The memory crisp, vivid, and in full color. The woods. The blood. The laughter. “Leave the weirdo to die. It’s not like anyone’s gonna miss her.” Air. I needed air. I sucked in a breath, but my windpipe was crammed with lint. My vision swam. My eyesight became milky, fogged with terror; my mind screamed at my feet to stop moving, but they continued running of their own accord, going harder, faster; I looked around frantically. I wasn’t on Main Street anymore. At some point, I had veered off course. There wasn’t a soul on this residential, tree-lined street. No one to help me. Calm down.
...more
