Page 57 of Fall

I say a silent prayer of thanks that the man doesn’t see me when he climbs in.

And another as his engine roars to life with the radio on full blast.

And when he hits the gas pedal and reverses onto the side road, I can breathe again.

This driver at the wheel doesn't know it yet, but he just saved a life today.

Mine.

It doesn’t matter where he’s going.

I'll wait until it’s safe to get out of his vehicle, then I'll make my move.

Father will be looking for me. Antonio will be too. And Nonna will be worried sick.

If they’re even alive.

As much as I miss them, I won’t go back.

I’m going to disappear.

Natalia Romano is dead.

I’m going to be someone else.

TO BE CONTINUED