The sun had long set, casting a dark and eerie glow over the city. The streets were empty, save for the occasional patrol vehicle that roamed the streets, their headlights illuminating the shadows. In an abandoned building on the outskirts of town, four children huddled together, their hearts pounding with fear and excitement. They had been planning this for weeks, gathering supplies and carefully plotting their escape. They knew the risks, but they also knew they couldn't stay in their current situation any longer. They were tired of living in poverty, tired of being hungry all the time, tired of the constant surveillance and oppression. The eldest of the group, a girl named Maya, took charge. She checked her backpack one last time to make sure they had everything they needed: food, water, a map, and a few basic tools. They didn't have much, but it was enough to get them started. "Okay, let's go," Maya whispered. "Remember, we have to be careful. We can't let anyone see us." They slipped out of the abandoned building, sticking to the shadows as they made their way through the deserted streets. Every sound made them jump, every flicker of light made them freeze. But they kept moving, their determination outweighing their fear. As they neared the city limits, they heard the distant sound of gunfire. They knew what it meant - the rebellion had started. Maya hesitated for a moment, wondering if they should join in the fight. But she quickly dismissed the idea. They were just children, they had no weapons or training. They would only be a liability. "We have to keep going," she said, her voice firm. "We'll find a safe place to hide until things calm down." They continued on, their pace quickening as they left the city behind. They walked for hours, their feet aching and their stomachs grumbling. But they didn't stop, they couldn't stop. They had come too far to turn back now. Finally, as the first rays of dawn began to light up the sky, they reached their destination. It was a small cabin in the woods, hidden away from prying eyes. Maya had heard about it from a friend, who had used it as a hideout during a previous rebellion. They collapsed onto the floor, exhausted but relieved. They had made it, they had escaped their lives of horror, but they knew their journey was far from over. They would have to keep moving, keep searching for a better life. But for now, they were free.