The Escape

Flash fiction on someone hiding from the police

They were after her. It would be the end if they caught up. All she had for company were flickering street lamps casting eerie dancing shadows. Her rhythmic footfalls and her heavy breathing cut a tell-tale cacophony. Behind her the street lighted up in red and blue. She knew she didn’t have much time. She had to get off the path. Droplets of blood stained her night gown. The last thing on her mind was pain. She would never let them catch her.

A few houses ahead a car was pulling into the driveway of a large house. A man got out, staggered and righted himself up. He made it to the door in an almost straight line. There was no time. She rushed behind him and was in. He blinked in confusion. She shut the door as the three cars glided by, lights still flashing.

“Who?” he mumbled and then he was out on the floor. There was no one else in the house. She dared not switch on the lights. She found a bathroom and washed her face. She stared in horror at her gown. She hadn’t realized it was that bad.

She dragged the man to the bathtub and took put his head under the shower head. The cold water jerked him awake. He looked at her befuddled. “What is happening?” he asked.

“I’m sorry to barge in to your home,” she said. “My husband is after me”

“Okay,” he said, still not understanding. “Why?”

“He was hitting me and I managed to run away,” she whispered, still marveling at her own courage.

“Is he chasing you now?” The man only had questions.

“He passed by your home a moment ago with the other cops,” she sighed.