No Where to Run

Hard fallen footsteps beat the ground just ahead. I swallow hard, acid and saliva building in my throat as I force my body to push harder, running faster. Low hanging tree limbs and forest overgrowth slap me in the face as if to punish me for even considering entering their woods. I know I am close! I can smell his sweat on the leaves of the brush as I smash through. I must run harder! I can feel the muscles in my legs stretch to their limits with every leap across fallen logs, and every careful but swift step on the uneven ground. Why can't I see him yet?

I am straining to listen for his footsteps through the deafening beat of my own heart trying to jump out of my chest, and my lungs yearning for more air, be it hot and dry. Sweat and blinding streaks of sunlight blur my vision as I peer through the woven entanglement of forest growth. I see him! Yes! I am so close! I burst out of the forest once and for all, and finally on open ground. I can catch him! I know I can! A deep breath and quick feet, I am breaking away from the tree line and gaining ground. Wait! No! No! No! Darkness is swallowing the ground ahead of me. I can no longer see him! I can't go back. I must keep going. Darkness is all around now. My running is done.