It's still dark out, but not completely.

There was just enough light creeping in to outline the world in shades of gray.

Mary heads for what she thinks are the faint lights of a distant road glowing on the pre-dawn horizon.

She tries to run, but she can't.

Her bare feet slap against the ground, aching with every step.

Jagged rocks cut her tender feet, deeper each time. Dirt packs into these wounds. Still,

she doesn't stop. She can't. Her hands are bound behind her back. A loose blindfold hangs

around her neck, bouncing against her chest as she hurries.

She doesn't know where she is or what direction to go.

The desert is quiet, too quiet, and it's cold.

The sky starts to change.

The sun starts to rise. Black fades to change. The sun starts to rise.

Black fades to blue.

Then a subtle yellow glow spreads across the desert floor.

For the first time, Mary can see the desert around her.

It seems endless and empty.

But she picks up the pace.

She takes step after agonizing step.

She runs for what feels like forever.

Her breath shallow and quick.

Still she keeps going.

Then she hears a sound.

...