Maybe I'm Better Off Dead

Introduction

The Mafia are cold blooded killers. At least that's what I used to think.

* * * * *

Intro

My body was tired of running and my legs seemed as if they were about to give up. I ran around buildings in the crowded city for what seemed like forever. Once I was certain that I had lost them, I hid in an alley. It was dark enough to not reveal me, but I still had to be cautious. I crumpled to my knees behind a dumpster, trying to catch my breath. The horrible smell of chemicals and moldy food was suffocating me. I leaned my head against the cold, unsanitary wall and covered my nose with the sleeve of my sweater, trying to breathe through my mouth. My heart was pounding so loudly I was certain it could be heard from miles away.

My breathing had finally regulated when I heard the sound of running and shouting.

"Where did that little bastard go!?", one of the voices yelled in frustration.

I bit down on my sleeve, trying to stay as calm as possible as my heart began to speed up. Clenching my shirt with my hand to stop it from shaking, I stayed as silent as I could and tried listen to their footsteps. The sound began to fade away, putting distance between them and my hiding place. Once I couldn't hear their footsteps I let out a relieved sigh. I waited a few more minutes in the alley just to make sure they had left and were not waiting to ambush me. After a while I relaxed fully, knowing they were truly gone.

I sunk to the ground, pulling my knees to my chest. Where was I supposed to go now? The question was not one I had an answer to. I was friendless and my relatives were distant. The only person who came to mind was my uncle, but even with him I wasn't safe considering his addiction to gambling. I didn't have any money on me and I couldn't return home, that would be the first place they'd look for me. I sat there behind the dumpster for what seemed like forever. I really didn't have any options, but the scent of the rotting trash was getting to me and I realized anywhere was better than this horridly smelling alley.

I grabbed the handle of the dumpster, pulling myself up to my feet and began walking.

Where was I going? I honestly had no idea, plan, or direction. How could I? I was optionless.