As I stepped out of the mouth of the cave fortress, the sun blinded me. Helicopter blades cut through the air, and hummer engines thrummed to life.

The dozens of workers escorted by guards filed into the various vehicles. Within minutes, they either took into the sky or shot down forested trails in routine efficiency.

The few guards left behind made their way back to the facility’s hidden entrance. A facility I didn’t care to go back to.

While still invisible, I crept away from the cave and the remaining guards, careful not to step on leaves or branches.

I moved away from all signs of the rocky cave, which protruded in places from the green mountainside encasing it.

Away from all signs of helicopter landings and tire tracks. Away from all radios hissing static and small indistinct chatter of the guards.

I moved into the growing wilderness. Once out of earshot of all these noises and visible signs of the facility—I broke into a stealthy jog, which turned into a run for my life.

I weaved between tall pines, not caring if branches hit my face or twigs broke under my feet. All I cared about now was putting distance between Dr. Ross and me and his guards.

I cried out to Ella in my mind but only heard my own drastic panting and heartbeat, accompanied by my steady breakneck pace.

I ran until the sun dipped below the nearest horizon, hoping I’d run in the same direction away from the site.

When my heart felt close to bursting, I stopped at a small creek, which wove through the mossy forest floor.

I searched my surroundings, circling like a frightened animal until I was certain nobody followed.

I knelt beside the creek and dipped an invisible hand into the cold, clear water.

My submerged fingers became visible as panic consumed me. I wrenched out my hand and quickly dried it on my hospital gown until my fingers seemed to vanish back into thin air.

Relief flooded over me. I strained my ears and heard only birds in the trees. Only trees all around me for miles.

Shadows began appearing from behind distant tree trunks as dusk came.

I forced myself to remember this was always an effect of the forest at night.

A flicker of doubt hid in the corners of my mind as I hoped I wasn’t wrong.

I scooped a few mouthfuls of water into my mouth and continued toward the direction of the setting sun.