Luzia headed home from work taking the usual network of back alleys that led back to the dorm rooms she stayed in.  She lived alone her dorm having no urge to get a dorm mate that would only infringe on her privacy and her ability to get any solid work done. She was 20 years old and working towards a degree in neuroscience with a minor in psychology. The field was small but Luzia was determined.  Sheâ€™d get in and sheâ€™d be the best one in the whole thing that was the only way to think about anything. Always aim high because itâ€™ll get you where you want to go.<br/>Not only were her goals high she was working too. Already paying off part of what was going to be a large student loan. She worked for a large retail store just up the road from the university, her paychecks were large enough to give her some spending money while paying down what she could. Every night she walked home (because screw public transport) it was only 8 blocks from the school and wouldnâ€™t be worth the cost to buy a car.<br/><br/><span style="font-style: italic">Though, on nights like tonight I wonder if that was such a smart choice. The moonâ€™s new thereâ€™s so little light and itâ€™s always on night like tonight that bad things- </span>she didnâ€™t finish her thought as her ears picked up the sounds of fighting in the alley across from the one she was walking down. She could see the fight going on, and as she approached she saw the knife being dragged across the neck of a boy lying prone in the alley.<br/><br/>â€œHEY!â€ Her voice echoed though the disgusting place drawing all the attention to her.<br/><span style="font-style: italic">Shit. Maybe not my best plan.</span>she thought walking slowly forward. In the light of a barely functioning street lamp she caught sight of one of the menâ€¦ well nothing more than an overgrown boy really.<br/><br/>â€œTommy. You stupid shit. Shouldnâ€™t you be studying for that math test you have at 6 A.M.? Or are you planning on screwing up<span style="font-style: italic">every</span>aspect of your life and not just your social standing?â€[/i] she asked crossing her arms over her chest and staring him down, even though he stood well above her 5 foot 3 height.<br/><br/>â€œYou little bitch how dare you talk to me that way?â€ He and his buddies started towards her and instantly her phone was out of her pocket and in her hand, fingers pressing the three buttons none of them wanted her to.<br/><br/>â€œOh really? How long do you think youâ€™ll go to jail for putting your hands on me, along with murder in the first? Iâ€™d say a long time.â€ She said as the operator answered the phone. â€œYes Iâ€™d like to report an assault. Please hurry theyâ€™re coming after me.â€ She said not entirely faking the fear the came into her voice.<br/><br/>â€œEmergency services are on their way maâ€™am.â€<br/><br/>â€œThank you. One of them is Tommy McKing.â€ She said watching as the group turned and ran from her sight. As they vanished she raced towards the boy on the ground tearing the sleeve off her shirt as she did so. She could see multiple broken bones, but her immediate concern was the wound on his neck.<br/><br/>â€œMy nameâ€™s Luzia, Iâ€™m here to help you. Stay with, man. Focus on me. Donâ€™t pass out.â€ Her voice was calm as her training took her and she ripped apart the cloth of her sleeve and pressed it against his bleeding wound applying pressure as she heard the roar of sirens in the background. She placed her hand in his. â€œIf you can hear me squeeze my hand.â€ The volume was getting louder. Just a few more moments and he stood a chance of making it out of this.