43

I ran until a sharp stich formed in my side and my feet were bleeding.  I collapsed against the rough bricks of the wall, breathing hard as images of what had nearly happened flashed before my eyes. I realised how hard I was shaking, and tried my best to take deep breaths, each one stinging my throat. I looked around wildly, not even sure where I had ended up running to. It looked like a lot of streets in London. Dirty, bright and loud, with various takeaways lining the pavement. The people walking around were drinking and laughing loudly, and I felt like I was naked with my leg exposed so much and only the thin shawl to cover my shoulders. I wanted to call a taxi to take me home, but I’d spent the last of my cash on the one to Matt’s.

It was then that the tears came. Huge salty drops falling from my wide eyes. They’d been there ever since Mr Stone had confronted me on the steps tonight, and now they were finally being set free. Why hadn’t he conv