I walked down the ragged street, the one no one dares to bother. I needed some time alone after what had happened back at the house with my drunk father.

  It wasn’t one of those dark nights from the movies. It was a bright and clear day when it struck.

  I walked along,minding my own business. The afternoon rays tickled my skin.

  They might have tickled them a bit too much, as I realize that later.

  I passed the only house anybody dared to live in. He practically owned the entire street.

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  I paused a moment to gaze at the large, dark house. Although it was very sunny, the house cast a large shadow and gloom.

  Out of the corner of my eye, I saw a shutter open and a shadow in the window.

  He saw me.

  I hurried away in the same direction I was walking before.

  I heard a shout behind me. I ignored it.

  I started to hurry at a faster pace.

  I felt my skin tingle a little harder than before.

  Harder still as I walked.

  I looked down. My skin was starting to darken. It continued to darken as I watched. Then it flaked.

  Layer after layer of skin flaked away.

  My clothing dissolved just like my skin.

  I started to see pink char black. I smelled an odor of smoke.

  My nerves processed this all, and I began screaming as the burn finally processed.

  I folded over myself onto the ground, having lost all feeling in my legs.

  I couldn’t bear the pain.

  It did stop.

  I just didn’t know when.

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