Hiding in a stall
Behind the bathroom door,
The squeaking of the hinges
Still echoes
Throughout the tiled room.
Behind her
An overflowing trash can
And toilet paper scattered everywhere.
The smell of urine,
Sour, fills the air,
Indifferent to her trembling.
The scent of iron
Mingles with the foul odor,
As crimson drips
Onto the linoleum floor.
Salty tears well up
In her crystal eyes.
Crowded voices
Echo from outside.
She bangs her fists
Against the wall,
More crimson puddles
Beneath her feet.
She sinks to her knees,
Letting out a cry.
She can't see,
Can't think.
A firm, gentle hand
Pulls her up,
Wraps her arms with cloth
And drags her
To the nurse's office.