I jumped at every tiny sound, sure that Harrison Cooper’s maniacal face would appear before me at any minute. Rain dripped through the leaves splattering my filthy head and body. Every so often I stopped and sat with my back to a tree and turned off my light. My strength was giving out. I marveled at what I had been through over the past few days. But I had survived. I’d managed to get myself out of that room. I found James’ body. I fought off Harrison Cooper and got through the fence. All on less food than I usually ate in one breakfast.
My mind wandered to Dylan and Samantha. Did they believe that I’d taken the train to Harrisburg? Were they looking for me? I thought about how my life had changed so much over the past several months. Would I live to see my little house in Portland again? My eyes drooped. I opened them and forced myself to my feet. If I fell asleep I was a sitting duck. I turned on my light and started walking. It was cold and wet, my teeth knocked together as I moved. The woods had to end somewhere.
At first I thought I was hallucinating when I saw lights through the trees. I stared, afraid to move. The lights were accompanied by noise. Voices, the rustling of leaves. I stepped back and dropped down behind a tree, hugging my knees. I couldn’t take anymore.
I thought about leaping out and announcing myself and just getting it over with. How long can you go on fighting? The rosary was still in my pocket. I wrapped my fingers around and held on. Any talisman in a pinch. The sounds got louder. I refused to open my eyes. I’m not sure I could. I was so weary. Even though I hadn’t had any significant liquids in my body in days, my body found enough water to form a few tears. I bit my lower lip, and tasted the saltiness. Footsteps were near me. They couldn’t be more than a few yards away. I recited some words over and over, I think it was, please God, please God…” Then I felt hands. I shrunk away but didn’t get too far.
“Ma’am? Are you okay?” The voice was deep.