Exceptional There are times when the only way out is to Escape. The Escape by Barry Penfold      Last Words Contest Winner  Artwork by Renate-Bertodi at FanArtReview.com

She pushed down the handle of the door and staggered out into the relentless rain. Her car was in the driveway, but she kept walking. Any noise now could be fatal. She huddled under her umbrella and prayed to herself. "Please God, let this go to plan, please". She prayed no further, as the very thought of a sound coming out of her mouth made her anxious. He could not discover her intent. As she gained more distance away from the house, her confidence grew. The next part of her plan required her to get to the local railway station by one- thirty in the morning. It was one twenty-five, so, she picked up her pace. Missing the train could jeopardize everything. To delay her progress would give him every chance to wake and discover her absence. Their marriage had been wonderful at first. Others would always comment to her that they were a perfect couple. They were, for a while. No violence like now. All cuddles and supportive conversations. Six months ago, that changed. He became extremely controlling and his conversation was harsh and cruel. Visits to her sister were curtailed and eventually stopped altogether. What he said was gospel and he continuously used her money for his own benefit. A lot of alcohol passed his lips, and drunken rages had her quivering in the bedroom or anywhere she could avoid such tirades. And then came the physical violence. A slap in the face was the start. Profound apologies followed. "It will never happen again", he would lie. The fist punch, though, became the determining point. Leave or be killed. She was almost there. The early hour dictated that not many people were out and about. Good and bad. Easier to find if no one around. Every moment was filled with the fear of being detected. She knew it was the only solution. Had she been careful enough? Was going to Megan's place the best place to stay? The stairs to the railway station were now at her feet and she could also hear the train approaching. No time to purchase a ticket. Just jump on. Get out of here. The railway platform offered her some relief and the train was slowing. Look ahead and not behind, she said to herself. Stop and breathe. The train had come to a halt and the doors were opening. A grip on her left shoulder froze her move forward. He had found her. No, no, no. She could only think to scream. Maybe the train guard would be alerted and interfere. "Olivia, it is only me. Megan. I thought I would come to the station and pick you up. You are safe now." Olivia turned and just stood still. A smile slowly printed on her face, and she grabbed Megan in a long embrace. "Thank you, sis. Thank you so much." Writing Prompt Grab the nearest book to you and use the last sentence in the book as the first sentence in a flash fiction. You are free to completely change the context of the sentence. Word count: 100-500 words Any genre. No poetry. Last Words Contest Winner Recognized Author Notes The first line in this story is the last line in a book entitled " The Husbands Secret" by Liane Moriarty. Penguin Books. Enjoy.

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