When I wake up, the sun is peeking through strong oaks that make up my forest. It stings my eyes and I shield them.

It takes me a moment to remember that it isn’t safe to linger here, beautiful as it is. I am on the run. He is after me, I recall.

After me. The words taste funny, and they scare me.

I can’t dawdle. I stand and sling my backpack over my shoulders.

In the distance, a faint yell.

Like a startled rabbit, I run.