I walked steadily, not knowing the destination but too aware of the origin. The rain fell in sheets soaking my coat and causing a numbness of the skin while the wind re-enforced night fingered my body with a careless touch; I shivered from deep down in what soul I had left.

The bus stop approached, and I was drawn closer by its promise of shelter from the horizontal rain. It became clear that this was a mistaken hope. Two sides and most of the top had been smashed and the seats were nonexistent.

I stood in the corner that had the remaining wall and took stock.

My previous exertion was causing my legs and arms to steam and I had to take off my glasses to clear the rain. Wiping them with my fingers caused greasy smearing so I gave up and pocketed them.

Unbidden, a sob escaped my lips and I brought my hand up to bite the back and stifle the rest that were sure to follow if not stemmed now. I must be strong.

A noise from the dark street beyond caught my attention and the sobs stopped dead. A man was walking my way with a swerving gait; obviously worse the wear for drink. His eyes were locked on me and he had a purpose. Did he want money, a fight?

I stared at him, almost entranced and unable to move. He covered the final distance to me in what seemed an instant and lunged forward. He grabbed my coat collars, his momentum slamming us both into the shelter. His booze laden breath was harsh in my ear.

The monster I was barely containing came unbidden for the second time that evening and its steel talons ripped into flesh of the drunk. He gaped at me, mouth opening and closing. He stumbled back and fell to his knees. My hands, now warm with their borrowed heat, went back into my overcoat pockets. I looked down on him with pity and turned away from the sorry scene.

I doubled my pace and when this wasn’t fast enough to escape the demons, I ran. I didn’t think I would ever stop running.