Margo really shouldn't have been out that late. She was so tired from work that day; being on her feet for so long, serving food and drinks to people left and right, was more than enough to tire her out. She was off the next couple of days, and her body was telling her that she really needed to rest. But, the fresh air felt so nice. Being in casual, comfortable clothes was a great luxury compared to the scratchy uniform she had to wear. Taking some time to herself, away from noisy people, their kids and their wants and complaints, was more than enough reason for her to stay out. 

She shoved her hands in her hoodie pockets, listening to her baggy clothes move with each step she took. Her right sneaker was loose, probably close to coming untied, yet she ignored it, enjoying the quiet time to herself too much to stop just to tie her shoe. As she walked, she stretched her back and looked up at the stars, taking in another breath of glorious, cool air. She thought back to her apartment, which was a few blocks behind her, and wondered if she had remembered to lock the door. The key was in her pocket, so at least she had that. It was just a dinky, one bedroom apartment. A place she rushed to get into, no longer able to live with her mother, and grateful for her stingy spending and eager saving. She got the cheapest around and in the only building she could afford - who in their right mind would actually think that was a good place to rob? 

After spending a few moments watching for traffic, then crossing the street, Margo began to realize just how much she needed to tie her sneaker. It was slipping off her heel with each step, and the laces were a damn tripping hazard. Sighing, she bent down to one knee, letting her hood fall from her head. The necklace around her neck fell from beneath her shirt, dangling in her face before it was unceremoniously shoved back into hiding. Once her shoe was on good and tight, Margo started to get back to her feet, when a sudden, heavy mass collided into her side. She felt hands grab her, nails digging into her skin, and drag her into the nearest alley. 

She felt hot breath on her neck as she was forced to the very back of the alley, where the chances of being seen were even lower than the chances of someone actually walking by that alley that late. Her attacker's hand was clamped over her mouth, and a commanding hiss for her to stay quiet followed. She sucked in ragged, panicked breaths through her nostrils, unable to fight as she was pulled to the ground by her hair and pinned down on her back. There came a pressure against her neck, too low for her to risk looking down. Perhaps it was a knife, maybe a gun. She didn't know, and didn't want to know as she took the silent warning to keep quiet. Or else

'Oh God, please don't hurt me,' she desperately thought. 

The man let out a chuckle, as though he had read her thoughts.