“Drop your weapon!” a voice boomed over a megaphone.

“This is the United States Army!”

The shadow turned toward the light, firing three rapid shots.

The spotlight shattered, plunging us back into chaos.

I used the distraction to scramble up the muddy bank.

My hands clawed at the roots and dirt.

I reached the top just as another figure lunged at me from the brush.

We tumbled onto the wet grass, wrestling for control.

A hand gripped my throat, cutting off my air.

I thrashed, my fingers searching for anything to use as a weapon.

My hand found a heavy stone in the mud.

I brought it down with all my remaining strength.

The grip on my throat loosened.

I pushed the weight off me, gasping for breath.

The woods around me were filled with the sounds of shouting and running boots.

I stood up, my vision blurry.

A short distance away, the pink blanket lay on the wet leaves.

I ran toward it, my heart in my throat.

I fell to my knees and reached out.

My hands touched the soft fabric.