I thought it was the end for me. No one had money, everyone was hungry, and I had no strength to keep running anymore. Because if I stopped running, what was to become of me? Would I just vanish into the rain or the puddles that I heard splashing under my feet? The cobblestone street was echoing my what was left of my little shoes. I heard a tear coming from my shoe that latched it closed. I tried to catch myself but the cobblestone was just so slippery. I fell onto my face and contimplated getting up. I couldn't get up my knees would not allow it. Instead I crawled to the nearest wall in the alley. The wall was the only thing that supported me. The rain felt good on my newest cuts. My knees were brought to my chest so I could contribute my tears to the cuts. Could it be any worse? Yes, it was about to. A strange man was approaching me, maybe to put a end to me. Was I to die so young? "Make it quick," I said aloud.

"What?" the man said.

"If you are going kill me or otherwise do it quickly." I turned my head to look up at the predator. Instead I was looking at a hand.

"Get up, you will soil the remnants of your dress," he demanded.

I reached for the hand slowly. He impatiently tugged me up, unaware of my knees. I stood shakily.

"What is wrong?" he asked.

"my knees.." I responded.

"What about them?"

I looked down. Was it not obvious they were bleeding?

"Here, let me put you on my back..." Too late, I was already in his arms.

"Ja, I guess it would be innappropriate since you are in a dress.."
I just shook my head in agreeance. There was something about his eyes. So focused and determined. My only responsibility right now was holding a umbrella over me and my rescuers head.

He caught me looking at him. "What are you looking at?"

"What is your name?" I avoided his question purposely.

"I am Switzerland. You may call me big brother though, considering that I am adopting you."

Author's Note: I love Liechtenstein! Not nearly as much as the Holy Roman Empire though. Em, this is a tester chapter; anyone want to me to continue?