As we ran through the forest, I spread the white flames behind us, burning every path that allowed them to pursue. The fire trapped them in walls of pale light, their only way out being to go back the way they came.
She grabbed my hand and we didn't stop running until we were sure we'd covered a reasonable distance. Then we finally came to a stop.
Nisha and I walked down a slope and reached a flowing stream. The first thing she did was bend down, scoop water with her gourd, and drink deeply. Then she splashed some across her face, washing away the sweat and grime.
I stood there, looking around with a dark and hopeless expression in my eyes.
The day was brighter now. Birds chirped in the branches above, trees with green leaves stretched toward the sky, and colorful fruits dotted the downhill slopes — the trees that bore them were short and wide, their branches heavy with the weight. It should have been peaceful. It wasn't.
She glanced at me.
