The Love Calendar

p r o l o g u e

I ran faster when I heard the rippling sound of the helicopter getting closer to where I am. I pushed my legs harder. I've never run this fast before, but truly I was running for my life. The adrenaline helped keep me going because God knows I was not cut for this. I was not fit in any shape or form. Needless to say, I failed Gym for a reason. And I was not wearing the right bra...

The strong searching lights of the helicopter was surrounding me and my dumbass self realised... There's no way in hell I would be able to outrun a vehicle! Not if I'm not Usain Bolt's offspring. Sadly, that's not my case right now.

I entered the woods, hoping the large trees of this island could do what the main roads can't; hide me. But seems like my rapid movement will only bring attention to me, so I had no choice but to immediately stop.

I flattened myself against a tree and hoped I could wait this out. I hoped that They will think I was still running. I hoped They would think I was gone for good. But luck never has been on my side. The helicopter lowered close to ground level, and ladders made out of rope were thrown out.

Everything was so bright. The helicopter's wings were creating strong winds. The trees were swaying, their leaves rustling. The hood of my jacket slipped off my head as the men in black tight clothing and vests jumped to the ground. I quickly hid myself from view and crouched, placing both of my hands on my ears like a child, hoping that if I pretended I didn't hear anything and They weren't there, eventually They'd disappear.

I'm not sure how long I was in the same position, blocking my ears and squinting my eyes shut... or how long They've been searching for me. But once everything felt settled once again, I slowly stood up.

Instead of the harsh light and sounds, I was met with darkness and stillness. The tress were back to their calm nature and the only sound I heard were the little invisible crickets.

I can't believe it. They're... gone? But there was no time to feel victorious. Giving myself the all clear, I decided it would be best to keep moving if I wanted to get to my boat and get the fuck out of this manic place.

Jogging, I recognised a ribbon I tied on a branch. Excitement, happiness and hope filled me. I was almost there. To my freedom. I began running, suppressing my scream of relief and joy...

Only to be yanked back by my long hair.

"We don't have time to play catch, little red," a menacing voice spoke. I cried out in shattered hope and the pain from my scalp. Cupid.

He was behind me, tugging at a fistful of my hair, angling my head backwards. I almost thought he was going to snap my neck, but what he actually did was much worse. An unbearable sting spread out from my shoulder and that's the last thing I remembered before my legs weakened and I blacked out.