A Life in a Slum

           I could either work in a factory or work on the streets.  I could work all day or all night.  I had to risk my life either way.  Did I want to die in a fire, or be killed by an abusive man?

            What were my options?  I had no money, no education, and no connections.  I couldn’t even afford to leave the island.  I was stuck.

            Standing at the river.  The water looks cool and relaxing.  If I could get beneath the water, so that it shut out the dark world, then maybe I could escape.  I stare into the water.  Dreaming.  Imagining.  Longing for escape.