"Emilee! Emilee! Get back here!" I'm running as fast as my little legs can manage; my heart is beating right through my jacket, pulsating through my veins. His voice sends shivers down my spine only encouraging me to get as far away from him as possible.
I can hear the sound of twigs snapping and the crunching of leaves under his heavy feet from behind me, nearing closer. I have no thought of stopping. My legs are turning into rubber but I continue to push through the damp, dark forest.
"You can't outrun me sweetheart. I'll catch up to you eventually." He's beginning to lose his breath too as his voice gets louder and louder. Am I slowing down or is he speeding up.
I squint at something in the distance. What is it? I'm not sure but I keep running forward until I get close enough to realize that I'm surrounded by a tall metal gate that wraps around the earth for as far as I can manage to see. I look behind me only to lock eyes with him.
A disturbing smirk appears on his scruffy face as he sprints towards me with all of his might. Close to being violently sick, I try so hard to get out of his reach but suddenly I'm yanked back hard by a large pair of cold hands.
I try to scream as loudly as I can, feeling so stupid because there's absolutely no way of anyone hearing me. He wraps his large hands around my throat and squeezes tightly.
Now, don't put up a struggle honey. You're only making this harder for yourself." His hoarse voice echoes through my head. Tears are forming in my eyes and I can feel my legs start to give way as he puts more weight down on me. We both fall to the ground in a heap and I feel as though he's sitting on my chest.
I lay there motionless, my eyes squeezed tightly as I try hard not to cry. He unzips my coat and tosses it to the side. "I won't hurt you, Emilee. Don't worry." His hands are now wandering underneath my t-shirt.
Why is he doing this to me? Why did my mom leave me with him? All I can think about is how many times we've been through the same scenario. I'm only ten years old...