The woods surrounded me, their twisted branches reaching out like gnarled claws. I stumbled over uneven ground, my breath coming in ragged gasps. Fear propelled me forward, and I knew I had to keep going, to put as much distance between me and my pursuers as possible.
Behind me, I could hear Sophia and Matt's shouts, growing fainter with each step I took. But I knew I couldn't stop, not until I was sure I was safe.
I ran until my legs felt like they would give out, until the woods seemed to stretch on endlessly. Only then did I allow myself to slow down, my body trembling with exhaustion and fear.
I needed to find Alex, to tell him what had happened, and to figure out a plan to deal with Sophia and Matt. But first, I had to make sure I was safe.
With trembling fingers, I reached out and started to call Alex. Each second felt like an eternity as I waited for him to answer. Finally, Alex picked up.
