ran until i had a hot stitch in my left side from the bottom of my ribs to my armpit, ran until i could taste blood and something like metal shavings in the back of my throat. when i couldn't run anymore i stumbled to a stop and looked back over my shoulder, puffing and blowing like a wind-broken horse. i was convinced i would see him standing right there behind be in his natty black suit, the watch chain a glittering loop across his vest and not a hair out of place.
he reached for me