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.