Chapter 1

A Chapter by State of Grace

I was woken up by the bright sun of a new day. I sat up and looked around. Where had I fallen asleep this time? Turns out I had collapsed in a small ally way right next to a dumpster behind a small restaurant. I guess it didn’t matter anyway, I was already filthy. I’ve been wearing the same clothes for the past… how long has it been? How long has it been since I left that retched place? The days seem to blend together for some reason… It’s so hard to tell anything anymore.

I sighed as I turned to my right to find a big ball of something lying next to me on the ground. I was curious, so I reached over and poked it. A small squeak came from the object, followed by a high pitched hiss. It started to move around, then turned and faced me. I stared at it wide eyes with disgust. IT WAS A RAT!!! I JUST TOCHED A FILTHY, DISGUSTING, DISEASE RIDDEN RAT!!!! I screamed and crawled away quickly.

EW, EW, EW, EW, EW!!! DID I REALLY JUST TOUCH THAT THING?!?! THAT’S SO, SO GROSS!! I started to have a little spaz attack in the corner of the alley. UGH! I ABSOLUTLY HATE THOSE THINGS!! WHY WOULD GOD CREATE SOMETHING AS HORRIBLE AS THAT THING RIGHT THERE?!?! I could have sworn the little creature looked at me like I was crazy at that moment. Then it turned its head back around and scurried off toward the now crowed streets of the city.

After it was out of site I calmed down a bit. I never want touch one of those things ever again! A slight shiver went down my spine just thinking about it. Well, it could have been worse I guess. It could have come up to me or something!

My stomach growled. I looked down at it and groaned. I was so hungry! Running away was a stupid idea. Now I have nothing! I-I could have taken it a bit longer, couldn’t I? At least there I would have a roof over my head and food. I could go back; he wouldn’t punish me that much if I went back now. I still remember the address… I know the way there… I…I… But I just can’t go back. Not after what he did.

“Hey kid, what are you doing here?” said a strange voice coming out of nowhere. I looked up to see a tall, skinny man wearing an apron. He must work at the restaurant. “You alright?”

I stood up instantly. “Yes sir” I tried to say politely, “I’ll be out of your way now” I attempted to walk pass him to get to the sidewalk.

“Wait a minute” He said, taking hold of my wrist. “What are you doing out here all alone? A little girl shouldn't be out here. Where are your parents? What happened to you?”

I pulled against him, trying to escape his grasp. “I’m not a little girl! Let go of me!” I screamed at him.

“Hey, I’m only trying to help”

“Well I don’t need your help! Now let me go!” I bent my head down and bit him. He let go of me instantly and screamed in pain. I ran away from him as fast as I could. I can’t risk being discovered. I can’t go back! I just can’t! I don’t care if I have food or shelter there! It’s just not worth it!

I had no idea where I was running to, but I knew that I couldn’t stop. My heart was racing and my head was pounding. The only thing I noticed was the pavement underneath my feet; everything else just became one big blur. I'll never go back, not ever. This was the only thing that could go through my mind at that moment.

I would never go back. Not for anything.