Augusnippets, Day 3: Thunderstorm
She was far from dressed for the occasion. Icy rain pelted her bare shoulders, soaking up into her thick hair, trickling down her legs, but Veronica just kept running, blinking past the oncoming sheets of water.
If she'd known it would storm like this, she would've waited a day. If she'd known it would be this cold, she would've stolen a jacket. But it wasn't as if she had much choice. It was now or never, and no matter how cold she got, if she wanted her freedom, Veronica had to keep moving.
She knew the house was isolated; the handful of times a year she went into town with Sir, it was an hour’s drive. Making it there on foot in the middle of autumn was probably impossible, but she didn't plan on walking all the way. She just had to make it to the main road. From there, she'd bribe or flatter any driver who came her way. She didn't have any money, but she sure as hell knew how to make false promises and dip out at the soonest opportunity.
There were a few miles’ worth of gravel driveway leading from the public road to Sir’s house, and Veronica was careful to avoid it. On the off chance he woke up and found her gone, that was probably the first place he'd check. Instead, she veered towards the surrounding woods. Doing her best to maintain her heading without crashing into a tree, she moved as quick as she could, eager to leave the pulling thorns and tripping undergrowth behind.
She could feel herself starting to slow. Her fingers were numb, shins and arms prickling with the cold. The trees blocked most of the wind, but now and then an icy gale cut through her nightdress, or a sheet of rain came crashing into her shoulders.
Okay. Same plan. Keep moving. She didn't want to freeze to death, but she sure as hell wasn't turning back. It wasn't that cold, and if she waited, it would only get colder.
The rain was a blessing, right? Washing away any sign of her passage, slowing Sir down if he happened to stumble after her. Much as she tried to believe that, it was hard to hear positive thoughts over the sound of her chattering teeth.
She just had to keep moving.
