Barney rammed into the doors, shoulder first. The old gray wood cracked. Hinges screeched as they broke. The doors went flying across the side yard, chains rattling as it hit the ground. He crawled out of the basement, the light so bright it stabbed at his eyes. He didn't care. He took off in an awkward gallop, heading straight for the forest. His Mama screamed his name. His heart nearly seized when he heard footsteps slamming into the ground behind him. "Barney! Barney! You get back here, boy!"
He dove between the trees and kept going. Bushes clawed at his clothes. Tree limbs slapped him in the face. But he knew these woods. Better than Mama. Better than anyone. He'd use it for cover until he couldn't no more. He'd have to walk on the road. It might take him a while to follow it to Clever, but he would get there.
And he would save his friend.
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