I slowed to a walk and continued down the dark, deserted street, the howling wind blowing against my bare back and rustling the leaves on the ground around me. The clouds moved in quick, hiding the moon and the stars above my head as I reached the edge of the town. Just as I began to round the corner the first drop fell from the sky, finding its landing on the curve of my shoulder blade. I winced and jerked my arm forward as the sting of the now steady rain pelted against the fresh slashes on my back. I wanted nothing more than to cower against the falling buildings, away from the pain of the rain, but I knew I couldn't do that. I must keep walking. When he awakens, he will know I am gone. He will come looking, with the town under his rule. I have to get out. My feet were rubbed raw from running, bare footed, along the cold asphalt. I pushed myself to keep walking, to get as far from that house as possible. The pain in my feet and on my back grew until I eventually dropped to ground, against my own free will, as the pain and exhaustion knocked me out.