Soon, she came to this old house where she sits now, and stayed there. She hoped and prayed that the rain would stop. If it stopped, at least she would be dry and warm. "Maybe I could go over to Jeannie's house," Michelle thought. "I think it would be warmer there. And there is a warm bed there too."

Jeannie is Michelle's best friend. They do not go to the same school anymore, but they were best friends when they were in the Primary school. Jeannie is shocked when she opens her door and finds Michelle standing there in the rain that Friday evening.

"What happened to you, Michelle?" she asks, reaching out to her with concern. "Why are you bleeding? Are you O.K.? Why are you here?"

"Oh Jeannie, I can't stay at home anymore," Michelle cried. "It is killing me. Papa drinks so much now, and when he is drunk, he will hit me. Ma is never home, she works so hard to bring home money. But Papa always spends it on alcohol. Is it O.K. if I stay here at your house for awhile?"