20 - Lost

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Lost - unable to find one's way; not knowing one's whereabouts. Denoting something that has been taken away or cannot be recovered.

When Azzi and Aubrey had combed the area surrounding the bathrooms, she had diligently noted everything in the area that could serve as a hiding spot, a potential hazard or something to mark their position by. The organizer in her swore by preparedness and structure had done everything to make sure that if in emergency, she would feel in control.

After exploring every nook and cranny in the open court area, Azzi and Aubrey had locked up the gate and gathered with the rest of their team at the gym. All the campers were inside as well as the volunteers and staff, some of them occupying the kids with snacks and some activities. Walking over to where their team was huddled together as well the coaches and security staff, Azzi squeezed between Caroline and Ines to stand in front of Geno.

"We'll find them." He reassured her, but the only response he got was a small nod. Gesturing the group, Geno pointed out various area on the map as he explained. "We've got this part of the property already covered. I need you all to find a partner and search the areas I will be assigning you all. Every inch of it needs to be covered. If you find something or one of them, you blow this whistle." He showed them the whistles before distributing them to each one of them, "You will blow the whistle twice and wait for a signal or help to find you. The forest rangers are going to take the outer perimeter of your search areas while the rest of us stay here and coordinate teams. Any questions?"

"Where is my whistle?" Azzi asked, looking around not liking how obvious it was that Geno wants her to stay behind. "I can help search for them coach."

"Az, I think it's best that you stay here with us and let the others do it. I don't want you to further injure yourself." The finality in his voice almost made Azzi to drop all her protests but the guilt she felt was stronger.

"Please coach? Alice and Jordyn know me. They know I would be looking for them." She pointed out, before motioning to her knee, "and I'm fine. I'm in a crutches right now but I can still help find them. I swear I'll be careful." The pleading on her voice was evident and all of her teammates shared a sympathetic look. If Geno wouldn't let her, she knew she wouldn't be able to suppress the disappointment she felt towards herself. "Please sir?"

"I'm pairing you with Caroline until Paige and Kk finishes checking all the equipment storage spaces. Your section is on the open field and border theirs. Search both of them. Aubrey can go with Ice, Amari, you and Ines, Ayana go with Q, Jana and Aaliyah and Nika you can go with Ashlyn." Everyone nodded, "alright, you can head out. One long whistle blast means return to here."

Azzi was surprised when Geno let her go, she jumped when Carol grab her hand and she turned to see her offer a tight smile. Taking the whistle, she led the way to the direction of the open field. When they were far enough away from the other teams, she let go of Carol's hand and they spread out so that they were still close but far apart enough to cover all the area. Glancing overhead, Azzi noticed that the sky had darkened further even though it was only just after 4o'clock. She felt the shade of the trees send shivers down her spine but her concern was in places other than her migraine and aching muscles. Adjusting the crutches under her arms before pulling her sweatshirt down, she tried to protect her knees from the branches and shrubs she brushed out of her way.

"We should have grabbed flashlights," Caroline remarked from a few feet away. Azzi shrugged and kept her eyes trained on the ground in front of her as she scanned every bush and every tree in her path.

"The areas aren't that big. We'll be back before it gets dark."

"What if we don't find them by then?" Carol asked, her voice even and sounding curious instead of negative. Azzi refused to consider the possibility of not finding them.

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⏰ Last updated: Nov 16 ⏰

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