16 year old Tenn Brooks is off of school for the year and cannot contain his excitement because his summer break is going to be enjoyed at a weeklong sports camp with his friends.
But something unexpected happened during the ride to the camp.. He w...
(Boom! Reached my goal of 5000 words! This chapter is only based around Tenn though since it was getting too long and I didn't want to keep you waiting. - AR OS )
Tenn's POV: ____________________________________
As I sat with my back against the tree near the riverbank, I couldn't help but feel guilt about what just happened, I watched as the water flowed steadily, its currents creating mesmerizing ripples and patterns on the surface. The gentle sound of the river helped soothe my troubled thoughts. But the guilt kept gnawing at me, and I couldn't help but replay the events in my mind.
"I should have been there for her," I whispered to myself, my voice barely audible over the sounds of nature.
The memory of Mariana's fear-stricken expression haunted me. I hated myself for leaving her alone, even if it was just for a moment.
I sat against the tree for a while, just looking at the surrounding nature.. the trees looked like the ones that surrounded my neighborhood back home.. wait what? why does this world feel so much like home? Is there some sort of correlation? shit.. this is making my head hurt.
My empty stomach gnawed at me, a constant reminder of my fuck up when I decided not to eat some of the rations. But now is not the time to think about what I could have done, Now I've got to be strong about finding a way out of these GODDAMN WOODS and reuniting with Mariana!
I slowly got back on my feet, I took off my hoodie and tried to wring out as much water as I possibly could before putting it back on, I brushed off the dirt from my pants before looking ahead... Could... I do this? by myself?
Seems like I don't have a choice though, it's either that or starve here.
I took a step forward, then another...
I can't give up yet!
---1 Hour Later---
My steps were cautious, my eyes scanning my surroundings for any signs of movement. but this was becoming difficult as I pushed on due to my empty stomach. The terrain started to change, a gradual incline leading to what looked like a pretty big hilltop. I looked at it for a bit before deciding to climb it, hoping to get a better vantage point. Maybe I'd be able to spot something useful from there.
With every step upward, my anticipation grew. Finally, I reached the top and paused to catch my breath. My eyes widened at the sight that greeted me.
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(not exactly how it looks but you get the point. btw its still midday)
In the distance, a sprawling lake captured my attention, its waters shimmering under the bright sky Nestled alongside the lake was a town that seemed to blend right into the landscape. The buildings were typical of any small American town, forming a cozy and familiar community. My view from the hilltop offered a glimpse of this place, I could see an average-sized neighborhood scattered about, Some outlets with busy stores judging by the full parking lots, A elementary, Middle, And high school, a hotel near the lake, a very big supermarket, A Fire station, a couple of restaurants, and a moderate size Drive-in movie theater far back near the hilly area, and the surrounding area was either forest. Of course, there were more but I could make out what they were from where I was standing due to the surrounding forest and farmland
