I have to run faster.
He’s going to find me.
My bare feet pounded against the damp soil and stung from the various cuts that were being inflicted on them. The breath left my lungs in a desperate sob as I tripped over a branch and went face first into the mud.
He’s going to get me.
I heard his boots crunching the leaves and crack the twigs as he lumbered towards me. I knew how I looked – a girl in desperation, running from her captor. Covered in dirt and tears, sobbing in anguish. But I didn’t feel desperation, I felt anger.
How dare this man come into my home, touch my things and then take me away. What gives him the right to decide who lives and who dies, who gave him the right to play god?
He came up from behind me and grabbed my hair with one hand, the other constricted around my throat. I smelled his putrid breath, felt it on my neck. He would not get the satisfaction of witnessing my fear; I would not let him win.
“Do you know what I do with girls who run?” He whispered in my ear.
“Yes.” I said calmly.
“Oh, really? Go on then, tell me.”
“You envy them.” he picked me up roughly, turned me around then backhanded me. I hit the ground with a sickening thud and a whimper escaped my lips. His laughter echoed among the trees.
“And why would I, my dear?” He was still chuckling quietly.
“Because they’re full of spirit, and you have none. They have the determination to live where you barley survive. They have souls pure as daylight where yours is a black tar pit of shame. Tell me, Mr Hanley, why wouldn’t you?”
His laughter ceased and he looked at me in shock, frozen to the spot. I don’t know what I saw in face, fear, self-loathing or even anger but whatever it was made him pause. I took the only advantage I would get and charged him.
We hit the ground with a damp thud and I grabbed the nearest thing to hand, a branch that had broken of a nearby tree, and brought it up over my head. He knew that he was about to die, he didn’t even try to fight me.
“Please, God, forgive me.” He whispered.
I laughed darkly and said “There is no forgiveness for you, only damnation.” And I brought the branch down, through his ribs, and pierced his heart.
I watched the life slowly seep out of his eyes and I felt something for Mr Hanley - the man who kidnapped and tortured me – which I never expected to feel.
Pity.