Penny Runs In the City

"Olah and congratulations! You have been selected to join us on the cruise of a lifetime!"

"At least Iʼm not the only one with an accent!" Penny yelled just before she let out another groan and threw her phone on the bed. With her adrenaline pumping from her aggravation and the onset of a headache from her smoky bleach filled apartment, Penny decided it was time for a jog.

Despite being in the heart of the city, the crisp, cool air smelled delicious. Penny breathed deeply as she made her way to the park. Autumn had always been Pennyʼs favorite season. It was only September yet the trees were already displaying a preview of their colors. Never in her life had she seen a purple leaf. She certainly did not have them back home. Relaxing a little Penny chuckled to herself as she thought of how the majesty of the northern trees made up for the boldness of the northern people.

With her worries on the pavement behind her Penny reflected on her day. That morning before the rising sun competed with the lights of the city, she had bought a bagel on Broadway. The lights were still bright and dazzling. Penny dreamed of the day she could read her name in those very lights. When that happens, spending $2.00 on a bagel will not feel like a splurge. After the morning bagel, Penny had spent the early afternoon picking up applications just in case her savings ran out before she got her first role.

Now, as the sun began to set, and Pennyʼs headache drifted away into the chilly night air, it was time to head home. Penny awoke from her thoughts and it occurred to her that she had been running in auto mode. She had no idea where she was. She had run through the park, but that was at least twenty minutes ago, and she did not know which direction it was in. Trying not to panic, she jogged to the nearest intersection. She had never even heard of those streets before.
"Itʼs fine," Penny thought as she reached into the pocket of her warm up for her cell phone. "I will just call my landlady and get directions." Pennyʼs heart sank as she realized that her cell phone was still on her bed in her apartment.