"Her body and mind has had a total shut down; she's still functioning, but her coma is the worst I have seen in my years."

1

The cold night air bit at her neck, chilling her bare skin. It was close to midnight now and she was nearly home. Two more blocks in her shortcut and home would surround her, enveloping her in its arms, warming and comforting her. But until then she'd have to put up with the moonless night, with the biting North wind and the creeping shadows of the alley.

As she walked steadily, her heels clicking and echoing in the emptiness, another sound joined hers. Two pairs of feet, each shuffling, hushed words and desperation sounded in their voices. Their scent was repulsive, instantly causing her to gag.

Conscious of herself now, she walked faster; behind her in the shadows were the other pair of feet. She could hear them trying to casually catch up with her. Something bad is going to happen to me… her thoughts were negative, her fear a scent the predators caught onto.

They had a chance, she was afraid and weak. They could do anything they wanted to her.

"Heya pretty girl." A gruff, deep voice that rather grumbled than spoke reached out to her. "Want some candy?" His companion laughed heavily at this, and she could feel her muscles shaking in fear. The hot smell of whisky, vomit and blood invaded her senses, making her gag a bit.

"Hey!" the same voice echoed through the alley, "I'm talkin' to ya!" He had impatience in his voice, something she wanted desperately to avoid. An impatient drunk led to a violent and cruel one.

"I… I have to g-get going!" Amazed by her own bravery she started to sprint, almost home! Please, someone! Keep me safe!

"We've got ourselves a runner eh?!" He waved to his friend, and they too started their drunken pursuit for the girl.

"PLEASE! JUST LEAVE ME ALONE!" Her runners were pounding against the road, a rhythmic pattern of rush and haste. "Leave you alone!?! Pretty girl we'll leave you alone after we're done with you!" Her muscles were sore but she could just see the light of her residential street. Home would never be sweeter! Almost there! Her escape would be wondrous; she would survive the race with these drunken men and be safe and sound…

Just as she was thinking of safety one of them caught up to her, a rough grip on her arm, a bruising clench. She kept running, just a bit more it seemed! But he pulled her with his strength; she flew right off her feet and landed with a thud on the concrete. As she struggled to get up the man pinned her down, she felt pain from the fall. They'll never touch me! NEVER!

"Look at that, she fell. Guess we'll have to help her, hey!?"

She just stared at them, straight in the eyes; she was full of spite and anger now. Fear no longer coursed through her veins, it was adrenaline and her deep instinct to survive. She writhed and shook, shaking her head, pounding her fists, biting the air; she'd do anything, as long as they wouldn't touch her.

"Hey! STOP IT!" She'd never listen to them though; she'd not stop for them and they weren't to command her! She writhed and wiggled, twisting and thrashing about in their hold.

"STOP HER!" A sweaty, filthy hand covered her mouth and another pushed her head down into the cement, hard. All she could feel was the hard cement, the cool, smooth surface entering her head with a BANG. The back of her head was warm… it felt so warm, and like liquid… blood? She opened her mouth but nothing came out, just one small gasp before darkness enveloped her.