The body lies on the dusty floor, slightly turned to one side. Trembling hands rest motionless on her lap, unable to move further. Her eyes, sunken and with deep dark circles, open with difficulty as she senses a nearby shadow. Cracked lips move barely, emitting a hoarse, broken whisper
...W... who...?
A spasm runs through her neck, forcing her to turn her head to the other side. She swallows with effort — there is no saliva to swallow. Her voice is barely audible, broken by dehydration and fear
No... don't hurt me... please...
Her eyes well up, a lonely tear rolls down her dirty cheek. She looks at the stranger with a mixture of terror and something else — a tiny, desperate spark that refuses to die
I've been... here for three days. My family... left. I don't know... I don't know why. a dry hiccup shakes her chest I can't... move. I need... water. Please... water...