The Fake Mistress (English)

The strong wind suddenly gusted, accompanied by a downpour of heavy rain. Thunder roared... Lightning flashed. The rustling of the plants and trees around me added to the terror gripping my heart, but I had to press on and run for my life. I paid no attention to the cold seeping into my body or the pain from my wounds. I kept running until my knees couldn't bear the overwhelming fatigue, and I slipped on the muddy path, causing me to fall. But I paid no mind to the new wound on my leg; it was nothing compared to the horrors I had endured at the hands of that lunatic. I quickly got back up on my feet and continued my frantic pace. My heart pounded so hard that it felt like it might burst. I hurried with every step—walk, run, walk, run. I couldn't stop; if I did, that demon would catch up to me. "Almost there, Kathryn, almost there," I whispered as I passed through the dark and overgrown forest. I was afraid of the darkness, not knowing what lurked within, but I was more terrified of them catching up to me. I couldn't let fear weaken me. I was so close to reaching the road. I pushed myself harder, feeling the overwhelming fatigue, but I had to keep going. Just a little more, and I could escape this hellish nightmare. Just a little more... a bit further. "Yoohooo! Kathryn!" The devil’s shout echoed from afar, followed by bone-chilling laughter. I swallowed hard, and I ran even faster. I kept glancing back, which made me stumble on the muddy and slippery ground. The demon was there, closing in! I gasped for breath, not caring if I got scratched by the plants and branches I brushed past. A few seconds later, I heard consecutive gunshots, and my entire body trembled with terror. It felt like my soul was trying to escape my body, overwhelmed by the fear consuming me. "You'll escape, Kathryn, you'll escape," I kept telling myself, trying to convince myself to keep going. I pushed aside the obstructing plants in my path, and even though my body was weakening, I refused to give up. I was willing to die while trying to escape rather than be caught without a fight. "You won't escape, Kathryn! Keep running! Hide! Keep hiding until you can, because when I catch you, it'll be your last breath!" The voice echoed like a demon in the entire forest, sending shivers down my spine. I looked back and noticed a faint light coming from a distance. I covered my mouth, knowing it was them. "Oh God, please help me!" I couldn't hold back my tears. Seeing the road not far away gave me hope. I smiled through my tears, wiping them away with trembling hands. I pushed myself to run faster, even though I felt like my strength was fading and my breath was running out. But I let out a stifled cry when I accidentally stepped on something sharp. I felt an excruciating pain that made me sob uncontrollably. I sat down and touched my injured foot with trembling hands. Something was embedded in it. "I won't die here. He's waiting for me. My love is waiting.” I closed my eyes to remember his face and his sweet smiles. I tried to recall his voice in my mind, repeating that he loved me. One gunshot after another rang out, making me open my eyes again. The source of the light from the flashlight he held was getting closer. I took a deep breath and exhaled forcefully. I tore a piece of cloth from my torn skirt, using it to cover my mouth as I extracted the sharp object from my foot. I let out a muffled scream, feeling like I was losing consciousness due to the pain. I breathed deeply, trying to calm myself. My body grew weaker, but I had to summon my courage. I searched around for a sturdy piece of wood I could use as a makeshift cane. When I found one, I slowly got back on my feet, wobbling as I walked. I had to endure the pain, and I couldn't let fear paralyze me. "Kathryn, don't hide; I'll catch you soon!" The voice grew nearer, and I could sense the devil’s presence. That crazy devil was too close. I looked for another piece of wood nearby, which I could use as a weapon if necessary. I gathered my remaining strength and staggered forward, crying with every limping step. I tried to run, but my body couldn't handle it anymore. My vision blurred, my knees quivered, and my whole body was weakening. Can I still make it? Is this truly the end of my life? I took a few more steps, but I knew I wouldn't reach the road. He would catch me. He was there, approaching me. A bitter smile crept across my face as my vision blurred even more, and I felt dizzy. I couldn't go any further. "Kathryn!" Another gunshot rang out, and I collapsed onto the ground.