Retail Therapy

The rays of sun beamed on to Petra’s face. They were fading with every step that she took. Petra clutched her sweater around her thin arms, awaiting the return of Spring. She lost all of her clothing in the fire, so today was a much needed shopping spree, especially for a new jacket.

Her heels clicked on the pavement as she spotted the local strip club in the distance. It’s heavy black doors and neon lights never attracted Petra. Up close, it looked even less appealing and dark. She held her shopping bags close to her, thinking about the items she bought, distracting her from the ugliness of the booming music and neon lights from the strip club. Her new black ballet flats, pea coat, jeans, dresses, and shorts brought her to a safe place in her mind.

Ever since the fire, Petra’s demeanor changed. She kept her head down and hunched over more than she ever had before. Before, she could escape in her clothes, now she can’t escape the devastating memories of them. But, treating herself to new clothes today was just what Petra needed. Petra’s pace began to slow down as she watched the sun set behind Castle Apartments.

Petra never noticed the magnitude of the Apartment building, but standing near it, amazed her. As she stared up at the cement structure, she felt someone tap her shoulder. She turned around to face a large, brunette female, almost 6 feet 4 inches tall. She looked angry. Petra had no idea who this woman was.

But, before Petra could get a word in, the mysterious woman grabbed her shopping bags and purse, throwing Petra to the pavement. Petra heard an ear-splitting thump as she hit the ground. Then she heard nothing.