I remember seeing the clearing on the other side of the trees when we got here yesterday. Hope creeps in my heart and I think I can do it. Thirty seconds isn’t long, but I’m fast. I’m not strong, and I’m little, but I’m quick. I look down at my bare feet, and think this could be problematic, but I don’t pass up this chance at freedom. “Okay,” I say with more confidence than I feel. I stand up and walk to the open cabin door. “Thirty seconds,” I confirm and look back over my shoulder. Colton puts the bowl of uncooked eggs on the counter and wipes his hands off. He lowers his chin in agreement, and a devilish grin creeps across his mouth. I nod and turn to face the outside world. This is it. My one chance to make a break for it. I take a deep breath and sprint off the porch. I’m counting in my head as I bolt from the cabin. One, two, three…my feet feel the gravel in the driveway, but I don’t pay attention to the pain. I push my legs as fast as I can and I have my sights set on the clearing.
