I came to the shelter because I just needed to sleep for awhile. I haven't slept at night in so long, and I was just catching naps whenever I could...during my breaks and at lunch when I was at work, dozing off at ball games or at the library. I began to feel lightheaded and hollow, and everything seemed too bright around me. I had to get some sleep.

   I don't sleep at night because he told me that he would kill me when I fell asleep. So I lie in bed, but I keep my eyes open.