Free Forgiving Patience by Jennifer Simpkins Page B

child
she had required her mother’s comfort when the white clouds started their
rumbling—now she enjoyed the sounds of God moving furniture. She couldn’t
explain the turnaround. Maybe it was because she’d grown past that part of
being that scared girl, maybe it was because she recognized it as something she
couldn’t control, or maybe she really still thought God was moving his
furniture—all she knew was that the sounds let her know she was alive.
    The beat of The Mighty Mighty Bosstones set the pace, forcing her short legs to keep up
with the ska band’s beat. Her breathing was becoming
intense. She knew she was out of shape, but damn, she couldn’t even walk a lap
without feeling her heart beat wildly in her chest. She didn’t give up. She
slowed her pace just a tad as the music in her iPod changed. She could feel the
sweat running off her back, smell the rain that was bound to come, and see the
sun start to set. If she wanted to get a few miles in, she needed to start jogging.
If she remembered right, one mile was two laps. She had done one mile and had
every intention of accomplishing two. Her legs were heavy, but the faster she
could bring them to move, the better she felt.
    The elderly couple holding hands was
up ahead, venturing off the track and probably leaving to beat out the storm
that was brewing. The sight of them from behind looked reassuring, indicating
that sometimes love works out and people do stay together for the long haul.
She instantly thought of Georgia and her bright outlook on life and love. Those
were good thoughts to have since she was a bridesmaid for her best friend’s
wedding. She needed to have zero negative thinking when she was helping plan a
life-changing event. It didn’t take her long to pass the couple. She gave a
short wave and continued down the track.
    She was quickly losing daylight, and
just like eleven years ago, only the light poles that lined one side of the
track worked. Anna knew she was the only one left on the track, which meant she
was all alone in the dark. The thought should’ve frightened her just a bit, but
instead, it just made her feel alone, and that was something she didn’t mind
being.
    Every part of the track was vivid in
her mind—every dip, incline—and the darkest spot that made her pick up speed.
That part of the track hugged some woods, and on stormy nights when the wind
whipped through the trees, it could cause sounds that made one jump and curse
someone for not fixing the broken lights. Anna had intentionally left her music
blaring to block out the rustling of leaves. She picked up what speed she could
muster. Her legs and chest could feel the strain she was putting on them.
That’s when something grabbed her from behind.
    A strong arm reached around her
waist, bringing her to an abrupt halt, throwing her iPod to the pavement, and
ripping the earphones from her thudding ears. A scream settled in her throat,
too scared to even be released.
    Oh
God, what’s happening? Anna’s body jerked in every direction possible. Sucking in whatever air was
available, she prepared herself to fight. Her right leg found balance and
kicked back until it came in contact with her assailant’s body. That broke his
grasp long enough for her to slip out of his muscular grip. As his callused
hands scratched across her mid-section, a chill ran through her and caused a
tear to fall down her already damp cheek. She knew he was actually a man, but
the trace of his hand made the thought seem more real. More tears fell from her
frightened eyes, blurring her vision. The attacker slowed, but only for a
second. She started running, her legs feeling weak. But she didn’t have far to
go. The exit was in her sight, and she just needed to make it…she had to. Her
pulse was beating in time with the movements of her legs, or at least that’s
what it felt like. She wanted to scream, but nobody was around to hear her
cries. And she needed to save what air she had for whatever