The First Fall

Chapter Fifteen

Chapter Fifteen

ILYA

I ran.

      I ran through the woods, the damp earth still wet from yesterday's rain beneath, dragging the heavy boots on my feet as its owner was left standing behind.

      The adrenaline surged through my veins, drowning out the sound of my pounding heart. Kahit mabigat ang naidudulot ng mga bagay na nakakabit sa aking vest at malaking sapatos, hindi ako pupwedeng basta-basta lang tumigil sa pagtakbo. Sa likod ko, alam kong nakatingin lang si Killian sa aking katawan na papaliit na papaliit.

     Nakumpirma ko iyon nang ako ay lumingon sa aking likuran, and he is smiling.

     Why do I have to taunt a serial killer? Medyo tanga lang.

     But I love a good chase. If someone has to run after me, I'll make sure it's worth their while—because I was deprived from the freedom.

      Itinaas ko yung aking hoodie, at isa-isang tinanggal yung strap ng vest para ihubad. I tossed it nonchalantly at the dirt behind me, and continued to run. The sun hung high in the sky, casting dappled shadows through the dense canopy of leaves as I sprinted through the woods. The scent of earth and the chorus of chirping birds filled the air, creating a symphony. It was broad daylight, but I didn't care, because I couldn't resist the thrill of being pursued.

     If there may be something wrong with me, it's the current moment.

     I was raped in a forest.

     At night in the darkness with only the car headlights illuminating my violated body as the witness.

     Kasama ang mga lalaki na sa simula ay akala mo mga mababait at may mabuting hangarin. Kung may isa man akong pagkakamali noon ay ang sumama sa mga tulad nila.

     But in this moment, I was running away from a person that I know from the start exudes danger—and he's a serial killer. So, there right the is what's wrong with me.

     Kahit na alam kong nakalayo na ako sa kanya, hindi ako tumigil sa pagtakbo, bawat puno at halaman ay saksi sa maliksi kong pag-galaw. Bago ako magtago, ay napalingon ako muli sa aking likod na hindi na nakita si Killian.

     Today, the forest is my playground.

     I darted down hidden paths and through thickets. Each twist and turn were a calculated move, a strategy to keep my pursuer on his toes—making sure na ang maapakan ko lang ay mga dahon para hindi ako makaiwan ng bakas.

     Inihubad ko yung aking kanang sapatos at ihinagis iyos sa aking kanan. Ginawa ko iyon para malingat siya.

     Because I would not let him find me this easy.