Time and space realigned.
I felt like a scorching giant hand had slammed me violently to the ground.
Blood gushed from my mouth as I coughed, my internal organs shifting out of place.
Thick smoke billowed all around, obscuring everything from view.
Wet liquid trickled down my face.
I touched it, and my entire palm came away covered in blood.
Lucas had been blown away by the explosion.
He lay sprawled not far from me.
I tried to get up, but found I could barely even stand.
I could only crawl over unsteadily on my knees, my hands shaking as I checked for his breathing.
Thank God, he wasn't dead.
Gunshots rang out again from somewhere nearby.
I desperately hoisted him onto my back.
And started fleeing towards the exit.
But armed men were everywhere.
I had no choice but to change direction, plunging deeper into the woods.
I ran for who knows how long, my legs gradually going numb and losing all feeling.
I slowly lost the strength to go on, collapsing to the ground.