Prologue

Death.

A word that holds so much weight yet is entirely out of our control. We don't get a choice when we die. Death doesn't have favorites; it doesn't matter whether you spend your life doing good or creating chaos in your wake. Death doesn't care whether you are rich or poor or young or old. Death eventually comes for us all. If death came to your doorstep, would you fear him or rush into his arms like two old friends finally reuniting? What would you do?

I don't have much time to think of my answer as I run. I feel the faint touch of the leaves brush past me as I sprint through the woods. I am just aware enough to feel the branches scrape against my arms hard enough that I know they've drawn blood. I don't care. I don't stop running. I don't look back. My body is so numb from the freezing temperatures; I can't even feel the pain that is sure to come. I never thought I would be grateful for the December cold. My mind is fully aware of my current surroundings. I run even harder, as I hear the heavy footsteps rushing behind me.

You couldn't have left well enough alone could you Makayla? I scold myself but try to shake away the bad thoughts. There isn't enough time to think of the 'what ifs' now. I can hear the blood pounding in my ears and the crunching of leaves as I sprint through the dark woods. Little beads of sweat drip down my forehead, as I look for a way out.

In the distance, I see blinding lights.  My adrenaline picks up, as I sprint even faster. I almost cry out in relief. I can faintly hear the sound of cars passing by on the road up ahead. Before I can take another step, I am thrown to the ground. I cry out in pain and try to grab ahold of my bearings. Oh god. Through the darkness of the night, cold, dead eyes stare back at me.

Please no. This can't be it. I'm not ready.

I'm sorry Mom. I'm so sorry.

The last thought I have before the darkness settles in.

Like I said, you can't escape Death. It finds us all in the end.