The Morning Before

Rita dragged herself out of bed, and staggered into the bathroom. She splashed some water on her face, and winced slightly. She washed it a little more gently, before tossing off her clothes, and examining herself in the full-length mirror. Gashes, bruises, and burns adorned her in various places, and she made a bit of a face. "Better than last time, at least," she sighed, before stepping into the shower.

It stung as the water ran over her, but she sat down and gently cleaned herself, anyway. She'd learned a long time ago that it was better than just leaving them be. They'd heal a lot faster if she treated them properly.

Once clean, she very carefully patted herself dry, and then started applying ointment and bandages.

"Rita! You're going to be late for school!" Her mom. She didn't know. And she wouldn't understand if she did know.

She sighed. "Be down in a minute!" she called back. She finished her bandages, and went to find clothing that would cover all these bandages. Good thing she liked long sleeves.