Page 7 (1/2)

Chapter 1

Natalie

Hands locked, we run through the woods as fast as we can, away from the community, away from … a cult

I never thought I would be able to escape, that I’d be in this position right now and running for my life I tried so many times and never succeeded … and then suddenly, it happened There was a chance, a moment in time, and I took it and fled

With her selfless act,for uards and allowed me to climb over the fence and rush off into the unknown But anywhere is better than that place, and I can’t ever thank her enough for what she’s done

Tears strea any eone, I can’t let her death be in vain I don’t knohere I a in the opposite direction of the fence, I’ly

Emmy abruptly stops and almost pulls me doith her

I forgot she was here withto run from

She grew up there and loves the place, yet she wanted to come with me … like some kind of fun day out

She’s gasping for air “Wait I need a second to breathe”

“We can’t,” I say, trying to jerk her along “They’ll notice we’resoon”

She places her hands on her knees, panting “Just … one … second”