Running.

Running. Running. Always running. This night is running. Who are they ? Why are they following me ? Why chase me ? It hurts to breathe; the cold is stinging my throat, my chest is seizing. Are my legs even there anymore ? I can feel my feet. They hurt. The jagged rocks are slicing and piercing the tender skin of my feet but I don't have my shoes, not anymore. I had dropped them a while ago, but when ? Where ? I can't think of this right now; I'm not thinking about anything right now. I can't hear a thing past the erratic beating of my heart, the pounding of several pairs of feet, and their shouts, their yells. Oh God, their shouts and yells. Vile, vulgar shouts of want, of craving. What could drive them to this ? Who in humanity had the heart to do this ? To make someone feel the fear, anxiety, and pain I feel now; it's monstrous. How many of these soulless beasts are chasing ? Four ? Five ? I dare not look, running is my focus. Running. Running. Not tripping, falling, damning myself. I could almost feel them reaching for me, crushing me to the ground. They were strong, even from the small glance I had gained before we began this game, I could tell.
I am running out of places to go, getting further and further into the unfamiliar backstreets of the slums. How did I get here ? When did I take a wrong turn ? I know the answer to these questions but I don't want to remember. Everything is dark around here, I can't tell one house from another. I've been running straight for a while, where is the turn ? Oh ! There ! To the left ! This is my way out, I can feel it. Another left ! That should take me out to where I entered this God forsaken place.
My muscles are screaming, voicing their pains through my own. I can feel my legs now, they won't let me forget them again. I feel dizzy, I haven't eaten all day. I wish I could stop, just stop running. And breathe. In. Out. In. Out. A steady rhythm that escapes me. How easily I have taken advantage of breathing.
Someone shouts. My name. What is my name, they ask ? I can't answer, I don't want to answer. Even if I want to a sob is caught in my throat, choking me more. Yes, I wanted to cry, breakdown and cry. They shout again, a mix of all voices. The urge to cry is lessened under the pressure of the fear that drowns me.
I am back on the main road. I know where to go. For now. I can only race forward, to the park I would play in when I was a child. Did my feet just sigh ? The transition from the rough and unforgiving road to the soft, plush, and luscious green grass feels reviving. The cold droplets of rainwater from the light shower we received this morning are soaking through the cuts, scrapes, slivers, and sore spots of my skin.
My legs are threatening to buckle and fall against the earth below but they know they have to continue moving. This is our survival. I can see everything around me in the moonlight, so familiar. I know this park better than anywhere else in my city. Every childhood memory reflected in the park's grounds, from the first memory to this.
Options. Options. So many options, but what are the outcomes ? I will just let my legs carry me to where they know best. The forest. I can see it in my mind. It is a place of pure darkness at night, the moon's light barely able to pierce the veil of leaves, branches, and animals. I can feel the few tears that had formed from running through the cold and blink them away. As known, the forest is dark and my eyes attempt to readjust, everything is barely visible. Again my feet detest as I run over twigs, thorns, insects, and fallen trees. The forest is large, being the only one preserved within the walls of the city and the only sanctuary of our local animals. People were not permitted to run off the trail created for recreation, but I have no choice, I have to hide.
I hear them scream, yell, and shout. They've reached the boarder of the forest. They are going to give up the chase ! I did it ! I slow down. I can walk now. My aching chest is heaving to catch up my lost breath. Oh precious breath, how I have missed you. Wait ? Their yells and shouts have stopped. What is happening ? Trees are cracking under someones weight. They are running through the forest. After me. I have to keep running. I must move faster and faster. My legs listen, feet pushing off the ground. They must be able to hear me as well. Haste is the word here. Running through the forest is still going to take at least ten minutes before I see the other side. I just want this to be over ! I want to be home, sipping hot chocolate by the television with mother. Is it getting colder ? Run, just run. Running on instinct. My body is giving up. Pain, searing pain. Cramps in every muscle. They are getting closer. I can hear them behind me. Closer. Closer. I am slowing down. I see the edge of the forest. Must keep running, running, running. They are within arms length. Always running. This night is running. I am so tired. Can I do this anymore ? My hope is gone. Black. This night is black. Life. My life is lived.