24 May 2012
We lay under the sycamore tree, the huge branches mostly shaded us from the huge ball of fire in the sky - other than the few shining beams that managed to glimmer through gaps within the leaves. The thick green grass of spring cushioned us from the earth beneath, like a giant, soft pillow. Our fingers intertwined with each other, our hands never lost the others grasp. We feared that if we let go, even for a second, we would loose each other forever. He promised he wouldn't let them take me. They took my mother, my two sisters, his sister too. We ran away. He said to me we could escape, cross the channel, find a small place somewhere like France. First we had to find a boat. They were in high demand these days due to people fleeing, trying to escape like us, not wanting to be taken. A few fight back, but after witnessing my father refuse to go and be shot I think escaping is the safest option, but the most dangerous at the same time. If we were caught, they would be unforgiving and harsh.
I rolled over to lay ontop of him, resting my head on his chest. He ran his free hand through my hair as I listened to his rhythmical heart beat. I closed my eyes and sighed deeply. If only we could live in this moment forever. "were too young for this" he whispered breaking the peaceful silence. "I know" my voice caught and my eyes welled up "so were our sisters" He closed his eyes tight, his facial expression was pained. After a few minutes his face relaxed and his breathing deepened and slowed. He was asleep. I closed my eyes, and joined him in his peaceful slumber.
We were woken abruptly by an war piercing scream, we jumped to our feet, my fingers numb from holding onto him while I slept. He pulled my hand as he began to run in the opposite direction than the sound was coming from. He jumped into the undergrowth, dragging me in behind him. We pressed our bodies close together and burrowed as deep into the growth as we could. Silence. Not even the birds were making a sound. We were both holding our breath. My heart was hammering due to the sudden exertion without warming up, or preparing myself. I could hear his heartbeat due to our close proximity, and my own heart was beating so loudly I thought it was going to burst out of my chest. Nothing was happening. Birds were beginning to make their unique sounds in their trees, and other creatures were moving about again.
We were about to scramble out of the undergrowth, when two huge boots, black and well worn, caked in mud and dirt, with thick laces done up tight, appeared centimetres from our hiding place. His grip on my hand tightened.
"out. I know you're in there." came a rough, raspy, demanding voice. He met my eyes and we knew we had no choice but to face the person who owned the giant boots.
Escape • Opuss № I