The street was eerily quiet, the town was in the dark as every soul was sleeping or comfortably sitting in his house. However, despite the late hour and the biting cold, there was a man who sprinted down the street, his feet slapping against the pavement, with the desperation of someone running for his life.
Each step was heavy with fear and urgency, every breath was a struggle, his lungs burning from the frigid air and the exertion. He could feel his heart pounding in his chest, his pulse racing as he ran as fast as he could. The sound of his own footsteps echoed in his ears, drowning out every other sound. It was as if the world had disappeared, and all that remained was the icy air and the urgent need to keep moving.
His face was flushed, his chest heaving with exertion. It was a matter of life or death, and he knew he couldn't afford to stop or slow down. Every second counted, and every step brought him closer to his destination, whatever it might be.
As he continued running, he didn't dare to look back, afraid of what he might see chasing him. The wind blew through his hair, and the sound of his own heartbeat thundered in his ears. He kept on running, fueled by adrenaline and fear, praying that he had enough strength to get to safety before it was too late.
Given the fact that the man was desperately running as if his life depended on it, could he be the prisoner who had escaped and was on the loose, trying to evade capture?
Unfortunately not. That man was way worse, more twisted, darker than a simple dealer.
That man was none other than Marshall. He came from the liquor store when he saw polices' cars around his house. So he run away, being careful not to be seen by them.
He knew he had to disappear now, to slip away before it was too late. And as he ran, he couldn't help but wonder: Was this his fate? To always be on the run, always looking over his shoulder, always wondering when his past would catch up with him? He didn't know, but he couldn't give up now. So he kept on running, knowing that his survival depended on it.
His past played like a movie in his head, the memories of his crimes and the lives he had destroyed flashing before his eyes. He was wondering how his life had been shattered in just few seconds. Everything he had built during those two years had fade away now.
He couldn't help but wonder how things had spiraled out of control so quickly, how he had gone from having a minimum of "normal life" to a wanted fugitive as soon as the police will find his identify. He knew that he had only himself to blame, he should have been more wider, mite careful but that knowledge didn't make his current situation any easier.
Despite his desire to disappear and leave Delaware behind forever, his feet seemed to have a mind of their own, guiding him towards a familiar house. His instincts were pushing him to head towards what was once his safe haven. He knew it was a risky move, but he couldn't resist the pull of nostalgia and familiarity.
His heart raced as he finally saw the house in front of him. Emily's home, a place where he had once found solace and comfort. Memories of their time together flooded his mind: their first meeting, their shared dreams, and their love story that had ultimately gone up in smoke.
He knew he shouldn't be there, that he was putting her in danger by being nearby. But something compelled him to take the risk, to see her one last time before he disappeared forever.
As he got closer, he noticed a dim light flickering through the windows, a sure sign that someone was home. He hesitated for a moment, his heart pounding in his chest. Was it too late to turn back? But he couldn't resist the pull of seeing her again, even if only for a brief moment.
He crept closer to the window, careful not to be seen by anyone outside. He peered through the crack in the curtains, his gaze landing on Emily. She was sitting on the couch, lost in thought, her face illuminated by the soft glow of a single lamp.
He felt a pang in his chest as he watched her. He could feel the weight of his mistakes pressing down on him, knowing that he had no right to be there, that he had no place in her life anymore.
He lingered for a moment, savoring the sight of her. He felt like he could have stood there forever, lost in his own thoughts and memories. But he knew he had to leave, that he couldn't stay any longer. The police were no doubt on his trail, and he couldn't put Emily in any more danger than he already had.
As he lingered near the window, lost in thought, he suddenly noticed Emily's head turn towards the window, as if she had sensed someone was there. His heart skipped a beat, and he froze, unsure of what to do next. Their eyes locked for a brief moment, and he could see the shock and disbelief in her face. She had seen him, and there was no going back now.
__Emily: Marshall?" she exclaimed, her voice barely above a whisper. She walked towards the window, her expression a mixture of surprise and apprehension. "What are you doing here?" she asked, her eyes searching his face for answers.
She was confused. Why was he here at this hour. But she was also happy to see him. It seems all the anger she felt towards him during those two weeks fade away as soon as she saw he face.
__ Marshall: "I came to see you," Marshall said, his voice trembling slightly. "I had to see you one last time before I leave."
__Emily: "Marshall, I'm not in the mood for nonsense jokes."
__Marshall: "I'm serious Emily. I'm leaving... forever."
She looked at his face, but there was no hint of malice. Her heart start to beat fast.
__Emily: "No please. You can't be serious."
__Marshall: "I know I have no right to be here, not after what I did, after everything that happened. But I couldn't help myself. I had to come."
She opened the door opened, her expression a mixture of shock and concern.
__Emily; "What do you mean?" she asked, her voice laced with worry."
He knew he had no choice but to be honest with her.
__Marshall: "I have to disappear, Emily. The police are after me," he admitted, his voice filled with regret. "I can't stay here. It's too dangerous. I have to go, maybe start a new life somewhere else."
Emily's face fell at his words, and he knew he was breaking her heart all over again.
__Marshall: "The police is after you? Why? What did you did?"
Marshall hesitated for a moment, knowing that he had to tell her the truth.
__Marshall: "I made some bad choices, Emily. Some really bad choices. I did things I never thought I'd do, things that I can never take back."
He took a deep breath, steeling himself for what was coming next.
__Marshall: "You'll probably hear some...of my actions. But one thing is for sure."
He took her hands.
__Marshall: "I love you Emily. I really love you. I've never feel anything like that before. In fact I've never felt anything before you. My love for you is real and sincere, I swear."
Emily's eyes widened at his confession, and she felt a wave of emotions wash over her. She searched his gaze, looking for any sign of deceit, but she saw only truth and sincerity. She had never seen him so vulnerable before. Tears welled up in her eyes as she realized the depth of his feelings.
__Emily: "But what did you do Marshall? Why should you run? Tell me please."
__Marshall: I don't have enough time. I just came to bid you goodbye. I'm so sorry for everything...my love. Forgive me please. I hope you won't end up hating me."
The tears streamed down Emily's cheek, her heart feeling like it was going to burst with all the emotions she was feeling. She wanted to tell him to stay, that they could work things out. But deep down, she knew it was too late.
__Emily: "Marshall, I could never hate you. I love you too," she said, her voice barely above a whisper. "But I don't want to lose you. I can't bear the thought of you running and disappearing forever."
Marshall stepped forward, wiping the tears from her face with a gentle gesture. He looked into her eyes, searching for the right words to say, but he found none. Instead, he leaned in and kissed her, pouring all of his emotions into that one kiss. It was a goodbye kiss, a promise that he would always love her, no matter what.
After they broke the kiss, he took one last look at her, the love he felt for her reflected in his gaze. Then, without saying another word, he turned and walked away into the night.