The freshly fallen snow crunched under her black leather jump boots as she ran from the town square. The beat of her heart pounding in her ears and her ragged breath were the only noises that surrounded her. Streets were empty and the nearby houses were dark. Even after the mornings’ events, her mind was silent. She could only focus on her next stop. There was no room for remorse and definitely no time for indecisiveness. It had always been said, take action, and follow through. Show no weakness. Weakness equals death.

She glanced to her left at the park and changed course. The swings stood motionless. The playground was devoid of children’s laughter echoing off the nearby pine trees. The world had seemingly stopped. The one thought that popped into her head was simply, “I hope they’re okay. “

A low growl made the tiny hairs her nape stand. Her blue eyes dilated. Her instincts took over as she scanned the area, not breaking stride. Shifting her eyes to the wrought iron exit gate, she picked up speed and leapt over it with ease. Landing on the other side, she crouched down and peered under the bushes. Beady black eyes stared back at her. A sardonic grin crooked the corner of her mouth.

“Well, hello...”