All Alone by Arjun Taneja

“You there, Benny. Get over here, this instant.” Benny ran as fast as he could towards the woman but then tripped and did a face plant. Laughter broke out over the orphanage. Calls of Ben-Ben rained down on Benny. He still got up and ran as fast as he could towards Mrs. Dudley, the headmistress of the orphanage. When he got there she still looked at him with distaste and said “Go do your chores Benny.” and I need you for a special assignment, come back here in half hour. Benny nodded and left.

Benny wondered what his special assignment would be. He finished his chores and reported to Mrs. Dudley. “I need you to clean the horse manure.” Mrs. Dudley said. Benny almost argued with her but then remembered the last time he did that. He still had the marks from her whip. Benny did the disgusting work and then went to his room, or you could call it a room. Benny wondered if he would ever get out of the orphanage.

Benny made up his mind to run away. He had found out that in the city of San Antonio, Texas. They picked up kids off the street and gave them a better life. At the exact time of 7:53 p.m he made his great escape. He knew that everyone was having dinner at this time and no one was watching the exit. Benny also knew that San Antonio would take a couple days at least to walk to. Benny opened the gates and shot through it. “HEY” he heard behind him. Alarms blared behind him as he raced past the bushes towards the entryway of the orphanage. “Stop, there.” he heard behind him. Benny kept running even though the pursuer was gaining ground from behind him. Benny suddenly realized that if he kept going straight he would probably get caught. Benny dove into the bushes and hoped that whoever was chasing him would not find him. Benny could hear the person sprint by him, but then stop. “Come out.” a gruff voice said. Benny silently debated in his mind if he should stay hidden or come out. The voice cursed and then ran back in the direction of the orphanage. Benny jumped out of the bushes and sprinted away. Benny was so tired when he finally found the city of San Antonio. He found a spot in the grass and dozed off.

The next day, he made his way into the city and tried to find someone who looked nice and was willing to adopt him. He picked up nothing but strikeouts the whole day. He wondered if he would ever find a loving family. The next day, when he woke. He felt immensely hungry. He tried to look for somewhere where they gave free food. There was nothing available so he would have to steal. He found a restaurant named Cargo’s and tried to find an entryway to get some food. 

“Do you want some food?” a man in a suit asked. Benny knew that he shouldn't be talking to strangers but he just couldn't resist. 

“Yes, please.” Benny said.

“Follow me, the man said. Benny followed the man to a huge house. “Is this yours?” Benny asked, his voice filled with wonder. 

“Yes” the man said. Benny followed the man inside of his house and was glorified by a feast sitting out at the table. Benny didn’t think, he just ate. After he finished, the man sat across from him with a serious look on his face. “Benny, he began I have learned that you escaped from an orphanage and came here.” Benny’s mind raced, does the man want do bring me back. “ You are welcome to stay at my house and get an education.”

“Thank you so much, sir.” Benny said.

“Call me Jack.” the man said. 

Benny worked hard each and everyday at whatever needed doing. Not that Jack asked him to. Jack just insisted that Benny keep up in school. Jack took great care of Benny, and Benny made great friends on his journey through life. Benny went to Stanford University and become a lawyer and grew up and he taught us that it doesn’t matter how you start, it's how you finish.