The sky was dark, clear with only a wisp of wind flickering in the air. The moon, a crescent, hung low, almost fading away with the night as the promise of a new day began. My eyes stung and burned from the tears that had shed. I wrapped my arms tighter around myself, and took in a quick breath.

I sat on the edge of the roof, overlooking the town. There were several houses that could be seen from a distance. Lights were all switched off as everyone was asleep. When I looked over my shoulders, I ...