So many things on my list. Groceries, drop off the resume, pick up Bailey from day care, then home. Another day, please god let us survive. 

My savings will last…a little longer. 

Leaning on the rain slick wall, my arms begin to shake. Why can’t I remember the last few minutes? The rain penetrates my soul, dripping down into my being, I can’t move. If I can’t move, who will care for Bailey?

A man and woman circle me, their umbrella held high. His black eyes gaze down. “She’s strong, you chose well, love.”

She squats beside me and I realize I was wrong, her eyes are midnight blue. Her head tips and she hums. “We could keep her.”

“No love, she has baggage.”

The woman stands, and they walk away. My vision blurs. The further away they get, the more pain flows through my body. Reaching up, I feel the punctures on my neck. 

I’m so tired. My body is as numb as my vision is blurry. The cabs that I need to get to the grocery store are just a yellow smudge. I sink down to the pavement. Wasn’t the sidewalk cold?

Who will make dinner for Bailey?