AUDREY
I ran all the way to the river, wiping frantically at my stained dress. Tears were falling down my eyes and I could not help it. I was surprised at myself for acting as if I cared— I do care, because I wanted to matter. I ran into the woods and in no time; I heard my name. It was Malik, he was coming after me and I walked faster. Not that it would be of any use. He would find me because he could smell me.
I sat on a fallen branch and started to wipe my eyes quickly, but Malik was beside me before I knew it. There was no moon in the sky. The sky was dark, the only light being the countless pulses of warm light that scores of lightening bugs put on against the dark.
"Hey," Malik said. He was with a lantern, and he raised it to see my face.
I sniffled, wiped my nose with the b
