They met at a rest stop on the interstate. One simply called herself Grrl ("No I, two Rs."). The other Cat. It was doubtful either one was using her real name. They
shared the common bond of being about the same age and both being runaways.
As they sat on a picnic table, drinking sodas and watching the cars and trucks go by, Cat said that she had heard about a nearby circus from the last person she
had caught a ride from. It was set up near the next exit. A couple of miles away, someone could walk there before sunset.
"You thinking of joining a circus?" Grrl asked.
Cat shrugged. "I dunno. Isn't that was every kid was supposed to dream of once? Running away and joining the circus? Heck, it might not even be there, but could
be kinda cool to hang with if they needed some help." She tossed her empty drink can into the trash. "Or maybe not. I might just catch another ride and head down
the road. You?"
Grrl crumpled her can and casually tossed it over her shoulder. "No plans. If I can find some place to sleep with a roof over my head, I'm doing good. But I've got
about four bucks in change to my name, so I need to find me a job or something soon."