The blank TV screen bursts into a cacophony of static and noise. Then, just as suddenly, the screen switches to a darkened room. It's a teenager's room, as can be evident by the clothes, CDs, books and other paraphernalia cluttered around the room. The windows are draped shut, but we can see that it is almost dawn outside; sunrise is a few minutes away. The teenage girl, whose room we are invading with our prying eyes, is sitting on the floor in one corner. The stereo is turned on at a low but distinct volume, and snatches of songs can be heard. The track changes and the guitar chords of the new song come drifting from the speakers.

The girl starts singing along in a whisper to Alison Krauss: 'It doesn't matter what I want/It doesn't matter what I need/It doesn't matter if I cry/Don't matter if I bleed'¦'

Her voice trails off at the last word and she looks down at her arms which are resting on her legs. A razor is clutched loosely in one hand, while the left arm is streaked with raw, red lines. She sighs and shifts her gaze to the other side of the room, to something on a wall that is outside our vantage point. She retains her gaze and seems to be contemplating'¦something. Her expression is absolutely unfathomable. From one angle, she seems to be engulfed in repressed pain and suffering; from another, she looks almost serene, as if she is at peace with the world.

She breaks her reverie with a shake of her head, her long black hair spilling over her shoulders. She casts a fleeting glance at the screen. But, strangely, she didn't look straight at the screen. Rather, she looked slightly above it, as if there was a person there holding the video camera, from whom she was seeking reassurance or confirmation or even the strength to continue.

Her eyes are a soft dark brown colour, and are framed with a fringe of long black eyelashes.

Want to comment on this Short Stories? Sign up to Edit Red and you will be able to comment on Short Stories and get access to: Upload your own stories and poems, get readers and their feedback, promote your work...