In The Forest outskirts just before dusk.

Martha was running.

Her legs burned, her lungs heaving, but she didn't stop. Behind her branches snapped.

Micah stirred but didn't cry.

She stumbled over a root and fell to her knees, mud splashing her dress.

From the corner of her eyes, she saw headlights. A car, speeding toward the path.

She stood and darted across the road.

The car swerved.

Screeching tires.

Martha screamed as the car hit them. Then everything went black.

———

The ...