Wet. Cold. Afraid. I hear them behind me, closing in—moments away. Waves slam into the boat, threatening to plunge me deep into the freezing abyss below. I paddle faster. My hands, littered with cuts, stain the brown wooden handle red.

I continue forward. Heart pounding. A gunshot rings out. My arm, hit. Blood, everywhere. I scream, the pain is too much. I can feel my grip loosen, slowly letting go of my life force. I hold on. Another shot goes off. My shoulder this time. I can't handle it, I jump. The water welcomes me in. Calms me. Saves me.