The night arrived swiftly. We met our guide in the fields. There had to have been at least 5 other families. Some with only the clothes on their backs and mothers holding their young children. Fear and uncertainty filled the air around us. Our guide began to speak " I've gone this route many times before and I will do everything I can to get you over the border safely but even then I cannot guarantee you'll make it." He paused, seriousness filled his face. " If you do not wish to take this journey now is the time to turn back." The silence brought about an undesirable pressure. We all knew that we couldn't turn back even if we wanted to. To turn back was a certain death while going would at least give us a sliver of hope. "Alright then don't fall behind " with that he turned around and our journey to freedom began.