And here is where I could escape from it. Here is where it was all but dead to me. It couldn’t keep up with the ward’s hearts, and so I was able to trade one unfavorable thing for another.

            But it was peaceful, in way. Like something was calling out to me… Like…

            “You there,” someone hot-headed said, “could you do us all a favor and leave?”

            “Yeah,” another chimed in, “we’re here to escape from the bums out on the streets. And, no offense, but you smell even worse than them.”

            “Didn’t know that was even possible.”

            “Yeah, you’re telling me.” He laughed, his voice crackling as if from overuse. One of those old types, I suppose; worth less than even my drink.
            And I was damned thirsty, for cash and all else, so I downed the drink in one go before scoping it out. Sounded like a fight was about to happen. Again. And if so, I just had to end it before it started. Then I could get back to dealing with this thirst of mine. Yeah, get another few in me. Just couldn’t seem to kick it these days.

            So damned thirsty…