Truth or Dare... and Die

Chapter 6

We've been running for quite some time now, tripping and stumbling, weaving in and out of brush and trees in a desperate attempt to flee our pursuers. For the first long while I had a tight hold on Cody, seeing as he was still a little too distraught to be aware. Now we no longer stay side by side; instead we've adapted to evasive maneuvers, always keeping within sight of one another. Honestly, I had no idea how much of an advantage being small was until these very moments, flirting with life or death decisions. While i could squeeze underneath a branch or past a tight clump of trees, the large men have to go around, sometimes even pause to find a passage through. Cody is very fit, so his quick pace keeps him at a safe distance.

This is working pretty well, considering our level of fear. But then, I notice that the woods are growing more dense, making it harder to stay together and still survive. I dive into a deep thicket, Cody silently following. We hear the men fumble by, all of them disgustingly loud and clumsy mouth-breathers. Knowing that soon enough they'll be back to search for us, I look Cody in the eyes, struggling to hold back tears as I put one hand on his shoulder.

"I think it's time to split up. You'll be safer without worrying about me, I don't want anything to ever happen to you. I know you've been slowing down for me, but now you've got to go. Try to make it back into town, or find a safe place to hide if you need to. I couldn't live with myself if you got hurt, knowing that you could move quicker and quieter... without me. Don't try to stop me, I'm going. Stay safe, and remember, you've always been an amazing best friend to me. In case I don't make it.. I love you, Cody. you're more of a big brother to me than my own brother. Take care." I say, my voice trembling slightly as I turn to exit the thicket.

As I sprint off, I hear Cody's voice, thick with concern, whisper "Be safe, Niah. I love you too little sis. Don't worry, I'll see you soon." I want to run back, to just cry and find comfort in his words, but I know I can't, not this time.

And now I'm running again, this time entirely alone. No more was Cody there to be my strength, my safety. This time I have to save myself. I think I'm heading towards home, but without a path or a flashlight I'm honestly lost. I had dropped mine long ago, I don't remember when nor where. As I continue on, I can't help but wonder where Cody was, if he was okay or not. Even if one of us made it back to town, what would we say? Where would he or I tell the police to go? These woods are huge, and it would take days, maybe months for rescue to find the survivors, if there were any. I look up, realizing that I have no idea where I am or where I'm going. For all I know, I could be running right back to the deranged men chasing us.

It is as if the night is alive; tall spine-like maple trees seem to breathe as the wind choreographs the scenery to our worst nightmare, and the slight drizzle comes across to me as the tears of my missing, and maybe... deceased... companions. Cody and I have been separated since the moon rose too high to shed much light on the situation. My feet are worn; my eyes, weary. "Maybe superstitions aren't so stupid after all," I instinctively chortle as I turn to Cody, only to be painfully reminded that he isn't there.

How could this have happened? Why couldn't we have just forgotten about the stupid truth or dare game so many years ago? Must we truly pay the ultimate price for being curious little kids?

Worried sick, frantic, and a little disoriented, I know I can't stop running, but at the same time I won't be able to keep running. I need to find somewhere to hide, somewhere the murderous and deranged convicts won't find me easily.