The Night They Went Missing

Tanisha

My heart raced. I never wanted to let this happen or to make it the product of a shameful mistake. 

 Rain was pouring quicker than ever before, and from a distance, the sound of thunder could be heard. As the wind howled, the tall trees towered above me and swayed in unison. Around me, the leaves were dancing, blocking my vision. 

 My feet pounded the muddy ground that was now slippery from the rain, forcing me to be vigilant of my every step. I was worried that I was going to fall over and that my chances of getting away would be over. I couldn't give up. I had no choice, but to keep going.

 Looking around me, nobody was in sight. I wasn't surprised. It was midnight and the weather was getting colder by the second. 

 The river beside me streamed deeper into the forest and sparkled in the sky from the brightly lit moon. I knew that if I followed the river down and into the forest, it would take me to a bridge. This bridge would then go into a small forest near a town. 

 Then I would get help. Scream for help where people will hear me, for no one would hear me if I screamed here, no matter how loud I was. 

 Just as I thought I was getting away from the monster behind me, his footsteps were pounding the muddy ground too. They were getting louder and louder. I still wasn't free.

 The moonlight was shining down on the bridge as my pace quickened. I started getting closer to the bridge that I was now able to see better, but something was wrong. As I edged forward, I could see the bridge clearly. 

 With fear, my heart sunk. It was ruptured. The bridge that could have taken me to safety was destroyed by the storm, and the wood was being swept away in the water. My chances of escaping were ruined. 

 The footsteps behind me disrupted the sound of my panting breath. He was here.

 Turning around, I could see him, standing in front of me with a wicked grin plastered on his face. My heart was beating against my chest as I realised ... I had lost. This game we were playing was over.