Chapter 10Fast Forward 1 - Still Hunted

Back to the roofs, the hunt.

Focus! They were still behind me. I had to think of something.

Think! You should know the city by now. They don't. Use it! Think!

As a large, dark office building rose up in front of me like the grim reaper I suddenly had an idea. It could be my escape. It could buy me time. I knew they were far enough behind not to see every single thing I did.

I crouched mid run to pick up a brick apparently conveniently broken from the roof. Another jump to the last roof in front of the office building.

After spitting on the brick I threw it as hard as I could forward into the big office building. I let myself drop off the edge as silently as I could and heard the glass shatter behind me. A quick small glance behind was enough to see the beautifully reflecting shards of broken glass starting to fall.

I fell, steadying and slowing myself on window-ledges. It only took a few moments before I reached the streets but as I looked up I saw a shadow jump towards the office building, silhouetted against the cloudy sky.

It was too much to think they'd be fooled for long. But perhaps would be long enough to find a place to hide. I quickly walked along the streets, faster than I probably should have. I started to run, not as quickly as I could as it would get a lot of attention, towards the park I knew very well. I finally had an idea.

I rushed through the streets, pushing some people aside as softly as I could. I wasn't sure if I was going to make it. I could almost hear them walking on the rooftops nearby. Imagining a snicker. Their enjoyment of the hunt.

I was their prey.

The quieter the streets became, the faster I ran. Here on the ground I could make better speed theoretically. But I had to slow down when others were near. They did not. Even now my mind registered fractions of conversations as I ran past the people on the streets.

I made my way to the park, every step a torture of fear that they'd jump down. But they seemed a bit behind. Good. It gave me just enough space for my idea.

Ran into the park, abandoned at this hour and took a jump as soon as I had the large lake in view. The loud splash would give away where I was and I cursed myself as I felt the cold water surround me. But it was needed. I swam as quickly as I could to the shore where I would be able to have enough footing.

I jumped again as soon as there was ground beneath my feet. I knew we weren't completely odorless. But we smelled a lot less than humans did and a quick bath like this should mask my scent long enough to execute my idea. As soon as I landed again, I took a good look to see and remember where I was.

Lucky. Close enough to where I wanted to be. Running with large strides I went to the trees I used to climb in. I hoped they would protect me from him.

I ran and made a tear in the layer of moss and grass. I dug myself a hole as best I could close to a tree. I tried to keep the ground as untouched as I could, almost sneaking under it as if I swept dust under the carpet. I dug quickly, feverishly shoving the dirt aside. I felt some roots torn by my fingers as I moved myself under the tree.

I'd be safe here.

Well... That was the plan.