Prologue

I can hear the footsteps of my pursuers closer now. Running behind me. Slowly gaining ground. As I jump over a garbage can, I pull it down behind me. I'm hoping to slow them just a little. I hear a grunt as I assume they find the obstacle in their path. My stamina is at its max, as my heart pounds in my chest from overexertion. My legs are getting heavier with every step, and breathing is something I am forced to remind myself to do now. I keep turning corners in these alleyways that I led my pursuers down. I can't hear them anymore and I have the urge to just collapse and celebrate, but I keep running. I know that once you stop moving you are willingly becoming prey, admitting defeat… So I run.

One more corner and I should be out on a street, head down that street to the left and I'll reach Main Street. Almost there. My vision is starting to grow blurry around the corners of my eyes but I just shake my head to clear it, at least for a little while. Here's the Y-intersection, just head to the left and I'm home free. I keep moving… until I don't.

My feet are a few centimeters off the ground, as I hang in the air. With my body as tired as it is, I can't fight it. I'm so close to the ground, but my legs just don't want to reach. The opening onto the street is a few yards in front of me. The mouth of the ally is blocked by two men. My pursuers… Of course. Wait, wasn't there three of them? Ah, I guess the third must be who is holding me up, but I don't have the strength to look up.

Is this what I get for trying to help someone? For trying to be 'good'?