"Let me play the fool," Araceli whispered.

The shadows among the walls as she walked along the dark alley. She knew what to expect from the shadows. Anything. The shadows hid the most hideous of things but it also hid the most beautiful of things. Tonight she was hiding among the shadows.

The night had started as any other night. Araceli donning one of her beautiful dresses that she had closeted away with some of her finger jewellery. Tonight she was going to dance the night away and if a wallet or two went missing, well what could she say? Money was money after all. Tonight she was dressed in her finest full length black dress. She had pulled her hair up and let the ringlets swirl about her face.

At one of the best dances in their time she was swirling around with a young man. She couldn't remember his name but as she swirled around she saw him. The man that knew what she did for her living. It set her mind into a panic but she kept her smile and spun around the floor. As the man lead her to the edge she managed to flee.

Now she found herself in the dark alley. Wishing that she could run away and keep her distance but instead she was drawn to him. Drawn in the worst ways because she had needed to fake feelings that eventually turned real to make the job easier. Seeing him tonight had raised a lot of things for her. Feelings and slowly but surely she thought she could feel bile threatening to let loose. Walking faster she turned towards home.

"Easy now Araceli. Keep your wits about you."

The alcohol was starting to take effect and she could see him in the shadows. Was he really there? she wondered to herself. Instead of taking chances she ran home and closed the door. Locking it up tight until she felt safer.

"Just let me play the fool for tonight. I'll figure it out tomorrow."