3
One
“Jon! Noooo! Please don’t go.”
Celeste’s cries follow me as I pick my way across the
rocky beach along the river. Her desperation messes with
my heart. I brush away tears, but I won’t look back. I cram
my fists into my pockets and will myself to keep walking—
away from her, away from my family, away from everything
I’ve ever known.
“Joonnnn!”
I begged her to come with me, argued that we could
escape together, but she just couldn’t do it.
A river rock rolls under my foot, and my hands spring free
from my pockets. I catch myself, but it’s too late—pain shoots
up my leg. I’ve twisted my ankle. I can’t stop to tend it. The
hesitation could be my undoing. I straighten my shoulders,
clench my jaw and keep walking.
