How was I still alive?

They had left.

They had tossed me aside like a rag.

I watched as their figures merged with the night.

Just let me die here.

But that didn't happen.

I was discovered by passersby.

One by one, they took off their clothes and wrapped me in them, helping me to my feet.

They gave me water and food.

But I couldn't eat.

An older woman held me close, patting my back and comforting me.

In a faint voice, I asked her, "Sister, just let me die here, won't you?"

She covered my mouth to stop me from speaking nonsense, urgently calling her companions to bring...