(Note: All dreams, flashbacks and letters will be in italics)
Breathing in the clear, light-blue air, I continue to follow the small saboni. Abrubtly, I halt in my tracks as it lifts it's small head and sniffs the air. I hold my breath as I pray it won't detect my scent and run away. Once a saboni starts to run, you'll never catch it and my family desperately needs the meat since we're going to need the strength.
Today we are starting the long trek to the Cold Cabin, which will keep us cool in the summer heat that's sure to start in a matter of weeks. Already the trees are starting to grow their thin layers of white skin that will offer some protection against the Light-star's heated ray's.
Soon the saboni lowers it's head and continues to hunt for food. Taking my chance, I lift my short spear and aim it at the creatures heart. With one swift movement, I take the saboni down and watch sadly as the body goes limp. I always hated hunting, unlike my brother, who is always eager to show off his skill. Quickly I pick up the still warm body and start trudging back to our Warm Cabin, where me and my family stay during the cold months.
My foot-steps quicken as the cabin comes into my view. My dad is already out front, checking to make sure we have everything ready and packed in our large backpacks.
"Where's mom?" I ask.
"Inside. Did you catch anything?" he responds without looking up.
"Last saboni of the season," I respond proudly.
"Good job! Those are pretty hard to catch this time of year. Must of had a good teacher," he says with a wink.
I roll my eyes and heave a sigh before asking, "Does the 'good teacher' know where I should put this?"
" Just put it out back and I'll get Kile to skin it after," he answers.
"When are we leaving?" I ask as I start to walk around the side of the cabin.
"Probably early tomorrow morning, why?"
"Just wondering," I say.
Once I place the meat out back, I go through the back door in search of my mom. As soon as I enter, I smell the tangy scent of fresh fruit.
"Is that rooseberry? It's kind of early to be seeing those already," I comment as I walk up behind her.
"Yeah, your brother found them when he was wandering through the woods near Croonie river. I might add that he was supposed to be packing his bags," my mom smiles with a twinkle in her eye. "Speaking of which, do you know where he is. It's his turn to skin tonight and I'd rather not have dinner at moonlight again," she chuckles.
"I'll go out and look for him. Again," I exclaim with an exasperated sigh.
"No need, I'm already here," a voice says behind me. Jumping around, I turn to see the smirking face of my brother.
"You have to stop doing that! You nearly gave me a heart-attack," I shout.
"Oh, relax," he says while snatching a handful of berries.
"Why don't you save some berries for the rest of us and go skin the saboni your sister got for dinner," my mom scolds while shooing him out the door.
Sighing, I begin to help my mom with supper. Tomorrow can't come soon enough.
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In the morning, we all set off on the winding path towards our home for the warm months. Like usual, my mind starts to wander as my legs get into a rhythm and my feet go on auto-pilot. My family and I have been living iscolated for as long as I remember. My parents claim that life in the big cities are dangerous and should be avoided. It may be hard to believe now, but both my parents used to live in the capital: Carsha. As soon as they were married, they moved out here and built the cabins that we still use today. Sometimes I wonder how life in the wild is any safer than life in the city but my parents are pretty convincing so for now I plan to stay where I am. Still, my daydreams are usually about leaving this place and going to the city, seeing what's actually out there. I fall into one of these daydreams as we continue to trudge along the muddy path.
Everything is fine until my head starts to pound. I hold in a groan. Although I had been hoping that these aweful headaches were done, they were back. Disguising my pain, I continue to follow my dad, who is leading us forwards. Usually, the headaches only last a couple hours at most, but this one just seems to grow. I'm just about to ask for a break when I trip on a rock and my vision goes black.
When I open my eyes, I'm looking out at a horrific scene. Flames lick at tall buildings and the wide roads are cracked and filled with debris. Waves of people are running towards a closing bridge. Some stay behind, screaming for lost loved ones. Gazing behind me, I see a small girl standing over a limp body. A single tear streaks down her face. I start to go over to her but stop in my tracks as I recognize her face. That girl is me. Just as I'm about to go to talk to her, or the younger version of me, a lady comes up behind her. Even though I'm too far to be able to hear, the lady's words seem to echo in my ears.
"Don't worry," she assures," It will be okay. Why don't you come with me? I'll make sure your safe, okay?"
My shrill reply seems to echo even louder.
"I did this. It was me, It was all me!" The last statement is shouted and rattles around my head as I slowly wake up.
"She's alive!" my brother exclaims sarcastically.
I'm lying down in my own bedroom. Apparently, I was out so long, they carried me all the way to Cold Cabin.
"How are you feeling, honey?" my mom asks, concern filling her eyes.
"I'm fine, just a liitle confused," I respond.
"You were walking behind you dad and then you were face first on the ground. When you didn't get up, we sat you up and waited for a while. Eventually, we had to get going so your dad carried you. Are you sure your fine? Do you need anything?" my mom explains.
"I'm fine. Do you guy's need any help? I can go hunting or clean or cook or anything really," I assure.
"I don't think you should do anything. Just stay in bed and relax. If anyone needs help I'm sure Kile can do the job," my mom say's as Kile groans in the background.
"Aww, come on, there's got to be something I can do!" I plead.
Sighing, my mom finally complies and sends me to go clean out the celler. Not exactly what I was thinking, especially since it hasn't been used in twenty years, but oh well. Descending the dank staircase is scary because I keep expecting something to jump out at me. Once I get to the bottom, I light my lantern and set it on an old, rusty table. Boxes are stacked in every corner and a musty smell fills the air. Reaching out to grab the first box, I see a small piece of paper flutter to the ground. I pick it up and read it to myself. This is what it says;
"Dear, Forfotten Girl
Don't worry. You will be okay and so will we. You did nothing wrong, it's not your fault. I know you will survive and one day, maybe you'll come back to us. To me. I hope that by then our people can forgive you as I already have. Remember to always keep hope, never give up. Please be careful, I will see you soon. I love you!
Your Friend"
My heart seems to stop as my hands go cold and the small piece of paper falls to the ground. I am scared because I just realized that I am the Forgotten Girl and I am supposed to be alone.
