Escaping Hell

I woke up running. Someone was dragging me along. I still couldn’t see anything. Where was I going? I wasn’t burning anymore. I could breathe easily. I stared in the darkness.

“Where are we going?” I asked. I got no answer. I don’t think they looked at me.

“Who are you?” I asked. No answer. I don’t have good feeling about this. Still, I don’t have a choice. It’s better than burning in the place.

“Thank you,” I whispered. No answer.

We kept running. The darkness was endless. We didn’t stop. In fact, we went faster. Shut your eyes! I didn’t ask. I was worn out at this point. I just wanted to go home. Meanwhile, my savior said nothing. They kept running. I don’t think they looked at me. I just followed behind.

“Thank you,” I mouthed.

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“No! I can’t let you go! That’s not part of the deal!”

The air started shaking around us. I clenched my teeth. I wasn’t going to turn around. I have to get home. I have to get home!

“I will never let you go! Come back here!” Someone grabbed me on the shoulder. My body tensed up. But I kept running. My savior didn’t let go either. They kept running. I shut my eyes tighter.

“Let me go! Get off of me! No!” I heard myself shout. A loud screaming filled my ears. The air shook violently around me. I think I was screaming too.

And then… silence.

I opened my eyes and looked around. It wasn’t dark anymore. It felt so light around me. I put my hands to my chest. The pain, the screaming, the flames, the burning—it was all gone. I didn’t know how to feel about it. I couldn’t relax still. I had to get home.

“Phoenix?” I heard behind me. I froze. Wait… I know that voice.

I turned my head.

“Oh, it’s you,” I said.