Run For Your Life

Sane

Song: Eyes On Fire by Blue Foundation

April 25

Stanley never knew how long he could run. Especially since he hasn't been fit since years ago. Back when he was still praised and athletic. He's actually not sure how long he's been running. The voices in his head have been keeping him preoccupied.

But now he's in a clearing and there's a boy in a red button up and boring jeans. He's faced away from him and holding a gun. Stanley doesn't think twice about the gun and instead focuses of the burning sensation he feels in his legs and lungs. However the pain fades away when his eyes land on the target. Or a victim, at least in Stanley's eyes.

It's a blue jay, simple and sweet. A lump rests in his throat. It takes a moment to get the next words out.

"Don't hurt it."

The mysterious man is turned around in no time, though now his gun points in between the boy's eyes. He eyes Stanley cautiously and curiously. He might even recognize him. His face seems so familiar and so far away at the same time.

"Why sh-shouldn't I?"

His voice is cold. Stanley immediately notices the stutter and cracks a smile. He's intimidating, sure, but the stutter turns down his whole tough guy act a notch.

"It's innocent."

"Nothing is innocent."

Stanley takes a step closer and the man only tenses more. He smiles at this. "Well you can relax."

"You're trespassing on private property."

Stanley purses his lips and takes another step. "Do you own it?"

"That's b-besides the point. You're p-playing a dangerous game."

Stanley cocks a brow and tilts his head. "You have a stutter."

The man moves closer as well. He moves until the gun presses up right against Stanley's temple. This doesn't phase him, though. He wonders why.

"You're odd." He ignores the stutter statement. Only then does he get a good look at the thin boy. Plain white tee, which shows off his scarred arms. His pants are white too, and so are the shoes. Finally things seem to click.

"You're the one with the gun against my head."

"And yet you don't shudder."

Stanley rolls his dark eyes. "It wouldn't be the worst thing to happen, would it? If you pulled the trigger?"

"You want to die?"

"I don't know."

"You d-don't know?"

Stanley shrugs. He's simple and sure of himself. It only frustrates the man more. He can't seem to figure the boy out. Maybe that's for the best.

"Are you a good shot?" Stanley is genuinely curious.

The gun is off of his temple one second, shooting the next, and then back pressed against his skin. Stanley hears something hit the ground and he scowls. "Was that the bird?"

Mystery man only smiles. It's odd. He usually doesn't do that. Smiling is rare now days. Ever since...

Still, he takes a step back, allowing room for the other boy to look. Which he does. Stanley's arms cross and he clicks his tongue. "A squirrel? What's your deal, huh? Humans are the ones you should be worried about. Trust me."

"You'd know."

Stanley's eyes meet with the others. "I beg your pardon?"

"You're an escapee."