I ran through the forest as fast as I could to get away from my father. The forest was damp and dark. There had just been a storm with Aldre, the protector of the sky, and his siblings the dragons of the weather. I don't know much about the world because my father never let me go out into the world. I haven't really had any sunlight either. Is this how everyone treats their sons? My father locked me in the basement most of my life and only gave me food if he didn't like it, which wasn't often. He likes almost everything. 

My legs are shaking under me, I don't think I can run any further. But I have to get away from this hell. I run further, up and down small hills of moss. Through trees and bushes. I keep falling down many times but get back on my feet. My clothes are soaked from falling on the wet grass and mud. It's getting dark, I take out my flashlight and shine it in front of me. I hope I’m far enough away that he can’t catch me. 

I ran to a cave. It’s scary, but it’s the only place I hope I’ll be safe. The sunset casts a pink glow inside the cave. It looks beautiful. I find the closest wall and lean against it. I look out the cave’s exit and it’s almost pitch black. I hope the flashlight lasts all night. Or at least until the next day.

I close my eyes and hope to fall asleep. I lean my head back. But I snap my eyes open as a flock of bats come flying out of the darkness of the cave. Are they going any further? I get up and look for my flashlight. Fuck. It’s run out of it’s mana stone energy. I look around the cave, I can’t see the exit, it’s too dark for that. I try to go one way. 

“Ouch!” It was the wrong way. It was a wall. I try to turn a little and go that way. It starts to go down. “I should probably turn around.” I turn around and see shadows?

What are they? They’re darker than dark. The shadows look like people. But at the same time don’t. Some of the shadows start screaming and laughing. They grow bigger and become tall monsters. My eyes widened. What do they want with me? They’re coming closer to me. I want to take a step back, but I can’t because I’m afraid I’ll fall, but they’re getting closer. 

“Go away!” I shout, hoping they’ll disappear. But it doesn’t work. 

“Leave me alone!” I raise my arms in front of my head to protect myself if they come and attack me. I shudder at the thought. I look up and see that they’re completely up against me. The next thing I know, I feel a hand on my chest pushing me. I scream and look at them as they lean over the edge.

I land hard on my back and then my head hits the ground even harder. I can’t open my eyes much longer…