It was slow going as I made my way among the stilts of the compound, climbing and scrambling over roots, watching out for hidden vines and creeping reptiles, keeping my senses on high alert for other patrols and soldiers. Misshapen, black masses turned into scraps of leftover food as hundreds of flies abandoned their intense activity to clear the way for me. The pungent smell of puddles and piles from relief bowls wrinkled my nose and turned my stomach. I paused every few steps, not only to make sure nobody was after me but also to calm my swirling gut.

Once the compound was behind me, I took off running. I had to get as much space between me and K of K as possible. At first, breathing hurt my throat and chest, and my legs were so weak that I had to keep telling them not to give up. My ba...

Please subscribe to keep reading.