The House in the Woods

Chapter 1-Getting out

"Issy wake up" I whispered as loudly as a dared. I tapped her lightly on the shoulder and immediately her eyes went wide. I clamp my hand over her mouth and gestured with my finger for her to be quiet. I then pointed to the window. Issy looked confused at first then realised what I was saying. She looked over at the couch where Garry was sleeping, and shook her head violently, knowing that getting caught trying to escape would result in punishment that may lead to death.

"Come on." I pleaded. It was now or never. Our final chance to break away. I wonder if Anna would approve. Stop thinking like that! I thought to myself.

I grabbed Issy's small six year old hand in my 16 year old hand, and started pulling her up. After a while she stopped protesting. We tip toed to the tiny window high on the wall. The window lead to flat ground. I grabbed a milk crate nearby and stood on it. I then gestured for Issy to come to me. I hoisted her up so she reached the window. I passed her the key I stole beforehand. The window creaked as it opened and I nervously looked at Garry. He stirred a little, but after a while I could hear his even breaths. Issy squirmed out the window with me right after her. Normal 16 year olds would never be able to fit through there. But then again I'm not normal. Once I was out I looked around. There was just woods all around us. This was the first time in ten years I've been outside. A memory tugged at the back of my mind.

**

"Malory hope smother. You have been sitting inside for the past 4 hours you need to get some fresh air" My mother said

"But I don't want to." I protested.

"If you stay inside though you'll rot. And then the mice are going to eat you!" she tickled me as I ran outside laughing.

**

I came back to reality as I took Issy's hand and headed straight for the woods. We walked until we hit the woods then we took off into a run. My feet stung immediately. We had no shoes. After a short while Issy started to complain. I looked at her feet and gasped. They were all bloody and scratched. I ripped up my shirt to use as bandages.

"It's okay, let's keep going we don't have much time." I looked back at the direction of the house now swallowed by trees. I heard Issy whimper.

"It's going to be fine. Look at me. We are going to make it through this I promise you." Just then the lights went on behind us. I picked up Issy and ran at full speed despite my stinging feet and achy legs. Being holed up in a basement for 10 years does not help your legs. I heard something and stopped. The sound sounded familiar but I couldn't place it. Out of nowhere it popped into my mind. Cars. They sounded like they were coming from a few feet ahead of us. I ran toward the sound. The trees started to part and I could see cars rushing by. I dropped Issy and ran on the road. I heard a screech then everything went black.