The ground was cold and he could feel the pigeons surrounding his pack. He had half a sandwich in there and they tried in vain to pick it out from beneath the clothes.

The sun was rising and in the distance, he heard shopkeepers opening up as workers trudged through the streets on their way to work. He sat up and stretched with a yawn. He would have to find a shower. He had gone a good four days without one and the smell was starting to bother him. Maybe he would spring for a hostel. Clean sheets and running water would be heaven.

He pulled out the pocket he kept stitched to his boxers and pulled out a wad of money. A quick count and he determined that a hostel was not only economically feasible but he had enough for dinner at a restaurant if he wanted.

Gathering up with sleep sack and stuffing it into the pack, he threw his belongings over his shoulder and started walking. He would find a place to stay first, he started a mental to-do list, he would see if he could jump in a shower. If he could, he would wash his clothes in there with him. Then, he would hang around the common area, chat with some other travelers. He heard there was a good mountain for climbing nearby and he was eager to get out of the city, do something outdoorsy. Maybe he would even meet some cute girl to go to dinner with.

Walking down the street, he smiled at the passerbys. They mostly stared at him skeptically and then avoided eye contact. He was free, he reminded himself, he could be happy.