There was more; her mother's letter had been full of recriminations, confession, outpourings of love and some irrational reasoning… But, dear God… why did she run? Why did she cop-out… when I need her the most? Oh, God… I want my mom! I've never felt so alone… and lost! What can I do? I know for sure… that I can't stay at home! Ugh! The way Dad… er Gabe… looks at me… I just know he wants me… lusts after me… that's what it really is! It's pure animal lust!

In her own mind, she was sure that she had done the wisest thing in getting out of the house where she would be safe, because almost anywhere else – the street especially – would make it impossible for her mother's husband to get at her. She was not sure just how she would make sure it was safe to return; it would be safer, she had decided, while Donnie was there. Perhaps, she would telephone, disguising her voice and pretending that she was a girl friend of her brother's. If Donnie came on the wire, she would explain it to him… but if Gabe answered, she'd hang up.

She had walked, disconsolately, along the shopping mall, looking into store windows, wasting time that only seemed to drag itself, limpingly, along and finally buying and drinking a Coke for its nutritional, sugary lift. She had made the Coke last a long time as she had sipped at it, slowly, and observed the many shoppers, mentally cataloging their various and eccentric ways. Hers was a good eye for character and for action that revealed that character, her interest in and training in drama standing her in good stead, as she played this little game by herself.

Later, as she tired, she found a comfortable seat near the central fountain and watched its changing patterns. It was a restful release from her own emotional anguish, and she lost herself, momentarily, in the cooling display of the shimmering columns of water.