Chapter 1
Ruby
Darkness. That’s all I knew for the moment. It cloaked around me like the fog on a spring morning just before the sunrise. I could feel my feet moving. Running. A vague pain from the branches and fallen twigs brushing against my arms and legs. The sharp rocks below my bare feet telling me to stop. But I can’t. Nothing but the darkness is registering in my mind. My body keeps rushing forward towards an unknown destination. Dodging, jumping, escaping.
Slowly, I can hear the quickness of my breath. Feel the heat of my blood pumping and the rush echoing in my ears. I feel the humidity and morning dew tickling my skin and the brush of the leaves wipe across my face and shoulders. Drops of rain falling from the ashy sky bringing a chill with them as the once solid ground tries to hold me down. As my adrenalin subsides the fear is quick to return. The forest floor is coming into focus. The trees all look the same and I have to hope I am running towards safety. I can feel my knees begin to give way from carrying me for who know how long. I can’t stop. I know I can’t. Even though the burning in my lungs tells me otherwise, I have to keep going. If I don’t, He will find me.
I focus on the last bit of energy I have and push further through the trees. That’s when I see it. A barn. A single barn in the middle of nowhere. As far as hope goes, well, you can see how far I’ve fallen.
The closer I get to it the more relief washes over me. It isn’t the nicest barn; in fact, it’s most certainly seen better days. Chipped wood. A faded hue of red still lingers over the dark brown slabs. The roof is missing a few patches here and there, but it stands tall against the wind and rain. As I reach for the doors, I realize my hands are still bound. Hopefully I’ll find something handy in here to help with that situation, but the promise of a dry place to rest is enough for now.
My first thought as I enter; I’ve never been so happy to see fucking hay. Piles of messy hay. A better bed than I’ve had in eight months. God am I tired. The back of the barn is a second floor with a ladder caddied on the left. My safest option is to get up there. More time to hide and think if he finds me. The window up top could come in handy.
I trudge slowly up ladder, the pain in my feet catching up with every step I take. It feels like I’ve walked through fire. Note to self; never do that stupid tourist activity with the hot coals in Hawaii. If I ever go to Hawaii. And now I’m rambling. Focus. Safety. Bed. These are what I need to think of. I pull the ladder up once I’ve made it to the top. Even if he sees me, he can’t get to me. The last thing I think of before I stumble to the peasant-style makeshift bed; I forgot to shut the fucking door. With my last bit of brain power, I manage to hide behind the buildup of scattered hay and finally shut my eyes.
