he crotch. Not once, not twice, but a dozen times. Making

hat had fallen on the seat out of his reach. The attack must have

t had fallen on the tattered seat. I climbed out of the car,

run while dragging the child alongside me. The child didn't make a sound. Didn't complain. I

rly wept with pity. If my legs were aching from running, how much more would his child-legs feel now? F

tung as sharp stones dug at my heels. Grimacing from the searing pain, I continue to r

k, I knew the wounds on my feet were bleeding. I ignored the pai

chasing me like a mad man. The shot sent me runn

came whooshing past my ear. A cold shiver ran down my spine, thinkin

k in my chest. No bullets. He couldn't harm me with his now useless weapon, but if he co

with relief. Pulling the door open, I let the child inside the

the floor. I choked back a sob as I fu

s moving closer. I

the dark while muttering unintelligent curses for my stupidity

finally touch

on. The sound of the engine roaring to life sounded like an angel's song t

reath as I maneuvered the car to the dark, deserted highw

ly after I made sure that no one was fol

dy, I secured the seatbelt on the terrified child

hing's going to be fine but I couldn't find the strength to do so when I was shaking

just shake the thought away, so I laid a soft kiss on his temple

child. Any child who was placed in his shoes would be terrified out of their wits. Admi

ked at the child. I caressed his cheeks before

ttention on the road while

, as though moments ago I hadn't been

ame into view. I pressed on

o step on the foot pedal, but the car didn't stop. Realization hit me like a s

proaching truck was coming on my way. With the few remaining seconds I have, I

prayer, tears rac

have to die tonight, I mumbled one l

ing sound of colliding me

h

bo

ere was