Page 134 of Moth to a Flame

I memorize it all the same.

More minutes pass. My rapist and now kidnapper doesn’t say a word. I haven’t attempted talking to him, either. My only focus has been on the road, so I can get back home when I outsmart him and break free.

What if it’s not awhen? What if it’s anif?

Landon might not get home as fast as I hope. Wherever Lester is taking me could be so far away from here, and Landon won’t be able to reach us.

A chill runs down my spine. My stomach dips.

No. No. This isn’t the time to lose it.

Focus, Regan.

Tree after tree after tree.

What good would it do me anyway, watching them?

When Lester finally decides to take a restroom break, it could be too late. He could torture and kill me.

No, it’ll never be too late.

I have to remember that. To cling onto that. I could run through the woods. I could do something. I could always do something to save myself.

Hope and despair are two strong forces warring inside of me. They keep butting heads and I go from hopeful to terrified in a matter of seconds.

As if the two of them weren’t enough, fear joins the party.

He has boots on his feet. You’re barefoot. Shorter.

I’m at a huge disadvantage.

I could never escape on my own.

Unless…

I might not have to do it all by myself.

A dark Grimm Brothers fairytale comes to mind. Hansel and Gretel and their trail of breadcrumbs.

First, I have to figure out what I want to leave behind for Landon.

All I have on me are my clothes.

They’ll have to do.

I hook my fingers on the hem of my T-shirt, twist and manipulate the material. I give it my all and…

Keep trying, little lamb. I’ll be there soon. Tell me you know.

“Yes, yes, I know,” I whisper to him as I keep tugging at the T-shirt, doing my best not to cry.

“Who the hell are you talking to back there?”

Lester’s bark makes me flinch at the same time we hit a bump in the road. Both movements work in my favor andyes. Fucking yes. The shirt finally rips. From there, tearing out a small triangle is that much easier.

“I said, who!”

My body reacts to the shout by breaking into shivers.

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