Chapter 14 - The Collapse**
The lead black SUV tried to follow them onto the bridge, its heavy frame shaking the ancient timber framework.
Under the massive weight of both vehicles, the center support beam of the old wooden bridge gave way with a deafening crack.
The rear section of the bridge collapsed into the surging white water below, taking the black SUV down with it.
Ethan slammed his foot onto the gas pedal, the truck leaping over the widening gap and crashing onto the solid dirt of the far bank.
The truck landed hard, its front bumper scraping against the rocks as the engine sputtered and died in a cloud of steam.
Ethan looked back through the broken rear window, watching the river swallow the remnants of the wooden bridge.
"Ethan! You won't make it to Richmond!" Samantha's voice screamed from the far side of the riverbank.
Ethan unbuckled Maya, lifting her out of the wrecked vehicle into the cool, mountain air.
"We walk from here," Ethan said softly, taking his daughter's hand as they disappeared into the thick Virginia woods.
May you like
They were five miles from the nearest town, with no vehicle, no phone signal, and the mountain weather turning bitterly cold.
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