#WritcoStoryPrompt2
A wet leaf fell on her shoulder making her jump in fear. Startled she shifted from her hiding place behind the bush,

A wet leaf fell on her shoulder making her jump in fear. Startled, she shifted from her hiding place behind the bush. She looked around nervously, hoping that no one had seen her. She was a young girl named Zara, who had run away from home after a fight with her parents. She had been living on the streets for a few days, avoiding the dangers of the night and the cruelty of the people.

She was hungry, cold and scared. She wished she could go back to her home, but she was too proud and stubborn to admit her mistake. She thought her parents did not love her or understand her. She wanted to be free and independent, but she did not realize how hard it was to survive alone.

She saw a group of boys walking towards her. They looked mean and menacing. They had knives and sticks in their hands. They were looking for trouble. Zara knew she had to run, but she was too late. They spotted her and surrounded her.

"Hey, look what we have here. A little mouse hiding in the bush." One of them said, grabbing her by the hair.

"Let me go! Please, leave me alone!" Zara cried, struggling to free herself.

"What's your name, mouse? Where are you from? What are you doing here?" Another one asked, poking her with his stick.

"Zara. I'm from nowhere. I'm just passing by." Zara lied, hoping they would let her go.

"Zara, huh? That's a pretty name. Too bad you're not pretty at all. You're dirty and ugly and pathetic." The first one said, spitting on her face.

"Please, stop it. You're hurting me." Zara pleaded, tears streaming down her cheeks.

"Shut up, mouse. You don't have a...