth and color to the night.

As the hours ticked by, my car became a sanctuary, a refuge from the outside world. I reclined the seat, staring up at the starless sky, and allowed my mind to wander. Thoughts and memories danced in the darkness, as if the night itself held the power to unlock the secrets hidden within.

In the stillness, I found solace and a renewed sense of self. It was a rare opportunity to disconnect from the chaos of everyday life, to reflect on the choices and paths that had led me to this moment. The city, with its constant movement and noise, had always drowned out the whispers of my own thoughts. But now, in the quiet solitude of my car, I could listen and find clarity.

As dawn approached, the city began to stir once again. The streets came alive with the rhythm of morning, as people rushed to their destinations, their faces etched with determination. I, too, prepared to leave the shelter of my car, grateful for the respite it had provided.

Driving away, I glanced back at the city, now bathed in the golden hues of sunrise. The night had been an unexpected journey, a reminder of the resilience and beauty that can be found in the most unlikely of circumstances. And as I merged into the flow of traffic, I carried with me the stories and experiences of the night, etched into my memory like the city’s hidden secrets.

It was locked, the car door couldn't and wouldn't budge, I couldn't escape the Uber, and the Uber driver said that he needed gas so we had stopped at a gas station, and then he said that it is a rough part of town so just before he closed the car door he locked the Uber with his keys, which are oddly the only thing that could lock and unlock the car. And right after he did that he walked to go and give the car gas. And from the darkness came a drunken homeless man who was not thinking straight, he came up out of nowhere and 'BANG!'he hit the car window thinking that it was going to be brittle enough to break, and when it didn't he tried to open the door, which didn't work. And then the uber driver saw what was happening and the drunk guy then also looked up, locking eyes with each other, at that moment the drunken homeless guy waked around the Uber and with the Uber driver being in some weird shock watched the homeless drunkie punch him with one big "POW". Which knocked out the poor driver. And then the homeless man started to drag the Uber driver into the shadows where the drunken homeless man came and in that moment I felt so helpless, I had tried to call the police but my phone was dead, the car door was locked and I couldn't,no matter what I tried, I could not escape. After endless hours of trying to escape the car realize it was hopeless, there weren't even cars, or people for that fact, at least no normal people that I could signal to to free me. So I instead slept for about two hours, until finally, at around six in the morning car pulled in for gas, this was my chance! I signaled to the car for help, and they did! They called the police and once they freed me they asked how I got in to this situation and I told them the story and what had happened to that poor man. It has been two weeks and the police are still on the hunt to find that Uber driver, poor man.

I can't imagine what would have happened if the car door hadn't been locked, this would have been a very different story.

My humble abode Just me and everything I owned So far from home The great big city I roam

Left with only my car Wishing upon star by star To have enough to eat My warm bed a backseat

People pass by Some walk past and sigh Others offer kindness I’m grateful for their status blindness

So, yes I live in a big city But my life isn’t ideal or pretty What I wouldn’t give to be a part of this city Instead of the man who receives their pitty

LLK.

This isn’t a personal story of mine

I knew the door would be locked when I got home. Curfew was 9, and by the time I dropped off Steenie and came home it was 15 after. Last time I tried the door after curfew I woke her up and was kicked out the whole weekend, so it was easier to tell her I slept over at Steenie’s instead.

Friday is kissing close to Saturday and the clubs are too close with their music and bodies packed in too tight, spilling over to the streets. You: are huddled underneath a blanket in the backseat, too broke for a hotel, too broke to join the fun, hoping your bladder holds until it’s quieter out there. You don’t want to deal with the horde of drunk people passing the car, all of them loud and threatening in their own way—the men cuz they’re men, the women with their cutting remarks; the men with their big hands and the women with their cutting stares. You: with your hair unwashed for five days and clothes slept in for two. You: huddled beneath this blanket smelling of smoke and BO, hoping your feet in their clunky black boots aren’t sticking out. You: almost out of gas and hoping you don’t get towed or broken into, no longer sure which would be worse. You listen to men pass by, quieter and passing a joint between them; a gaggle of girls flows by, one of the absolutely heartbroken, the others refusing to let anything ruin their night out. Just as you’re dozing off, despite the flow of people and constant grumble of cars, there’s a thunk as something hits your car. Or someone, rather. Someones. You jolt and peek your head out and there’s a back pressed to the window, hands roaming under a jacket, as a couple enthusiastically makes out. You feel your face grow hot and you rebury yourself as their actions continue to shift the car. The barely audible lovespeak makes you think of the only and only time you and Drew tried (and failed) to hookup in this very backseat. And that was only one of the reasons you ran away from your hometown.