Paula Carlin rubbed the back of her neck, the long days and nights at the hospital taking its toll on her lithe body. She was so tired her eyes, which in high school sparkled a deep crimson blue, now dulled and trying not to close as she sat in her old beat up paint chipped car. It wasn’t grand, the heater didn’t work and the air conditioner worked a bit to well, the radio only got fuzzy am channels and the roof had a tear from when she stored her iron board in the back seat, hauling it off to college, she tugged causing it to rip the fabric.

Rolling her shoulders with closed eyes she left out a large yawn which she tried to stifle but it didn’t work, finally she felt she had the energy to haul herself up the shitty apartment she paid too much for. Blinking back sleep she opened her door stepping out into the winter night chill, closing the door she locked it reveling in the small beep telling her the vehicle was secure for the night.

Feet slapping against the walk way leading up to the five story apartment building, her breath reaching out to the night with every exhale, eyes shifting back and forth making sure she was as alone as she thought she was, it wasn’t exactly a nice neighborhood at night. Finally she made it to the door, bringing her purse in front of her she began the search for the front door key, for some reason it eluded her every time and tonight was no exception.

After what felt like ten minutes it was with in her hand and inside the lock, walking in she made sure the door locked with out any one walking in behind her, again one could never be to cautious at night around here. Turning back around to stare at the looming stair case she cursed the broken elevator and started the three floor trek to her apartment.

She unlocked door number 256-B, pushing open the wooden entrance. Stepping inside she placed her purse on the side table, taking off her shoes and pushing them under it. Walking into the living room she eyed the pictures she had put up when she moved in, a smile caressed her lips. Licking her lips she picked up the latest photo added to the collection.