If you can catch me

Prologue

My feet hit the ground hard, gravel flying up with each step. My breathing was labored and my heart was beating faster than it should. I wanted to stop, I need to stop, but I'm afraid of what will happen if I do. He had told me I can't run, I can't escape or there will be punishment. I'm afraid of what he'll do if he catches me, I already have scars from the close encounters. My family is probably worried sick, I left without notice and haven't contacted them in months. It's for the best, wherever I am he follows, they would be in danger. I hear his footsteps slowing down, he never was an athlete so I am thanking god I ran in track and cross country. I hitch my backpack higher on my shoulders and keep a high pace. Knowing him, he'll go back and get his car so I had to get out of here fast. I was a fool to stay so close to home, but I couldn't leave it. New York is all I've ever known, and I thought there were many places to hide in the city but I guess not because I am only ever in ones place for a few days tops. He is always there, waiting to strike. I had to get out, he might kill me if I don't, but if he catches me escaping he will kill me. Leaving was still looking like the better choice than staying here and waiting for the inevitable.