Higher Ground2000

[Jess has run away from home and come to Horizon]

Jessica Merrick:
I didn't know what else to do. I just-I couldn't take being home anymore. Being anywhere near home, or school, or people. Everything reminded me of him. Everything. There was nobody who understood. Not even social-workers, she didn't even understand. I just had to get away so I ran. I just kept going and hitch-hiking, buses, walking, I just kept going. And the further away I got the better I felt. But I- I ran out of money in Seattle. I was so hungry. At first, I thought it was cool, you know, but then it just started to hurt, like physical hurt. And, and I went into a store, and looked at all the food and I picked it up but I didn't know how to steal. I couldn't- I couldn't steal. Then I thought, well I'll just beg you know? But I couldn't. I was just so cold and wet. I could've called mom and she would've come and got me but I was never going back. Ever. I was so hungry Shel. You have to believe me!

[brokenly]

Shelby Merrick:
I do Jess. I know.

Jessica Merrick:
And then, this car pulled up. And there was this guy, and he wasn't too old, you know? He wasn't too old, not like Walt. And he gave me money right away for- [pause] for, you know. It felt so good to be warm, and dry. The car smelled brand new, that- that brand new smell. The guy was gonna- he was gonna take me for something to eat. But I was just so scared. And we were driving. And it was raining and sleeting outside, and I looked out the window and I saw this sign. It was a sign for milk. And it was called "Horizon Farms" and the stop light turned green- and I jumped out of the car. [proudly] I jumped out of the car. I jumped out.

[they embrace]

Shelby Merrick:
Good for you Jess. You look terrible. You go in the bathroom and get cleaned up.

[Jess leaves]

Scott Barringer:
So was that how it happened to you?

Shelby Merrick:
More or less.

Scott Barringer:
But you didn't jump out of the car.

Shelby Merrick:
No. I didn't have any signs. [sobs] I didn't know where to go.

Scott Barringer:
I understand.