2

Rule #2: They’re fast.

However fast you can run, they can run faster. You have to be clever. You have to be sly. You have to be aware. Most importantly, you have to stay out of their way.

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I’ve felt it all.

The rush of your breath as you feel theirs tickle the hairs on the back of your neck.

The thumping of your heart covering up the sound of their footsteps.

The sweat mixing with the blood.

It’s all just a game in the end.

A game that if you dare to play, you will lose.

So do not run.

Do not hide.

Stand your ground and fight.

My mom tried to run.

I was told she didn’t get very far.

My dad said that despite all the training she went through to prepare for this, despite all the years she already had under her belt, something changed.

She ran.

They were on to her faster than vultures on a newly dead carcass.

And that’s what she became.

Newly dead.