Michiko Atokata forced herself to keep walking. She was so close. So very close to freedom. The little boy in her arms whimpered slightly and she clutched him tighter. She knew he was afraid, but so was she and there was nothing to be done about it.
Her vision blurred for a second and she stopped. She was so tired. She was losing strength every moment and could barely make herself walk any farther. Only the burning desire to keep Yoshi safe drove her to press on.
Sweat trickled down her face and she gasped for breath. Something was seriously wrong here; it was too quiet. Hunger and fatigue were working away at her. But she couldn't stop. Yoshi was far too important to her.
One step...She stumbled; fell to her knees. Looking up, she thought she saw a tall man staring down at her. She reached one shaky hand heavenward. "...Don't...let...Yoshi...die..." Then she lost consciousness.