"Hopelessness and boredom should never be mixed. The result creates entertainment in the most mundane things."

I'm thinking of changing "result" to "concoction."

Well done.

Thanks very much, Jenny. I like your writing and have always appreciated your insights.

Slowly, Samantha comes to her senses, and the first thing she’s aware of is the unbearable pain in every inch of her body. As if her limbs are ripped apart and her insides pulled out, every fiber of her body screams with excruciating pain. Her throat and chest are burning, and she struggles to breathe. She gasps for air, and liquid gurgles in her throat and mouth. Without the strength to cough or spit, she pushes the bitter, viscous liquid with her tongue and lets it drip out of her mouth. The cold, wet air makes it even harder to breathe. Every breath she takes is a chunk of icy lead crushing into her lungs, and something heavy and gooey holds down her sore, burning eyelids. Unable to open her eyes, she wonders if she has lost her sight.

oh my gosh! I used to live there! I love it when someone mentions it. Stark, but beautiful place.

You had me at the title!

“You know you’ll be sorry.” The overheard words were a missile aimed at someone, with venom.