.
She darts between trees, jumps ditches and clambers up slopes; her tear-drenched face ashen with fear.
She’s dizzy, trembling, tripping, but mercifully distancing herself from the shack in which she was imprisoned for as long as her messed-up mind can recall.
She outwitted him. Just once, but once was enough.
For a moment happier thoughts fill her mind but spill as she trips and tumbles into a muddy pool.
She tries to catch her breath. She can’t. She gasps, thumps her chest. Breathe, breathe.
Gradually her shaking slows, tears stop flowing. Serenity.
‘Free at last’ whispers the breeze as her soul drifts heavenward.
.
.
Thanks to Rochelle for hosting and to Alicia Jamtaas for the picture.
Click Froggie to discover what others have written.
Free at last! 😢
Absolutely! Thanks, Sadje.
A good take Keith.
Thanks so much, Di.
Wonderfully done!
Very kind of you, thanks, Susan.
A very tense and sad tale, Keith. Nicely done!
I’m relieved it came across that way! Thanks, Mason.
You’re welcome.
A heart-wrenching tale, Keith. Finally, she’s in a place where no one can hurt her.
Indeed she is. Thanks, Shweta.
Keith, not your usual light-hearted fare. Excellent fast-paced action with a tragic core. My heart goes out to this woman and I hope the kidnapper has a hideous ending.
I was just making sure my serious side hadn’t deserted me! Thanks for your kind words, Lisa.
I know what you mean. I like to let mine out for a stroll once in awhile. You are welcome, Keith.
I found myself wondering how her journey would end.
That wasn’t the ending I had in my first draft, it just suddenly appeared!t Thanks, Michael.
The price of freedom is high. Good twist!
It certainly is. Thanks so much, Nobbin.
Freedom at the ultimate cost. You had me holding my breath as she ran! Well done!
You can breathe now Dale! Thanks so much.
Phew! Thank you 😉
Oh you kept the tension up in this one, Keith. And that final sentence is so beautifully sad.
Thanks so much, Jenne. It’s not my normal style so I’m pleased it came across that way.
Great tension, Keith! I thought she’d get away, but I really like your surprise ending. Masterfully done.
The ending was actually a last-minute change and a bit of a risk, so I’m pleased it worked!
Thanks for supplying our prompt this week. It’s certainly brought about some interesting reactions and interpretations.
Beautiful and sad and amazing.
That’s so kind of you Mimi, thanks.
Better sweet to its core.
Thanks so much, Tannille.
Hi Keith – she at least died happy … though what she endured before beggars no thought. All the best for a quieter weather day! Hilary
Exactly so Hilary. Quiet but muggy here, strange weather we’re having right now!
It’s very odd … I live in Silverdale Road and can see the town hall – now it’s shrouded in thick mist!! – so can’t see it!! Very odd … cheers Hilary
What a coincidence – for many years I lived at 69 Silverdale Road!
A tragic tale. Nicely written.
Thanks for your kind words, Sandra.
I was drawn in and felt her fear. I then felt relief in her tragic freedom. Excellent writing, Keith.
I couldn’t wish for a more satisfying comment Brenda, thank you.
Dear Keith,
You left me breathless with my pulse racing. Good job!
Shalom,
Rochelle
I hope you were sitting down then Rochelle! Thanks so much.
Great piece of writing that had me running through the woods trying to escape the rain, nice ending- full of hot air.
I hope you’ve recovered James! Cheers.
Keith,
This just grabbed me by the throat. Poor soul. But she’s at peace now. Superb writing.
pax,
dora
Thanks for your lovely comment, Dora.
Oh no, I was with her all the way and then a tragic ending. At least she’s free now.
In a better place than before. Thanks Ali.
Sad but happy in a way – well done!
That’s what I thought! Thanks Liz.
what a sad ending, but maybe it was for the best under the circumstances.
I fear it was, Cheers plaridel.
Oh wow, what a story told in so few words. Excellent action with beautiful writing. Your serious writing is just as good as your humorous writing.If the last thoughts are of hope and freedom, it’s not a bad death at all.
I guess I’m a bit lazy. Jokey writing seems to appear from nowhere whilst the other stuff requires far more effort! Thanks so much for your kind words
She died on her own terms, in a way. Evocative — I felt both of her freedoms.
Absolutely so. Thanks so much Lorraine.
What a sad story. You wrote it well, and the ending was both surprising and moving.
That’s so kind of you Penny, thank you.
Not what I was expecting, but well written.
Surprise! Thanks so much Tessa.
Very sad! And totally immersive. A story that sticks.
Thanks so much.
Gosh! What an section packed thriller. Free at last for sure.
Indeed! Thanks so much Laurie.