During her days in the village, she’d purposely explored the area, memorizing the paths for exactly this scenario.
The men took off after her, and the plastic bags they carried sloshed loudly with water.
Behind the house sat a low hill. If she could get across it, she’d reach another village—more populated, more buildings. She had already picked out a few good hideout spots there. If she could make it that far, she’d be safe.
She scrambled up the slope, using both hands and feet. Her usual hang-ups about staying clean? Completely out the window. Survival was the only thing that mattered now.
Then, her foot hit something—solid, sharp. She gasped, instantly biting her lip to stifle the cry. The pain was intense, but she gritted her teeth, pushed through it, and kept running. Ev
