The sunlight from between the dying leaves was projected onto the dark forest floor. Disturbed rabbits and squirrels scattered in all directions from deep within the foliage of large bushes, retreating from the noise of cracking twigs which disrupted the surrounding silence. From out of the darkness a figure quickly meandered through the trees, and jumped over foot tall shrubs which withered leaves crumbled as a foot scraped over them. Faster and faster the figure got and louder and louder did their breathing become. A hat fell from the person’s head which revealed her long dark hair flying around as she sprinted over the intertwining roots of beech trees and darted between the large trunks.
The scarlet cheeks of the girl were her predominant feature and her eyes began to water due to the amount of silver vapour from her raging breaths breaching her eyes. Behind her, in the distance came a shout, a masculine shout, distorted by the cold air and whispers of wind it brought with it. The girl ignored him. Her skin, being flashed upon by the sun whose light penetrated the holes in the leafy ceiling, sparkled in the darkness and which made the coldness of the woods just bearable. “GET BACK HERE” the man spat, now more clear as he drew closer to the girl. The sun, like a spotlight on his stubble filled face, made his eyes look more manic and worn than ever yet he continued on his pursuit.
More woodland creatures sprung to life and fled their havens for the girl was coming closer to the edge of the forest. A few feet from her was a path covered in a carpet of brown leaves which she chose to take route on. Puddles were ignored and the girls walking boots became soaked but her caring was limited at this time, she only wanted to run. More shouts from behind: “LUCY GET HERE NOW!” but Lucy ignored again and ran even faster so that her scarf began to slip but she wasn’t going to let it fall or she’d freeze so pulled it tight around her neck. Exhaustion was taking over but Lucy couldn’t bring herself to stop, she couldn’t do it.
Down the path she ran, so determined that she tripped over while leaping over a humongous puddle. Her legs bucked as she landed and rolled over onto her back. Her arms were scraped, jeans ripped and knees grazed yet she got up, checking behind her for the man who was now ever nearer to her, pacing himself down a small steep hill, so she rose up and began a brisk jog to catch her breath, looking back continuously. The path led to a fork in the road; one down to a river and the second further into the forest. Lucy looked for a minute and glanced downwards. She saw several paw prints in the mud of the second path, probably of a dogs, looked back into the forest which, as the sun was setting so early in the day, made everything darker so when the man caught her eyes she ran off again, into the direction which the paw prints led, panting more than ever.
Her eyes were darting in all directions, anxiety had kicked in and there was only so much time before she would have to give up and give in. Constantly looking down and backwards and forwards and then side to side, Lucy slowed down and realised hope was futile. There was no sign of anything around to help her. No person in sight. It was over. She decided to walk slowly, catching her breath and zipping up her navy green coat to her chin, tucking in the remainder of the scarf which was dangling lifelessly. Lucy knew that there was a small, wooden bench a few metres from her so decided she would take refuge there.
She continued on the path, not bothering to look anymore, ignoring the now noticeable hollers from round the corner of the bushes from the man who was so close to her now. Walking shakily around the collection of bushes which led to the bench, Lucy crunched on every leaf underfoot… the noises more noticeable now than before when she had adrenaline pumping through her blood like water through a bursting pipe.
She walked for a few more seconds but listened more closely. A familiar sound pierced her ear like a knife. Heavy breathing. She knew who was making this sound and as she ran with all the remaining energy she could muster from inside she travelled in the direction of the bench. There, sat next to the bench, under a wilting willow tree, sat a tall, chocolate brown Great Dane dog with its mouth wide open, breathing out white vapour and slavering onto the bench seat closest to it. Lucy ran to him with tears of joy and hugged it tightly and the Great Dane moaned, as if it was crying, and Lucy rubbed his large belly as he flopped onto the floor.
Not too long after, the man who was behind Lucy came sprinting round the corner and once he had seen the dog he smiled and sighed with relief, staring into the leaves on the floor while restoring his breath. he then walked over to Lucy and tapped her on the shoulder, passing her the hat that she dropped earlier, and smiled. “You're a - lucky one - Luce” gasped the man. “Oh dad, I can’t believe we nearly lost him, I don’t know what I would have done without him”
*Author notes* I know it's not perfect and there are the odd bits which don't make sense but it's my first peice :) Also, I'm 100% open to positive/negative feedback so dont be hesitant!
