Chapter 7: No More Hiding

Suddenly, a window rattled overhead. I looked up to see a scruffy homeless man perched on the wall, cloudy eyes staring straight at me.

He peered down, head cocked, as if trying to decide if I was real. I shrank back, heart pounding.

“Don’t…”

My voice was barely a whisper, thick with fear. Please, just go away.

I’d just opened my mouth when the man suddenly shouted, “Someone come quick! A kid fell in the trash barrel!”

His voice boomed down the alley, drawing attention I didn’t want. I froze, heart hammering. My breath caught in my throat.

Panic surged in my chest, but the despair only fueled my determination. I couldn’t give up.

I wiped my face, steeling myself. I couldn’t hide forever. If I wanted to survive, I’d have to fight—dirty, desperate, whatever it took.

I knew I couldn’t hide any longer. The time for running was over. Now, it was do or die.

I wasn’t going to be his victim twice.