AAHIL
I’m running. I can feel her presence right behind me even as I run as fast as my legs would carry me. I’m out of breath; in fact, I think my body refuses to grant me a drop of oxygen.
The air outside is chilly and I can feel pricks of ice on my naked upper half. I would’ve hidden the evidence of her torture if this was another day but today I have hope, today I want to run. Away from her and the crow she keeps by her side. Away from their nauseating touches.
I stop next to a tree. Look back. Try to see if she’s coming for me through my hazy vision. When I notice nothing, I breathe a sigh of relief, using the trunk of the tree to support my crumpling body.
My legs give out and I hiss when I feel the sharpness of the tree on my back. I drag my hands through the wet mud around m
