Gunfire in the small space had KimRae hugging the floor but this didn’t stop the ricochet from sending the bullet back her way. The bu- zing of the round sounded like a wasp in her ear as the bullet struck her in the side. She gasped and clutched her hand to somehow hold the pain inside, as if the pressure would erase the burning agony. In desperation she leaped up and hurled herself out the window, running down the pavement in a burst of adrenaline.<br/><br/>She was hurt badly, blood oozing from between her fingers but still she ran for that was what survival had taught her. Keep moving, don’t let them catch you, find shelter, find safety, Hide. All the tenants she had drilled into the children in her care came to chime through her head. Her breath was coming fast and shallow while dark spots floated across her vision. KimRae leaned against a building, blinking her eyes.<br/><br/>In her injured state she was a prime bit of real estate for any ghoul in the area. Where to go? She worried, her eyes darting around. Blood dripped around her boots, leaving sticky footprints but she didn’t notice, didn’t really care. No one would be following her. No one cared. She was alone and used to it. No one owed her anything. Finally, she spotted a low window that peeked just above the ground. Probably to a basement to what used to be one of the stately homes on this block.<br/><br/>Large trees, some mangled, some down to a leaf or two in the topmost branches lined the walkway to the house. KimRae fought through a tangle of vines to the little glassless window. She lay down to insert herself inside but hugged the earth feeling the dirt beneath her face. Tears welled up in her eyes as she rested but survival drove her on. If she lived or if she died, and KimRae knew that was more than a distinct possibility, she would do it like the wild animal she was. Alone.