Hopelessness seeped through her and her shoulders fell in defeat.  “Alwhere are you?”  She dropped her head into her hands and continued to cry and shudder. 

“Get up you *****!”

Shocked at the rough familiar voice she lifted her head to see a wooden bat coming at her at full force.  It rocked her as it slammed into her ribs, forcing her breath out and forcing her to the ground.  Instinctively she curled into a ball and placed her arms over her face. Mind numbing pain coursed through her as she felt the kicks and the wooden bat land on her.  A sickening pop was heard and she felt her shoulder being forced out of its socket.  She moaned and begged for help, until the copper taste of blood caused her to gurgle and gag.  She than began to pray for the familiar darkness or death to take her away. 

God seemed to be against her, because darkness never came and she felt her body being beaten and broken for what seemed like hours.  No longer struggling, her frail frame was easily kicked over onto her back after her bag was pulled from her. 

“What does the ***** have?”  The burly man rifled through her backpack, while his assailant went through her pockets.

Painfully she managed to pull one eye open and immediately recognizing the dark alley she had cut through so many months ago.  Gurgling she managed to force out a plea.  “Pleaseplease” she choked on the words.

Wickedly grinning, her tormentor dropped his face to hers.  “Please what?”  He stood and laughed loudly as he leaned on the slugger.  “A ***** with manners!”

Swallowing the blood and taking in as much air as she could, she spoke beseechingly.  “Pleasekkill me”  Her eye began to burn and she shut it, trying to bring some part of her body comfort.  Shane continued to mumble her plea as she felt her body being dragged.  She felt her body falling and she hit the floor with a sickening thud. 

To weary to open her eyes she remained on the carpeted floor as she pulled her body into the faithful fetal position.  A horrible smell crept into her nostrils, causing her to open her eyes in surprise and than shut them quickly to the burning it caused them.  Squinting, Shane stood up into the smoke bellowing from her kitchen.  Is this real?  Shaking off her nightmare she ducked below the dark gray smoke and dropped to her knees.  Fire!