The night breeze was gentle.

The temperature at Crystal Brook Retreat was much cooler than in downtown Riverside State, and the crisp night air blew against my face.

I sat up, took a napkin and wiped the blood that was now on my face.

As the wind blew, I felt my head throb even more, as if it were about to split open, waves of pain coursing through my nerves. I then told myself to conserve my strength and stay alert. I couldn't be so useless and let Mark kill me.

Mark ...