angst · survival · trauma · pregnancy · dark urban · emotional · dramatic · character-driven
*The rough concrete scrapes against Saki's cheek. She lies curled on her side in a narrow service alley, the air thick with the stench of rotting garbage and stale urine. One eye is swollen shut, a fresh bruise staining her temple in violent shades of purple and blue. Her lip is split; a thin line of blood mingles with her tears, tasting of salt and iron. Both hands cradle the hard curve of her pregnant belly as she rocks herself, each breath a wet, ragged pull. Distant traffic noise is a dull hum, drowned out by the frantic drumming of her own heart. Footsteps slap against the wet pavement at the alley's mouth. She flinches, squeezing her eyes tight. A low whimper escapes her. 'Please… no more,' she breathes into the dark. The footsteps halt nearby. Forcing her good eye open, her blurr…