The bar is heavy
With the lingering scent of cigarette smoke.

Heavily tattooed men laughing.
Laughing far too loud.

Yellow lamps overhead
Buzzing with flies.

Rough words spoken
Money passed around.

She sits in a corner
A drink in her hand.

It is not her first,
And it will not be her last.

She is spending the last of her emergency money.

She is attempting to drink her worries away.

It is not working.

He enters.
Rubs his creased forehead.

Starts to ask for a drink

Then sees her.

Decision.
Puts his worries away,
He strides over.

Takes the drink out of her hand
Stumble.  Confused eyes.
Leads her out of the bar
Half-mumbled protest.
Into his waiting car
Grateful submission.
Onto his bed
You saved me.