They flit, they float, they fly Upside down, sideways, to the sky Tiny colorful blurred from speed

Nectar and pollen a tasty snack Flower to flower they track A trusted pollinator, in fact

A symbol of courage and power Hummingbirds thought to have super powers To protect the Aztecs in battle

“We need to get out of here, now!” Sam’s rushed whisper seems to echo in the dimly lit alley.

I hesitate for a beat and look around. The hair on the back of my neck stands up and I break into a full sprint. Someone saw us.

My feat beat against the pavement panting as I run full speed to the meeting point. I need to run more when I get back to the compound.

I use the shadows to my advantage as I move. Nearing the abandoned warehouse we’ve been using as a safe house. I check I’m clear before I enter.

Sam is leaning against the wall with a shit-eating grin.

“What the hell Sam?” I pant. He just chuckles, “what can I say, I love the excitement.”

I roll my eyes and pace, trying to catch my breath.

Yeah, I definitely need to run more.

“Sam, what is Nox going to say when we don’t return with the diamond, huh?”

He just shrugs like he doesn’t even care. Of course he doesn’t care, Nox won’t do anything to his nephew. Me on the other hand, I’m fair game.

“Okay, I’m going to go get it.” I sigh and turn towards the door.

Sam’s muscled hand closes around my bicep.

“You can’t,” fear blazes in his eyes, “they’re out there, and looking for you.”

Early morning lights Quiet streets no ones around Crisp and cold fall air

Seasonal produce Locally sourced and farmed Farmers market day

Berries and radish Sweet corn and red tomatoes Squash and crisp apples

Cuts Not deep enough to kill Scar

Hearts Keep going, even filled with Pain

Many Don’t recognize the deepest Scars

I Don’t think they will ever Heal

Scars On my heart, have changed my Life

I can hear my breathing, heavy and panicked. I don’t know where I am. I try to open my eyes but it’s dark. I’m blindfolded.

The material is thick and scratchy on my face. A piece of cotton is making my mouth dry. It’s hard to breathe.

Tingling shoots down my legs as my body starts to come to. I try to move but I can’t. I’m restrained.

I start to panic, my chest is tight as I hyperventilate and choke on the gag.

Where am I?

What happened?

Where is my family?

I wiggle my fingers, trying to free myself with no luck. I am not thinking clearly. I am so afraid.

Footsteps…

I hear footsteps. Someone is here and I have a feeling they are not here to help me.

“Ah, you’re awake,” a deep masculine voice sounds behind me. I know that voice, I would know that voice anywhere.

Ty Lile, a serial killer that had been running rampant in Spokane is standing behind me.

He has my family… or he killed them.

The blindfold lifts from my eyes and I jump. Coming back to reality I realize that I am sitting in a makeup chair, a soft brush gently spreading blush on my cheek.

I’m okay, I tell myself, I’m okay.

Just preparing for another interview with yet another news outlet about the serial killer who spared me 10 years ago.

Why I was spared but my husband and sister were not, I don’t have the answer to.

But, the news and true crime podcasts eat that shit up. And the fame that comes with being the “spared victim” is very lucrative.

I’d be a good not to capitalize on that.

I take a deep breath, pushing the horrid memories down deeper.

It’s showtime.

My breath is heavy, coming out in little clouds of steam as I paddle down the river. The cold air nips at my cheeks when I check over my shoulder.

No one is there…

Did I out run them? Or are they waiting for me in the trees?

My heart beat echoes in my head. Do I keep paddling?

Suddenly, I hear the unmistakable sound of an oar slicing through water. I jump and turn around, almost tipping the kanoe.

Cresting the horizon, I see my ex-husband. His face is red with anger and his eyes full of determination to catch me.

“I have to get away,” I pant to myself and paddle harder. My head is racing trying to come up with a new plan.

He is faster than me on land, so I can’t pull over and run.

But, I am faster on the water. I take a deep inhale, shaking from the cold, as I dip my oar back into the water.

New plan, paddle as far as it takes to lose him, find a good place to spot, and hide in the woods until it’s safe.

Obviously this is not the ideal situation, but it might be my only option.

If I had known he was going to be at the campground, I wouldn’t have gone…

Let’s be real, if I had known he was going to abuse me and threaten to kill me I wouldn’t have married him.

My arms ache, how long have I been paddling for?

I dare to check, I look over my shoulder and gasp. He’s right behind me.

Icy water fills my lungs and my vision goes black as my kanoe capsizes.