We raced through the city, sirens sounding all around us. Behind us, we heard the constant shrill of gunfire, killing the people we loved. It echoed in my ears, sending jolts through my body. I had no idea what was happening, just that bad men were after us and we needed to run. My older brother gripped my wrist tight as he dragged me down alleyways in hopes of finding safety.
I wanted to cry.211Please respect copyright.PENANAupnaow3PVQ
We went to turn a corner when we saw the men, quickly he pulled me back into the alleyway and pressed us into the shadows. Neither of us dared to breathe as five of them walked past us, their guns drawn. My brother must have sensed the scream building up in my throat as he covered my mouth with his hand, whispering in my ear.211Please respect copyright.PENANAGQA2VA71pJ
"Keep calm."211Please respect copyright.PENANApra0OniwKu
I did so. I had to. I had no other choice. 211Please respect copyright.PENANA6xaqn9mjsa
They passed and the relief flooded my veins. "Where do we go now?" I whispered.211Please respect copyright.PENANAU9cdHbptmL
"I don't know."211Please respect copyright.PENANAZ1P1S8YQi1
I looked up to my brother, his face tight and worried. I was only eight, him only eleven. We had lost our parents in the midst of the panic, and we were alone.
I didn't know if they were dead or alive.
"We need to go."211Please respect copyright.PENANAapVbrIjAZG
He grabbed my hand and again we delved into the panic and chaos, others seemed to be doing the same as they simply ran. Eventually, we found ourselves into the main square where groups of soldiers were patrolling the area, shooting at the people. Screams ripped through the air as bodies fell to the ground, blood pooling and running off from the rain that now pelted my skin. My brother acted faster than my brain could process as he dragged me away and towards the city centre, now a safe space for the rich. 211Please respect copyright.PENANAUNeY5wR63h
We raced towards the centre, and I could see the soldiers lined up, guns aimed towards the general mass of people. What were we doing? But then my brother crashed into a body, pulling my hand from his. I screamed as he fell to the floor and a sea of bodies made me struggle to see his body, the bleak sky hiding my view. 211Please respect copyright.PENANAHZUCvCyJK2
Then the guns were fired again. 211Please respect copyright.PENANAkYLWe7yFhf
My body seemed to stop, my mind in overdrive. 211Please respect copyright.PENANAFV7SpPzzwn
I didn't know what to do, I didn't know what to do. 211Please respect copyright.PENANAiSKuJTHsBH
My eyes fluttered as my grasp on reality was quickly lost but before I hit the ground, strong hands grabbed me.211Please respect copyright.PENANAdy6zmCfLBy
211Please respect copyright.PENANAsMcgUtYwru
211Please respect copyright.PENANAWeioYFQbVt