A Run to Cuba

Ralph was only twenty six years old the day he made the mistake that put him on the run. He never had to sit around wondering what got him to this place in his life. He knew the mistakes he had made and he knew exactley where they were leading. It was the same sad typical problem that was landing so many other men his age in prison. He was hooked on heroin.

Today was a different day. Ralph had been skirting his probation officer for some time. This alone was enough to send him to jail for a ten year stretch. He'd also been stealing and hustling any way that he could to feed his habit. He left his parents house in the morning with a sense of bad things coming yet his cravings were more in control than his own instincts. He made the mistake of going back once more to a place he'd been breaking into and this time they had cameras rolling.

After getting his fix for the day, he headed back home. On the way there he noticed unsual cars parked around the house. He made one quick call and found out that he was wanted. The city he thought of as friendly , warm and home suddenly became very cold and lonely. He couldn't even risk one last visit to kiss his family goodbye. He had to leave now with only the clothes on his back.

Walking the streets alone ,he realized he had to go someplace that no one would expect. Canada was far and obvious. Mexico just didn't appeal to him. He remembered hearing that America was working on relations with Cuba again. He thought about how much he enjoyed warm weather and the times he'd been to Florida. The answer seemed clear. He took a bus to the edge of the city and as soon as he got off he stuck out his thumb.