Recalls of Surrender

The Guard Dog

"There is no light without darkness. We are mere shadows flickering in the flame of a higher power. The moment I started running was unexpected, but it set me on an irreversible path of progress."

Clever, a word that had always eluded me, tingled on my tongue like a playful feline, teasingly evading capture. I first encountered it in my youth when my father would admire my wit and cleverness. I would beam at his praise, knowing I had somehow managed to impress him, but I could never quite grasp the word's meaning.

Even after being torn apart and pieced back together, I still struggled to understand the elusive word, but my understanding had evolved. I realized that cleverness was not just about being smart or sly but also about knowing when to use it for good or evil. Cleverness can have positive and negative consequences, depending on how one wields it, much like a sugary treat that can leave a sour taste in your mouth.

The phrase "you stupid clever girl" kept repeating, growing louder each moment. It penetrated my concentration, making it nearly impossible to focus on anything else as I desperately ran through the forest.

I dashed over fallen trees and swung from branches, pushing my body to its limits as I attempted to escape the taunting voice. A battle between my mind and body ensued as I continued, making every movement more difficult and hindering my escape. I felt my breaths quickening as my muscles burned with effort. I realized I couldn't keep this up much longer but couldn't stop. Words felt like poison, infecting my thoughts and disrupting my concentration. Someone I had trusted and admired spoke those words, and now they taunted and haunted me as I ran.

But I refused to let them break me. I refused to let them hold me back. I was determined to prove that I was more than just a "stupid clever girl." I was strong, capable, and going to make it out of this no matter what.

Whoever was after me was relentless in their pursuit, and I could feel them getting closer with every second I wasted. I had to be clever, think on my feet, and find a way to throw them off my trail.

My steps quickened, and my movements became erratic, a frantic dance to deceive those pursuing me. I scattered the traces of my presence, twisting and tearing through the embrace of nature. It is a game of chase, a battle of wits, constantly shifting shadows in this dangerous pursuit. My foes were cunning, anticipating my every move with ease. I was a mortal, unable to predict their elusive form or detect their silent approach. They were the darkness, forever one step ahead in this deadly game.

As the sun descended, it bathed the ancient grove in golden light, prompting me to escape swiftly. I ascended with a fearless heart, the tree's bark etching into my skin. Though discomfort gnawed at me, I persisted, knowing only concealment could save me.

At last, a bough rose to shield me in its lush greenery.

But as I looked out, the world appeared distorted, a distorted mirror of truth. Time seems to stretch endlessly, trapping me in a terrifying limbo.

Every small movement or sound felt like a potential threat, increasing my paranoia. I feel a tingling sense of anticipation as adrenaline rushes through my veins.

Without realizing it, I whisper, 'Who's there?' holding a rough stone twice the size of my fist in one hand. Its jagged edges dig into my palm, leaving thin red lines where they meet my skin. I use frayed twine to fasten the stone to a sturdy wooden piece ready for anything.

But I know there are alternatives to hiding, especially with danger lurking in the shadows. Summoning all my courage, I step out from behind the tree's cover and into the open, brandishing my makeshift weapon. My heart is a drumbeat of determination, echoing through the silent woods.