Chapter 55: The Plunge
Lily tried to get as far as she could before her legs gave out.
She was gasping, chest burning like she’d swallowed fire. Every breath hurt. Her legs were sore and shaky, barely able to carry her weight anymore. Still, she kept running, clutching the bag of supplies tight to her chest like it could protect her. Her fingers cramped from holding it so hard, but she didn’t let go.
Twigs cracked under her feet, and branches scratched her arms and face. She kept glancing over her shoulder, heart racing. No one was there. But it didn’t matter. The fear remained.
Her foot caught on a root, and she dropped to her knees hard. A sharp sting shot up her leg, but she pushed herself up again, teeth gritted. She had to move. Had to keep going.
Her vision blurred with tears. The world around her felt like it was spinning. And then there was Martha.
She could see her in her mind. Smiling and talking to her in that sweet way of hers. Holding her shoulders gently, brushing the hair from her face. Always patient. Always kind.
Lily’s chest twisted painfully.
What if something happened to her because of this? Because Lily left?
She leaned against a tree, her body shaking. The tears came faster now. She didn’t make a sound, just cried quietly, shoulders trembling. Her breath was too fast and sharp. Everything inside her wanted to turn around, to run back and check on Martha.
But then Victoria’s threatening voice echoed in her head, “If you don’t leave now, I’ll slit Martha’s throat in her sleep.”
Lily closed her eyes and hugged the bag tighter, she had no choice. Even if every step forward felt like it was breaking her, she had to push on.
A branch snapped somewhere nearby.