“Bag, check. Mask, check. Phone, check.”

“Bag, check. Mask, check. Phone, check.”

The girl murmured the familiar checklist under her breath as she zipped up her black travel bag. The metallic sound of the zipper seemed unusually loud in the stillness of the night. She glanced at the clock hanging on the wall and felt her pulse quicken—11:30 p.m.

It was time.

Taking a steady breath, she rose from her seat and moved toward the front door. Her fingers curled around the handle as she eased it open, careful not to let it creak. She paused and listened. Silence.

Peering into the living room, she scanned the shadows and furniture. No movement. No voices. Everyone appeared to be asleep.

Satisfied, she slipped out and quietly crossed the room, her travel bag hanging from one shoulder. Every step was measured, every sound carefully avoided. Reaching the back door, she tightened her grip on the bag and slowly turned the handle, her heart pounding with anticipation. She hesitated for a moment, her fingers tightening around the handle of the travel bag. A thousand doubts flashed through her mind, but she pushed them aside. Taking a deep breath, she slowly opened the back door and stepped into the cool night air.

Keeping close to the shadows, she made her way toward the side compound wall. Near the wall lay a few concrete blocks. She carefully stacked three of them, creating a makeshift step. Clutching her bag, she climbed onto the blocks and peered over the wall. The vacant land beyond was dimly lit by the moon. She studied the ground below, making sure it wasn't muddy or wet from the evening drizzle.

Satisfied, she swung her arm and tossed the bag over the wall. It landed with a soft thud on the other side.

She slipped her phone into her pocket and placed both hands firmly on the top of the wall. Summoning all her strength, she hoisted herself upward. Muscles straining, she pulled her body high enough to swing one leg over. A few seconds later, she was perched on top of the compound wall, balancing carefully in the darkness.

Turning toward the empty lot, she lowered herself as much as she could and then let go.

The landing was harder than she expected. She hit the ground awkwardly and stumbled forward, her knees scraping against the rough earth. A sharp sting shot through her leg, but she quickly pushed herself upright.

Ignoring the pain, she grabbed her bag, slung it over her shoulder, and broke into a run. Her footsteps echoed through the silent night as she disappeared into the darkness, putting as much distance as possible between herself and the house she had just left behind.