The River

Chapter 10

I kept pushing myself forward, I was getting so tired and thirsty not to mention hungry. I couldn't believe I hadn't arrived at the river yet!

I looked at my watch, I had left Dina and Natasha over an hour ago, I was so sure that i was going in the right direction, I should have come across the river by now, surely!

I sat down on a tree stump, the sun had almost set and an eerie darkness was falling around me. The birds had stopped chirping and everything was becoming quiet. I looked around, I have to admit I was scared. I got up quickly and started off again towards the rather elusive river. I stumbled on some vines and ran through some low branches, I had scratches all over my hands and face.

I came across a clearing and stopped and listened, yes, in the distance I could hear water. Finally, I was coming to the river.

I ran on blindly, everything now was so dark, I stumbled again and fell heavily hitting my head on a log. The pain shot through me, I reached up and could feel blood pouring down my temple and onto my cheek. Oh my god, Oh my god, I panicked and tried to get up, I felt so dizzy, everything spun round and round, i collapsed in a heap on the fall.

"Hazel, Hazel, wake up" I could hear voices, but everything seemed heavy and hazy, "She can't hear us, Hazel wake up!" someone was yanking at my shoulder.

Slowly I rolled over and tried to open my eyes.

"She's coming round" shouted someone,"give her some space"

I fully opened my eyes and looked around me. I couldn't believe what I saw, everyone was there, gathering around, all staring at me.

"Are you OK?" asked Dina coming into focus on my right,

"No look at her head" now it was Natasha speaking.

"Let me have a look" Marizan pushed her way forward, "Gosh you gave us all a fright," smiled Marizan, "that was quite a tumble. Next time you want to see the Rafflesia hold onto my hand!" she smiled down at me whilst she cleaned up the side of my head with some strong smelly stuff that stung like crazy.

I gave her a weak smile, "I'm a little confused" I mumbled, "What just happened?"

"Don't you remember" answered Dina, "We were all looking at the flower, I got a little too close then you decided to move round me to get a better look, that's when you stumbled and fell over the log and bashed your head on the side! You went out cold! You were unconscious for almost 5 minutes. Never mind you seem fine now. Do you think you'll be OK to continue, we have to get back down to the river before it gets dark or we'll never find the camp!"

"Come on now" called out Marizan, "The shows over, let's get going. Hazel, why don't you walk close to me just so that I can keep an eye on you, we don't want you falling again do we" she laughed.

I went bright red as everyone giggled and looked at me.

A dream. I can't believe it had all been a dream!