The Run

Flash fiction with the words "I told you it wouldn't work"

Veeru was in the lead, cocky as always. Kiran, a close second ran silently; nothing could distract him. Kara had a determined look and her eyes showed gnawing hunger. I brought up the rear, not having much hope but trying to keep up with the rest.

Veeru skidded to a stop. The others did the same. The chains had left indelible marks on our ankles and neck. We had forgotten the pain in our single-minded focus. The burning started again but we had more important matters to attend to.

“See that hill over there?” Veeru pointed to a small green mound far away. We nodded. “If we can get there in the next two hours, we’ll make it.”

I hated to be the one asking but did it anyway. “How do you know?”

Veeru’s eyes bore into mine. “I was brought in that way.”

The eyes ensured I didn’t have any more questions. I had dissuaded them before and he didn’t want to hear it anymore.

“Let’s go,” he instructed and we were off again.

The stop made the agony worse. My legs were on fire. We pressed on without a break.

Sheer exhaustion overtook us as the mound grew in size as we drew nearer. A small path led a sinuous path to the top of the deceptively small hill.

It took us a good thirty minutes to race to the top.

The slump in everyone’s shoulder told me all I need to know even before I got there.

The electric fence was at least twenty feet high.

Applause from the large crowd gathered outside.

I had to say it. “I told you it wouldn’t work.”

A small child pointed at us. “Big bad wolves.”