The Book That Swallowed Me

Trapped In His Mansion,Saved In His Arms

"Hold my hand tight!"

Leo's hand was strong. Amanda held it like her life depended on it. Because it did.

Behind them, Mr. Black's men were shouting.

"Catch them! Don't let them escape!"

Amanda and Leo ran down the long dark hall of the mansion.

Their legs were fast. Their hearts were beating fast.

"Lily!" Amanda shouted. "We need Lily!"

Leo nodded. He ran to the small door next to Amanda's room and kicked it hard.

BANG!

The door opened.

Little Lily was sitting on the floor, crying. Her dress was dirty. Her hair was messy. But when she saw Leo, her eyes lit up like Christmas lights in New York.

"Big brother!" she cried.

Leo picked her up in his arms. "I told you I would come, Lily. I promised."

Amanda smiled. Even in danger, she felt warm inside.

In New York City, she had everything. Big house, rich life, good food. But she never felt this kind of love. This kind of family.

Now, in small Willow Creek, with no phone and no money, she felt more alive than ever.

They ran to the back stairs. The stairs were old and noisy.

"There they are!" one man shouted.

A big man tried to grab Amanda's dress. Amanda turned and kicked his leg hard.

"Ahh!" the man screamed and fell down.

Amanda was shocked. "Did I just do that?" she whispered.

Leo laughed even while running. "See? You are not just a rich New York girl anymore. You are a Willow Creek warrior now!"

They reached the back door. It was locked.

Leo put Lily down. "Amanda, hold Lily. I will open it."

He pushed the door with all his strength. Once. Twice. Three times.

CRACK!

The door opened.

Cold night air rushed in. Fresh air. Freedom air.

They ran out into the dark garden. Past the big trees. Past the black gate.

They did not stop. They ran and ran, until the big mansion was far behind them.

Until they reached the forest.

Amanda fell on the grass. She was breathing hard. Her dress was torn. Her feet were hurting.

Lily sat next to her. Leo sat next to her.

For a moment, nobody talked. They just breathed.

Then Lily looked at Amanda and said, "Amanda, thank you for saving me."

Amanda hugged her tight. "We saved each other, Lily."

Leo looked at Amanda. His eyes were soft. "Amanda, you could have run away alone. Why did you stay for Lily?"

Amanda looked into his eyes. "Because in New York, I had everything, but I had nobody to fight for. Here, I have you and Lily. I will not leave you."

Leo did not say anything. He just held her hand again. This time, not because they were running. But because he did not want to let go.

But far away, in his big mansion, Mr. Black was standing at the window, watching the forest.

He was not angry. He was smiling.

"Run, little birds," he whispered. "Run. Because tomorrow, I will burn down the whole of Willow Creek to find my book."