80 - Fear

In the end, I follow my instincts. I run, pale blue sneakers throwing up the dry dirt from beneath the woodland path. I follow the route we once walked together. Heart pumping far harder than the jog should make it. I’m excited, but after our encounter this morning, more terrified than ever.

I weave through the trees, away from the village. Feeling guilt with every step, that I’m out of sight of my children, again. There’s nothing I want more right now, than to be with my family. Kylar is part of that. I need him. I want him around.

I can hear the flight of birds taking off as I startle them, and the distant sound of water lapping against the shore. A ripple that gets louder as I approach the beach against the lake. He’s standing there, like a shadow on the sand as he looks out over still water. It’s another hot day, the air is still and almost lifeless. It’s an oppressive heat and I can feel it over my body. A heat I can’t escape.

Kylar glances back at me, still glaring.

‘I said th