names

Begging them to let me leave for two years never worked. They'd beat me. Now was my chance to go. I stared down at my bare feet. They hadn't touched earth since I was free. I wonder if the grass would feel as cool as it did the night they stole me. Maybe as soft.

I heard their voices calling out for me. Is he coming with?

My heart thumped out of my chest and I felt violently ill. I could've thrown up then and there. He hadn't shown yet. I don't think he's coming and I'm losing my chance. My feet moved before I could even realize. Running as fast as I could, my long deep brown hair slapping my face, the sticks and rocks began to cut into my feet. I couldn't wait for him anymore.

I heard them shouting for me.

I didn't care. I kept running, tears trickling down my face and drying in the wind beating against my cold cheeks. I made it to the woods and pumped my legs harder. The muscles ached and straining to keep going. I couldn't give up. My chest tightened with every breath, burning up my lungs inside. I never allowed myself to slow. Afar the silent sound of the woods rang in my ears. The leaves and mud stuck to my feet.

My face hit into the ground, my weight falling on my wrist. I screamed out abruptly before clasping my hand over my mouth. My ragged nasal breath blew onto my hand. Tears stung at my eyes. I crawled slowly with one hand over to the closest tree before curling into a ball. My dress, browning from the ground, dragged behind me. I covered my mouth, again, crying silently and feeling the warmth of my tears trickle down my face. My wrist throbbed and ached, slowly turning red.

I wanted to curse myself. I need to make it to the meeting spot.

I tried to stand back up before a chill went down my spine. A voice.

"I know you're here. Come back to me."