Lily tried to get as far as she could before her legs gave out.
She was gasping, chest burning like she’d swallowed fire. Every breath hurt. Her legs were sore and shaky, barely able to carry her weight anymore. Still, she kept running, clutching the bag of supplies tight to her chest like it could protect her. Her fingers cramped from holding it so hard, but she didn’t let go.
Twigs cracked under her feet, and branches scratched her arms and face. She kept glancing over her shoulder, heart racing. No one was there. But it didn’t matter. The fear remained.
Her foot caught on a root, and she dropped to her knees hard. A sharp sting shot up her leg, but she pushed herself up again, teeth gritted. She had to move. Had to keep going.
Her vision blurred with tears. The world around her felt like it was spinning. And then there was Martha.
