The pain from the needle was minor. Irritating might be the best way to describe it. I've thought of getting a tattoo before, but I knew my brother would burn it from my skin with a blow torch. There was no reason to give him an excuse to hurt me. And I've seen the results of his favorite torture method and cringe at the memory of the screams.

I pull the blanket tighter, thankful that I have it again. Even with the added protection, I'm uncomfortable on the cold floor and the ...