• She was alone. She sat cross-legged in the middle of the floor. Her head was bowed and her hair hung down, throwing her face into shadow. Her eyes sparkled, and she was smiling slightly. There was a small spot of light dancing around the room, flicking from one wall to another, then playing across the ceiling. Finally it came to rest on her cheek. She looked at the little piece of metal in her hand. Her smile broadened as she moved her gaze to her wrist. She placed the edge of the shining object on the smooth flesh of her forearm. She inhaled slightly as the cold metal made contact with her skin. Her eyes closed in bliss as she slid the blade across, slicing deep along her wrist. She opened her eyes again and took in the sight before her. The blade still shimmered, and her pale skin was now painted a beautiful shade of red. She laughed softly to herself.