The Rosey Thorn

Chapter 7

6 Years Later

Run. Just run. Don’t look back. Just keep running. Do not stop. If you stop, they will catch you. Just keep running.

I don’t know how, but I managed to escape my captors. It happened at this time a week ago. There was no moon out, and the night was pitch black like tonight. My cage was left open after a brutal night — well, I was no longer in a cage. I had a plush luxury room, but I was still a prisoner. I was locked day in and day out, but then they forgot to lock me in, even though the windows were unlocked. I took a chance and opened the door.

There were no guards patrolling the halls. No one was watching the stairs. I made my way down quietly, searching around and looking for a way out. I saw the back door in the kitchen. It was not locked. I double-checked the grounds, sticking to the shadows. No guards. It was my only chance and I took it. I ran like my life depended on it, which it did. It has been a week now or maybe more, I don’t know. A week of nothing but running, and I haven’t stopped. I knew the dress I wore was ripped to shreds. My hair had leaves and sticks in, but I was scared to even stop and breathe, but I must make it to the one place I know I can be safe in. Hoskins Military Base. I used to live there, and it’s the only base that houses all four branches. Hopefully, the people I know here are still there.

The clearing of the woods came upon me, and I saw the entrance of the base. I stopped for one second before I crossed the expanse of the road looking left to right.

Then I bolted.

I see a guard standing under the light. His facial features came into view, and I recognized him. It’s Stan Morris, an MP. I pushed my legs to go faster and once I knew I was at a good distance, I shouted at Stan.

“Stan! Stan!” He turns towards my voice but can’t see my face through the darkness. His hand goes to his hip, grabbing something, then a light flashed in my eyes.

“Rose?”

“Stan, help me!”

I was getting close to him. I was finally going to be safe away from him, away from the beatings and the pain. I hear Stan talking to himself loudly. From inside the gate, about five people were running towards Stan.

I was getting close. Close to being free, but I wasn’t paying attention. By the time I saw the car, it was too late. I was rammed into my side and flew back, landing hard on my back.

“Rose!”

That voice. I know that voice. My head hurts from the impact as well as my body. Running footsteps were coming closer, but I couldn’t stay awake. My eyelids started to close and I couldn’t fight them. I came all this way, surviving everything that came my way just so a car could put me out of my misery. I’m so tired now. I let my eyes close and let the pain take me away.