The golden sunset of the Serengeti taunts me. It knows that elegance can conceal evil- it knows what happens before nightfall. My heart is pulsing fast; and I want to surrender. I-

Boom. That abrupt crack sends my heart and body into a temporary paralysis.

Boom.

Another one.

The only option I possess now is to run; to run to the towering fence and jump it. With no time to rationalize, I launch myself forward. Ten seconds later, I soar to meet the top of the fence. Suspended like a thread, I attempt to swing over.

Boom. Spasms fire up my arm, weakening my grasp.

Boom. Pain explodes up my leg.

Stillness.

With a heavy huff, I use my last bit of energy to hoist myself over. I succumb then, agreeing to meet the other side with an excruciating thud- but knowing I will be free. I plummet into a trap instead.

I instantly feel the pain, and the draining blood. I glimpse to one side, and spot the vertically lined sharp utensils.

And before my last breath, I hear them.

"We've got him now,” I hear one of them say. “We got our gold winnin’ lion".