•𝐏𝐫𝐨𝐥𝐨𝐠𝐮𝐞•

The cold night air stung my skin as I pushed forward through the dense forest. My feet throbbed with every step, aching from the relentless pace, but I couldn't afford to stop. I had to keep going-for both of us.

A sharp branch lashed across my arm, slicing into my skin, but I barely noticed. The sting was nothing compared to the fear driving me forward.

My two-days-old son let out a soft whimper from within the folds of the blanket I'd wrapped him in. His tiny face was scrunched in discomfort, his cries muffled against my chest.

"I'm sorry, baby. I know this is hard, but I promise, it'll be over soon," I whispered, cradling him closer. "I'm doing this for you, for us. I'll never let anyone harm you. Not ever."

Tears welled up in my eyes as I watched his own tears glisten under the faint moonlight. What kind of mother was I? Instead of holding him safe in a warm crib, I was forcing him through a cold, dark forest.