EVA

001

The streets were full of trash, drunk people out about making their way to liquor stores. I saw rats scurry pass into the drains. I stuffed my hands down into my pockets only before taking out a cigarette and going into a ally way to light it.

The air filled my lungs and the world around me went black for only a second. The power it had on me was unreasonable. It felt bad, but.. good. Maybe I liked the pain of almost choking from the gas that I inhaled, or maybe I just appreciated the thought of dying. There was no point in surviving in this area of Chicago. It was already too ruined to change, but I never thought of leaving. I wouldn't even have the money to leave anyways. I was broke, pockets empty, except for a few bucks to buy me some food every blue moon and to bribe drunks for cigarettes when I was low. Luckily, they didn't need much except a threat or two, slurred words, and they were off.

I coughed out a cloud of smoke, making out a dog.

I smiled. For real.

I put the cigarette out, squashing it under my heel, staining my shoe with its remains. I checked my pockets and found about 4 dollars. The only stores that weren't run down was "parlors dine." I took a long breath, and made my way inside.

I wasn't surprised...  the only gender I saw was male. All peaked theirs heads at me, eyes wide and weary. I walked up to the counter and ranged the bell

"Adelo! Service please?" Adelo was a Mexican man, the owner of the restaurant. He was the only real "friend" I had. We talked every day I came to the diner, chatting over bowls of soup and sometimes only crackers when he had no dollars himself to provide full meals. But whatever we did, it was my little joy of the day. Even with his reputation of a robber, he was a sweet guy and he cooked good.

"y/n! How's it going? Soup or sandwich? I saved up a bit of cash" He asked, coming around the corner. "I'm good, and soup please. Vegetables and chicken, thanks!" I set the cash on the counter and he ringed it up. I found a booth that was empty, and tried not to face the judging men. Unfortunately, one approached me as soon as Aldeo left to fix my order.

"Hey, hunny~" his voice slurred and he slowly placed his hand on my shoulder. "What the hell do you want, creep?" I asked, pushing his hand away. He rolled his eyes and tobbled over me. "Mind gettin' me a beer at the shop next door sweetie. Aldeo ain't got none in stock."

"I just spent my last bit, sorry." He huffed, his reak breath blowing back in my face. "Look'in here!" He said in a stern tone, grasping my neck as tight as he could. "I'll pay you back.. alright? Whatever! Whatcha want!? cigarettes, a coat, or better yet, a good ol ride~ I'm good at those" there was no need for me to answer. I already knew what was waiting for me tonight...

"Here's ya soup, y/n. Enjoy" Aledo said, cheerfully, Setting it down before me. "Yeah.. thanks." I goarned.

I tried my best to live up to Aledo's terms by enjoying my soup in peace, but I kept feeling the presence of another being. He stared at me the whole time. From the moment I got my meal to the point where I left.

Maybe it would be smart to run away, but where to? This was the "ruined lands", living up to its name like I said before. This area of Chicago was no longer alive. No one would do anything, even if I reached out for help. I just had to accept my fate that if I didn't get this man a fucking beer, I would get my ass raped tonight.

And the real sad part about it...

I still would even if I did