Chapter 003

With all the force I could muster, I kicked him hard on the crotch. Not once, not twice, but a dozen times. Making sure that the heels of my stiletto hit him on his balls.

He fell off his seat, writhing in agony, unable to take the gun that had fallen on the seat out of his reach. The attack must have been so painful, or a burly man like him wouldn't be tearing up.

Seizing the opportunity to escape, I grabbed the car keys that had fallen on the tattered seat. I climbed out of the car, took the child out of the backseat, and locked the man inside.

I was tired, weak, and thirsty. But my strong will to survive gave me just enough strength to run while dragging the child alongside me. The child didn't make a sound. Didn't complain. I was expecting him to burst into tears and whine like children about his age do but he didn't.

My heart ached watching him struggle alongside me. When the poor child collapsed from exhaustion, I nearly wept with pity. If my legs were aching from running, how much more would his child-legs feel now? Fighting the urge to show any weakness now, I bent on my knees, removed my heels, and carried him with me.

The rough, uneven pavement scratched the delicate skin of my feet. My feet painfully stung as sharp stones dug at my heels. Grimacing from the searing pain, I continue to run, knowing if I stop now, I will die from an injury far worse than the cuts on my feet.

The pain was worsening each second. Without looking down to check, I knew the wounds on my feet were bleeding. I ignored the pain and thanked god when finally numbness covered the searing pain.

I heard gunshots behind me, signaling me he was chasing me like a mad man. The shot sent me running even faster, knowing my life depended on it.

The rented car came to my view, and I ran for it, wincing as a bullet came whooshing past my ear. A cold shiver ran down my spine, thinking I could have died an instant death if that bullet hit me in the head.

The wind howled, carrying the sound he was making. One clear phrase made hope sprung back in my chest. No bullets. He couldn't harm me with his now useless weapon, but if he could reach me before I reached the car, only god knows if I'm going to live until sunrise.

It took me forever to reach the car, and when I did, I sobbed with relief. Pulling the door open, I let the child inside the car before climbing on the driver's seat and closing the door.

My trembling fingers dropped the key to the floor. I choked back a sob as I fumbled for the key to where it had fallen.

The man's voice was moving closer. I knew he was near. 

Ignoring the panic building inside me, I continue to fumble in the dark while muttering unintelligent curses for my stupidity that could cost two lives tonight — the child's life and my own.

The cold metal finally touched my fingers. 

I mumbled a gratitude to the heavens before stabbing the key to the ignition. The sound of the engine roaring to life sounded like an angel's song to my ears. The car lurched sideward, nearly bumping the elevated pavement.

Trying to ease the trembling of my limbs, I took a deep breath as I maneuvered the car to the dark, deserted highway and, without delay, I pressed hard on the accelerator.

Only when the car was a mile away and only after I made sure that no one was following the car, I finally relaxed a bit.

With my left hand keeping the steering wheel steady, I secured the seatbelt on the terrified child. When I was finished, I put on my seatbelts too.

Throwing the child a side glance, I caught him shaking. I wanted to assure him everything's going to be fine but I couldn't find the strength to do so when I was shaking all over too. I doubted if a word would come out of my lips, even if I wanted to speak.

The urge to comfort the child was still so strong that I couldn't just shake the thought away, so I laid a soft kiss on his temples instead. As I did so, I fought back the urge to burst into tears.

The little boy leaned his head on my side, and his eyes fluttered close. He was a strong child. Any child who was placed in his shoes would be terrified out of their wits. Admirable little angel, I thought to myself, feeling so proud of him, as though he's my own.

A fond smile slowly formed on my lips as I looked at the child. I caressed his cheeks before returning my undivided attention on the road. 

With a sigh, I focused my attention on the road while the child slept beside me. 

The night was so quiet and so peaceful, as though moments ago I hadn't been chased by a mad man who wanted me dead.

Finally, the intersection came into view. I pressed on the foot pedal to slow down.

The car didn't budge. The red light flickered, signaling me to stop. I tried to step on the foot pedal, but the car didn't stop. Realization hit me like a sharp bolt of lightning. The man cut the brakes. I haven't escaped him after all.

The sound of a horn furiously blaring tore the silence of the night. A fast-approaching truck was coming on my way. With the few remaining seconds I have, I wrapped the child tightly into my arms, shielding him from any possible harm.

Mumbling a soulful prayer, tears raced down my cheeks. 

Please let the child live even if I have to die tonight, I mumbled one last time as my eyes fluttered close.

Moments later, the deafening sound of colliding metals shattered the night.

Wham!

kaboom!

Then there was silence.