Cadence slowed her walk and set down her guitar case against the side of a dilapidated brick building. It seemed like a perfect, deserted place to spend the night. The roof was overhanging just enough to shelter her from the rain, which she knew was coming from the forecast in one of the papers she pulled from a rubbish bin that morning. Well, really, she knew the rain was coming simply because she lived in Rathe. So, Cadence sat and leaned against the wall, looking out across the Thames. She wished she could just fish around in the pocket of her black wool coat and find a cigarette. Not that she smoked. But it would have just felt right to be this runaway teen sitting at the docks, smoking away. Like in some cheap, dramatic show on the telly.

The thought made the girl smile, in spite of everything. Well, really, she had reasons to be happy. In comparison to most others in her recent history, tonight was perfect. It wasn't too cold or wet, and it was peaceful. Quiet. She had found a place off the beaten track to stay for a night, away from the people who often gave her only cruel stares instead of the change she needed so desperately to get from day to day. Well, hell, she didn't like playing her music for their cheap entertainment, anyway.

Cadence exhaled in a quick, lip-pouting gust and opened her guitar case. There were still a few notes left inside, enough for a single meal tomorrow at some disgusting fast food joint. But, at least she had those few pounds. And her guitar. As long as Cadence had her guitar, she was convinced everything was going to be perfectly alright. She was free, after all. Free from everything her father had been putting her through for the past few years. And, even though she was cold and tired and, sure, a little hungry, Cadence figured she had exactly what she wanted. She did have what she wanted, didn't she? Her life had gone to shit, but she at least had what she wanted most. Right?

She shook her head of tangled auburn hair and pulled a shiny black guitar from the heavily duck-taped case. Her numbed fingers gently stroked the chords, trying to come up with a new melody.

"Starlight, I can almost see you –
Feel you like your morning sister,
And I can almost see what they
Always wish upon in nurs'ry rhymes.

Cadence shook her head with a sad smile and set down her guitar. No, that wasn't very good at all. Ah well. She strained her eyes to try seeing the stars once more in the light-polluted sky, but, even by the darkened area of the docks, there was nothing but a few very faint specks. And then, suddenly, she heard footsteps coming her way. She hoped they were just another one of her delusions, but something told her someone really was invading her privacy. She didn't know who the hell else, besides her, would think it a good idea to walk the docks so close to midnight. But they couldn't be good news. No, whether they were one of her old classmates or the infamous Nithe, Cadence knew she had good reason to be afraid. She clutched her guitar and attempted to retreat further into the shadows of the building, trying desperately not to be seen.