The end of the journey

Along a tunnel illuminated by torches lining the walls, a familiar figure of a young boy appeared. He ran frantically, as if he'd never run before in his life.

"This is so stupid!" Liam panted, cursing himself for his carelessness as he sped forward.

The echoing sounds of the monster behind him grew closer with every step, and his fear escalated. Yet he ignored everything else; the only thing he needed to do was to run as fast as he could. He wondered how many times he'd had to run for his life like this — probably far too many times.

"There it is!" Liam sighed in relief upon spotting the exit. He quickened his pace, no longer hesitating, certain now that there were no traps along his escape route.

But as he neared the exit, his face froze.

"Why has the mist moved in so close?"

The dense fog, which had initially been far away, now loomed eerily close. Just a moment more, and it would completely engulf the gate.