The wind blows my hair. I’m standing on the edge again. This time, I make the effort to look down. My stomach twists with fear. I can’t jump, it’s too far down. I see waves crashing against boulders. I look back, and see they’re still coming for me. I must make a choice. Do I stay here and risk being caught by them or do I take the risk and jump?

In a split second, I make my decision. I’d rather die than go back to the compound. So I take a few steps back, closing in the distance between us. As soon as I feel the distance is large enough I take off at a running speed. My heart beats with every step I hit on the ground. I reach the end faster than I thought and leap off the cliff with all the power I have. I shut my eyes in fear and when I expect to begin falling I don’t. Instead, I begin to feel the breeze against my face. I force myself to open my eyes and I can’t believe it. I’m actually flying.

Months of trying. Months of falling flat on the ground. Months of being caught by Dan. And today, I fly. I bring my arms directly in front of me and direct them downward toward the sea. As I come close to colliding with the water I level out and become parallel with the ocean. I drag my fingers along the surface of the water and feel the spray on my face. I can’t resist the smile forming.

It feels like hours have gone by when I finally start to see my home on the horizon. I can’t contain my excitement as I start my descent into the field full of wildflowers. Upon landing I take off at a run to reach the cottage where Dan should be. When I arrive I knock on the door waiting for him to answer but no one comes. Dan doesn’t answer. I try again. “Dan, it’s me! I flew! I finally flew!” But there’s no answer. I move over to the window to peer inside when suddenly the door swings open but it isn’t Dan. They found me. Terror washes over me. How is this possible. I scream as I get pulled inside into the cottage and darkness swallows me whole.

Suddenly, I jump out of bed. Sweat beading down my face, my body feels like I’ve been on the surface of the sun. I blink a few times and look around. Fear takes over.

“No, no, please no” I cry to myself. I never left. I never escaped. I’m still trapped in the compound. And now I feel like I’m never coming out.