We don't stop running even as the sun sinks in the sky. Crimson beams tinged with flashes of orange sit on the horizon, just out of our reach. Pink clouds blush softly at the sun's warm touch, appearing embarrassed by the intimate gesture. Silhouettes of pine and oak trees poke their way into my view, desperate not to be forgotten in this spectacular sight.
Today has been incredibly chaotic and dramatic. I've never experienced such strong emotions as these before. Fear, disappointment, confusion, trauma, shock. But also a sense of freedom, of love. I match my footstep's rhythm in time with Will's and smile adoringly up at him.
We run deep into the murky darkness which drapes over us like a cloak of invisibility. We're safe for now, but we can't stop yet. The alleyways and dimly lit streets get left behind and we run on damp grass. Mud clings on to our shoes, not wanting to be left behind. The moon encourages us onwards, protecting us from danger. But I don't know how much longer I can run for: it's been hours. My legs are aching and my ragged breaths are sharpened. I feel sore blisters on my feet and bruises on my shins from repeated falls.
After many long hours of running, we come to a stop in the middle of a forest. I choke in breaths, still not satisfying my greedy lungs.
"Are you ok?" Will asks, panting slightly.
"Yes, but we'll freeze out here."
"Ah, but my grandfather was a scout and he taught me all I need to know."
"What's a scout?"
"It's forbidden now, but don't worry about it. Now, we need to collect some dry wood."
"We have plenty of that! I'll get some branches."
"Ok, place them in a pile once you have an armful."
I delve further into the woods, trees hushing as I stumble past, their arms lashing out, scratching me. They filter an eerie green light through, bright in patches, darker in others. I grab some stray branches and rush back to Will, to safety.
He beams at me when I return and takes two twigs, rubbing them together. I watch, confused by his strange methods. And then a spark! A white ribbon of light from nowhere! It gets bigger to form a haven of amber and red. Orange and crimson dances together, like the sunset earlier, but not. This is a hidden beauty, the colours moving randomly in a flowing motion, like hot water but the wrong colour. What is this beautiful thing? It warms me kindly, soothing my shaking hands and helping me regain sensation in my toes. "It's called fire." Will says, as if reading my mind.
"Fire?"
"Yes, fire."
"It's so- so beautiful, yet bold and powerful."
"It reminds me of you."
"Of me? Why?"
"You tend to go unnoticed, blending into the shadows. But when someone comes along and gives you a gentle nudge along the way- like rubbing the sticks together- you can become this brave, unpredictable, strong girl who everyone should aspire to be like. And you are gorgeous, even though you don't seem to realise it."
"That's the nicest thing anyone has ever said to me."
"Well you're the best thing that's happened to me so I guess we're equal then!"
"Thank you so much."
"For what?"
"Noticing me, helping me, being there with me through tough times."
"I love you Just Violet."
"And I love you William who prefers to be called Will."
"Will you be mine- officially?"
"How? We haven't been arranged by our parents."
"I don't care, we can be our own version of a couple. We love each other and nobody can change that."
"Yeah, you're right. Nobody can tell us what to do anymore: we're free!"
"As free as the birds."
"Do you think they'll find us?"
"I don't know, but whatever happens, we have right now and that's all that matters." The fire glows, casting rays of light on Will's face and I can picture a small fire glowing inside me where my heart is. A small flame holding all my emotions. I love Will and he loves me.
"Will?"
"Yeah?"
"I'm really scared."
"Same, but we have each other, ok? And I won't let anything bad happen to you."
"We should go to sleep now."
"Yeah, we should."
"Night."
Will wraps his arm around me and I rest my eyes as the embers of the fire slowly burn out, fading with the last of our light.
YOU ARE READING
T R A P P E D
FantasíaBased in the future where ordinary girl called Violet liked to blend into the shadows of society. She is hardworking and follows the rules like everyone else. But what should she do when everything she has ever known turns out to be lies?
