20#20

20

In the dead of night, at 1 AM, the trio of children made their daring getaway.

They had barely reached the rear hillside when staff from the orphanage spotted them, giving chase with beams of light cutting through the darkness.

Denver, with his towering frame and lengthy stride, could have easily outpaced the pursuit. However, he wasn't alone. Carrying four-year-old Travis on his back and clasping six-year-old Kiana's hand, his speed was greatly hindered. It seemed inevitable that the adults would soon overtake them.

In a moment of quick thinking, Denver turned to Kiana with a plan.

"Kiana," he instructed urgently, "I need you to listen carefully. I'll take Travis and draw them away. You take that narrow trail and keep moving. Go over the hill and wait for us at the junction below. Understand?"

Though frightened, Kiana nodded resolutely.

Denver prepared to depart without delay.