I pushed forward harder, the slaps of my feet against the pavement quickening, my heart beating wildly. The deserted streets and homes around me were driving me mad. I moved faster.
I knew that there was always the possibility that someone could have been just steps behind me; moments away from catching me. I was constantly looking over my shoulder, aware of the fact that they could have learned of my absence; of my escape. As I ran, I started to wonder if I was going in circles. The same abandoned buildings and dark, eerie homes surrounded me as they had before. The thought crossed my mind to turn back; to go back before they realized what I had done, realized my feeble attempt to get away, and just endure this horrible existence until I die; which hopefully, if I didn't get away, would come soon. I was just about to turn back, when I saw the forest ahead. I was coming to a cul-de-sac, and the dark forest looked so appealing to me at that moment; my haven.
The sweat dripped off my forehead as I pushed myself harder. The heat was relentless. It surged, and I wondered how I might ever make it to the next city without even a sip of water.
I came up to the first section of green brush and slowed to a trot. I was breathing hard, unable to catch my breath. Hands shaking, I wiped at my forehead. I looked around me, taking in my surroundings and decided that I needed to get going. I moved slowly at first, and then picked up speed as I went along. I knew that I would die. There was no way I could make 50 miles on foot. My thoughts continued to get darker; my eyes filling with moisture. What had anyone done to deserve this?
Two years ago, everything had been normal. My family and I lived in a small town, very involved with the world around us, yet so oblivious to the very place we lived. On June 29, 2007, our small community began the dark journey to Hell. No one knew what to expect as the tanks came rolling in. Everyone was gathered in the park to see what was happening. One the first sound of the gun being fired rang through the air, almost 200 pairs of eyes widened, jaws dropped. Some tried to turn and run (the smart thing to do); but one man stood up; mumbling incoherently in the slurred tongue of a chronic drunk. He was shot down in less then three seconds. It was then that I realized that we were surrounded by armed men. Men who looked like they'd came straight from the army. My only thought was, 'Oh God.'. The men surrounding us, raised their guns, ready to shoot, trapping us there.