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“You have to go.”
He chortled. “I don’t have to do anything.”
“Yes, you do.” She glanced to the side. “What’s that?”
“What?” He turned slightly.
She ran in the other direction.
Gravel crunched behind her.
“You shouldn’t have done that!” he shouted.
Rita pushed herself to go faster. The strappy heels dug into her flesh.
Her right ankle twisted. She stumbled, reaching out to balance herself. Sharp pain shot from her ankle.
Needed to keep going.
Rita’s foot hit a curb. The concrete jammed her toe, ripped the nail. She flew down, scraping her bare knees and palms on the sidewalk.
She struggled up. Her toe, legs, and arms throbbed.
Fingers squeezed her arm.
Rita screamed.
He covered her mouth. “Shut up!”
She kicked, trying to dig her heels into his legs. Flailed her arms, elbowing his ribs.
He released his hold.
Rita bolted. Ankle wobbled. Her breath stuck in her throat from the pain.
Couldn’t give up.
She darted between trees and made her way to a nearby park. The moon barely gave her enough light. She struggled past the play area. Stopped behind a rock-climbing wall. Leaned against it. Gasped for air.
Listened.
Looked around. No homes in sight. An empty school across the street. Businesses closed for the night. Empty lots waiting for new buildings.
“Rita, where are you?” he called.
She readied herself to run again.
His footsteps sounded close. “Ready or not, here I come.”
She held her breath. Waited.
Had to get the shoes off.
“Rita…”
A shiver shot down her spine.
“You can’t hide forever,” he said, now sounding farther away.
