Chapter 3
Episode 1: The Escape
The moon hung low in the sky, casting eerie shadows across the fields as I crept from my hut. Every rustle of leaves, every snap of a twig under my feet sent my heart racing. I clutched my small bundle of belongings close, the precious diamond secured in a pouch around my neck.
As I reached the edge of my land, a voice cut through the darkness. “Going somewhere, sister dear?”
I whirled around, coming face to face with Bidemi. Her eyes glinted with malice in the moonlight.
“Get out of my way,” I hissed, my hand instinctively reaching for the knife at my belt.
Bidemi’s laugh was cold and mirthless. “Or what? You’ll kill me? I’d like to see you try.”
We circled each other, two predators locked in a deadly dance. I knew I couldn’t let her raise the alarm. In one swift motion, I lunged forward, shoving her hard. She stumbled, caught off guard, and I seized my chance.
I ran.
My feet pounded against the earth, my lungs burning as I pushed myself harder than I ever had before. Behind me, I could hear Bidemi’s enraged shouts fading into the distance.
I didn’t stop running until the first light of dawn began to paint the sky. Exhausted, I collapsed beneath a large tree, gasping for breath. I had no idea where I was, but I knew I couldn’t go back. Not now. Not ever.
As the adrenaline began to fade, the reality of my situation sank in. I was alone, with no food, little water, and no idea where to find the stranger who might be my only hope. Tears stung my eyes, but I blinked them away furiously. I couldn’t afford to be weak. Not now.
With trembling hands, I reached for the pouch around my neck, pulling out the diamond. In the soft morning light, it sparkled innocently, belying the chaos it had brought to my life.
“Was it worth it?” I whispered to myself, turning the stone over in my palm.
The sound of distant voices jolted me from my reverie. My heart leapt into my throat as I recognized Fulu’s shrill tones. They were coming for me.
Scrambling to my feet, I shoved the diamond back into its pouch and took off running once more. I had to find the stranger. It was my only chance.
