Run, child.
Faster, faster, faster. Until your legs feel they are going to fall off, until your breath only comes out in tiny, forced gasps, run until your heart beats faster than a drumbeat.
Even when you feel you need to stop, keep running. When you want to stop, go faster.
Wipe the sweat from your forehead, and keep going. You’re nearly there, just a few more minutes. Think about the end, think about whenever you can stop. Think about being able to breathe in so deeply your lungs might explode. Think about the end and then keep going.
When you run, no one will catch you. You are invincible, my child. You are a flicker of light passing by, a glimpse of a shadow on the wall. Run, my child, as fast as your legs can carry you, and they will never find you.
They will try to make you stop, but don’t listen to them. Do not listen to their lies, child, do not believe in their fairy tales. They will deceive you with their smiles and bright eyes. When you see them you will know it is time to go. When they open their mouths, cover your ears and listen to your heartbeat instead. When they come near you, with outstretched fingers and claws, you must run.
Go now, child, leave this place. Follow your heartbeat. Run so they do not catch you. Follow your heartbeat to where it takes you, your feet will show you the way.
You are the flickering flame of a candle, the whisper of the wind in the trees. When they come for you, you will already be gone, like a ghost into the night.
Remember that always, keep it with you like a secret. You are too fast for their tired legs, you are too quick for their lies and traps. They will not catch you, no one can catch you.
So run, child, and never stop.
