Audrey's chest burned so fiercely that she feared her lungs would collapse soon. Branches slapped against her arms, the woods grasped at her with every step, reaching for her like clawed fingers.
She couldn't tell how long it had been since she set off from the front yard but her body felt as if it had been accelerating for miles. Her bones bore heavy, her muscles ached. Sweat dripped down her forehead and dribbled down her spine.
Still, she ran.
Behind her, Leslie's voice cut through the trees. Filled with all the contempt and disdain in the world.
"Faster."
Distracted, Audrey stumbled over a root and barely caught herself from tumbling into the bushes. She pushed harder, or at least tried to. Her chest heaved with each lift of her lead legs.
Behind her, Leslie's footsteps remained steady and swift as though she barely felt the effort of the run. Audrey didn't find this likeable.
