The Darkness closed in around us as we ran through the murk, leaves rustling and twigs snapping under our feet. Every snap was like a gunshot, every rustle, like a dagger sealing our fate. They were after us, and wouldn’t cease until they had us. We were Birds to them, birds that were flying away from a flock of vultures.
Our lungs were on fire, our legs crying out for rest. No. We could not rest. Not on our lives. We were going to make it through this. Or rather, if we didn’t make it through this, nothing good could come from it. Something thudded behind me, and I look back to see her on the ground. Tear lines streaked her cheeks, and it was obvious that it had just now occurred to her. Both of us couldn’t make it out of here. No. This could not be happening. Not like this. Not now. We had done too much to have it end here. We have sacrificed too much to give in now. I was now faced with a deadly decision. What would be the right thing to do? Sacrifice myself for them? That would be the right decision, but the right one isn’t always the easiest to make.
Hounds howled in the distance and my heart dropped to my stomach. I couldn’t out run a dog, let alone my bloody cat Tinker-bell. Without one last look at her, I ran. My decision was stupid and cowardly, it disgusted me. I will never forgive myself for it as long as I live.
My legs thudded against the ground, kicking up dirty and everything else in my way. I didn’t care how much sound I made now. I only cared about getting away. One thought rattled me to no end as I ran like a wild banshee that day. What will I tell them? I cannot lie. If I lied, they would know. Yet, somehow, I cannot tell them the truth. Oh god. What in god’s name and I going to do. I sure have landed myself in a hole this time, and all I’m doing is digging until I hit the other side.
Run. Run away from it all my mind told me, yet I could not. My heart told me differently. If I ran, they would hurt her far worse than that of which they would do to me. Tears flooded my eyes and I opened them wider to make sure they wouldn’t spill. I couldn't do this. Stopping in my tracks, I say a silent prayer, before running back to her.
The dogs couldn’t have reached her by now. I sprinted back, using every ounce of energy I had left trying not to trip over branches and run into trees. Soon, I found myself at her side helping her to her feet. I told her to go, to get out of here. She hesitated, but took off like I had not five minutes ago. “Good-bye Kiir.” I said, with my last breath, before the dogs soon reached me and so did they. A gun fired and pain ripped through my chest. Once, Twice, Three times. Run…