When we first arrived at the camp, the officer’s radio mentioned Steel, Michigan was quarantined for a virus outbreak. Thinking that we would believe the obvious lie felt like an insult to our intelligence. We were so much better than that.

But back to my mission. It was time. I grabbed the end of the bolt cutter and gave it a good yank. The earth surrendered and I stumbled back. Triumphant, I raised my weapon and let out a victorious “yeah!” under my breath. Snapping back to reality, I held it close and darted for the shed.

I heard young Annie and James shouting to the nearest officer, right on time. “Look over there! She’s going to the weapons shed!” I smiled. I knew I could count on James to be loud but their acting could use more work. They didn’t exactly like me, but the kids had nothing to lose. They’d be taken sometime after me.

My feet kicked up some dirt and pounded the grass. The shed stood alone, shaded by the edge of the forest. Glancing over my shoulder, I saw the lake far behind me, with dozens of little figures plunging in, and a few already floating out on logs.

A mix of bravery and foolery shot through me. I stood my ground and faced the chasing men, who were still far behind.

I lifted and waved my red cape while shouting, “Here I am, come catch me!” I was part-superhero and part-peacock in the middle of a mating ritual. I inhaled and whooped as loud as my lungs could handle, “You can’t catch me!” I’m the gingerbread man, I thought, One that’s about to be eaten. So far, the distraction seemed to be working.

Out of the corner of my eye, I spied the faster ones on the logs, kicking hard in the water. Keep on swimming, guys. Please don’t get caught.

I ran the last stretch and slid to a halt at the wooden door. Now I just had to get past the lock. I was dying to get inside the shed. Was it as special as my dreams foretold? I knew the makeshift “armory” contained weapons of all shapes and sizes but also held the new favorite weapon of choice, long-range tasers. But what else?