Safe Harbor

Sirens echo in my ears.

Run.

I have to run. 

I can't stop running because...

People with faces I can't see are in the way, blocking my sight.

I can't get around them, can't turn away. It's like they're purposefully trying to stop me.

But I can't-

I won't stop.

My hand grasps their shoulders, shoving them aside as I flee.

And I'm fighting against my instincts that are screaming for me to hide and protect.

To keep from-

My body lurches backwards with a sudden force, something or someone yanking me backward.

I scramble against them, hands clawing and slapping wildly.

"Hey hey hey! Watch it, crazy! Calm down!!"

I wrestle my arm free of whatever has seized it.

"Come on now. I'll help you. Please. Stay. Please stay. Don't run away."

They take my arm again, more gentle but still firm, still insistent.

Help me?

No.

They are after me.

I need to escape.