Again. I sighed as I looked down at the bowl and my stomach almost knotted from exasperation. Living on my own at the age of 20 was a difficult task, ...nd it was especially hard on my wallet, who like me, seemed always to be starving. But it was food, and the cost was low, so I could afford to buy 6 packages for a dollar. But still, the taste was getting old. I took the bowl and headed to the living room, sat down on the futon, and then ate, staring at the wall where I had planned to put a tv,. “This is your ... gun?” he asked. I nodded. “Cover me,” he told his partner. “Arms out...” He patted me down. “Got any ID?”I fetched my wallet from my pocket and pulled out my driver’s license. The cop sat in his squad and manipulated the computer. He returned to me, handed me my license. “Okay, pal ... have a better one...”The two cops headed toward their squad, laughing.I headed back down the street. The magnitude of what had just happened -- and what nearly had happened -- was beginning to. ”There was the sound of a door closing and steps across a tile floor. “Ah, your master has arrived. We will talk more later. Be a good pet ... I think they said your name was Sasha. Your new master will no doubt give you another. Be a good pet, Sasha, obey and life here will be so much better than you have had before.”The door opened, Sasha looked up to meet her new master and her mouth dropped open.“Sasha,” said Helen, “meet your new master...”“Roger!” exclaimed Sasha, forgetting for a split. " it as almost as if shewere too angry to find the words, at least until they tumbled out of herand chilled me to my very bone, "....I swear to God, I'll put you in apair of Amelia's pyjamas. Understood?"I shivered at the mere thought of it, not least because I was immediatelysure that my little sister'sJammies would probably fit me just fine."Go to sleep, now," she ended the conversation with, turning off mybedroom light, "and not another word."In the darkness I found myself completely.