Liz
Do you know how to change a flat tire?
Liz
bc Danny just pulled over to help out this couple with a flat tire but I don’t think he knows how to do it.
Liz
He got out of the car and now the three of them are all gathered around the tire just staring at it.
Paul
OK I’ll help but why are you two out so late?
Liz
None of your business…
Liz
I don’t know somewhere near 46. 30 minutes outside town maybe.
Paul
Oooooh making out in the woods. I see. Nice and isolated.
Liz
Let’s try to act like we graduated from fifth grade.
Paul
You’re still in your car?
Paul
OK here’s what we’re gonna do. I’ll explain how to do it.
Paul
then you’ll emerge from the car and take charge acting like you knew everything and never needed any help.
Liz
People never think I can do anything. Will be good to do just one thing right.
Liz
I can see out the back window and they are still doing nothing.
Paul
Instructions. One: find the spare tire. Should be in their trunk.
Paul
Two: find the tire iron (thing that gets the flat tire off). Like a big wrench.
Paul
Three: find the car jack.
Paul
Four: use the car jack to lift up the car.
Liz
PAUL WAIT. Something is happening at the other car.
Paul
Did they get the spare tire on?
Liz
Something just slammed against one of the doors. I think a window broke. Now I don’t hear anything.
Paul
Stay in the car. Do not get out.
Liz
I want to see what’s happening.
Paul
Do you have the keys?
Liz
It’s really dark. I’m not sure.
Paul
Can they see you? Do they know where you are?
Paul
Can you see anything now?
Liz
It looks like they’re opening their trunk but I’m not sure. I can’t see Danny.
Paul
I’m calling the police. Where exactly are you?
Liz
They’re starting their car. They never even changed the tire.
Paul
Where are you??? Where is Danny???
Liz
We went down 46 maybe 20 minutes, then turned onto a county road. North somewhere.
Paul
Stay there while I call the police.
Liz
Danny still hasn’t come back.
Paul
Told 911 your location and your car’s description. They’re coming.
Liz
They just turned off their car again.
Liz
Both front doors opened.
Paul
Do you have a gun in the car?
Liz
All I see is a flashlight in the glove compartment.
Liz
They’re talking outside. They’re getting closer.
Liz
The man just rested his hands on the trunk and the car wobbled.
Paul
You’re near the woods?
Paul
You’re going to have to jump out of the car and sprint as fast as you can into the woods.
Paul
You have to worry about yourself.
Liz
Just leave him here? What?
Paul
The police are coming. I told you.
Liz
They’re arguing with each other. Someone said open up the car and leave him in there.
Paul
GET OUT OF THE CAR AND RUN INTO THE WOODS
Liz
If I don’t text back in five minutes you need to come find me.
Paul
Run as fast as you can.
Paul
Tell me when you’re somewhere safe.
Paul
It’s been three minutes. What’s going on?
Paul
HELLO??? My heart is pounding through my chest right now.
Paul
Please please please say something.
Liz
They immediately started runig afterme after I left the car
Liz
Sry can barely type. Sweating and hands are all jittery
Liz
After I jumped out of the car I heard six pops that were so loud.
Liz
The bullets hit trees and I ran down a hill and jumped across a creek. I heard one of them fall down and curse.
Liz
I’m crouched in a ditch. Praying they don’t find me.
Paul
You did amazing. This will all be over soon.
Liz
It’s so quiet. Just the trickle of the stream.
Paul
You’re doing amazing. Just stay put.
Liz
I see red flashing lights through the trees.
Paul
Finally. The police.
Liz
Thanks for helping get me through this.
Paul
The police will find Danny. It’s all almost over.
Liz
The police are calling to me now. Said they found them. Said Danny’s safe.
Paul
So glad. My heart can stop pounding now.
Paul
You telling them your story?
Paul
Taking Danny to the hospital?
Paul
Make sure you ask to see the officers’ badge.
Paul
No no no no not again.
Liz
That wanst the polce. Need help. So jittery again.
Liz
As soon as I started walking someone hit me in the back with something hard.
Paul
Please tell me you’re safe.
Liz
I tore the branch they were holding away and hit them with the flashlight. They fell down. I ran as fast as I could.
Paul
Tell me the police are there.
Liz
As soon as I started running I heard someone coming after me. I heard a rock slam against a tree as I ran past
Paul
You’re safe now right???
Liz
I sprinted up the hill toward the road. Toward the lights. I didn’t hear any pops. I think they ran out of bullets.
Paul
Are they still down there?
Liz
I’m with the police. There’s a blanket over me. Danny is concussed but otherwise not bad.
Liz
We’re going to the hospital soon
Liz
I’m never coming out here ever again. Please don’t tell my parents. They can’t know where I was.
Paul
They’re going to have to know. You’re not a kid anymore.
Liz
You’re a good friend Paul. I was so scared
Paul
You survived. You’re strong.
