At 17, Cherry had been used to the streets of Chicago. Taking caution among the men that looked much too rough for someone like her to be talking to. Her father had taught her to be quick and learn all the ways around the city, quickest routes and alleys. She knew the place like the back of her hand. So she learned, she paid attention to the faces around her and their interactions. She became wise to the motives of others and began to keep to herself much more.

Handsome faces were never something she thought to be afraid of. Often watching in fascination as they would sweep a young lass off her feet and leave them wondering the next day. One day the ladies were smiling and happy and then the next they could barely look at them. She never wanted to know what caused this but she had a tendency to watch which faces created the most saddest of frowns. People were fascinating and created a past time that kept her away from home.

Then came the day that she learned about handsome faces. It came the day that she found herself staring up into one. He was standing right there just talking casually about the weather and maybe it was the look in his eyes but she was hooked. Her own mind screamed against her but she couldn't break herself free of those light blue eyes.

Everything began in a daze. Cherry couldn't find the words to speak but he seemed to be leading her around the city. They would eat and dance until late in the evening. She knew she should have been home hours ago and tried to excuse herself.

"I should really be going," she managed to get out with much effort.

"Just one more dance darling and then you can go."

So she danced. And then that dance turned into another and another. Tired and woozy from all the alcohol she was soon alone in a room with him. Alarm bells began to ring in her head but she kept calm. Her face began to take on the clarity she was once more feeling. Turning herself towards the door she began to walk to it in hopes the young man wouldn't notice.

"What the -" She started as her elbow was grabbed and twisted behind her back.

"Now now," said he.

Without a moment's hesitation she kicked her right leg back and connected with his knee. Feeling the grip loosen and a stream of cuss words fall from his mouth she broke herself free and hurried towards the door. He must have recovered faster than she thought he would because before she knew it he had made it to the door first and blocked it.  She still went for the door and was soon turned around to face him.

Face to face, Cherry glared at the man.

"Let me go!" She growled.

He refused. Tilting his head towards her, she knew what was coming. She reached for the closest thing to her and managed to grab a handful of cherry blossoms. Once his face was close enough she could feel his breath she brought her hand up and shoved the flowers into his mouth. She pushed hard until he was choking.

She ran. Ran without checking to see if he was okay. She bolted out of there and home. Hiding herself in her room until morning.

In the morning, she checked to see the paper and in it she noticed an obituary that caught her attention.

Timothy Jones

Found dead in the local hotel. Cause of death was Cherry Blossoms shoved down his throat.
Last seen with a pretty redhead, about 5'2. Any information would be greatly appreciated.

Cherry held onto the paper and began to laugh. Laughing so hard there were tears in her eyes. Once she had laughed it all out she began to pack a suitcase. There was no way she could stay here after that. She'd go to Philadelphia and meet up with a friend who had offered her a job awhile back.