Ethel

Boy oh Boy

I never moved around the woods much, but now it wasn't an option. I was being forced into other parts of the thick forest. Moving with the food as they ran from predators such as myself. The disorder that broke out infecting most and leaving them for dead.
It's been hard seeking food with beating hearts and running blood. And with moving from place to place, I didn't have time to plant and grow edible food--not that I knew how to anyway.

So here I found myself at the edge of the forest hunting a scrawny squirrel who had no idea that it would harbor no life soon. A few old crumbling buildings coming into view as I balance on a thick tree branch, covered by the creature's view. A bow as my weapon.
The squirrel sat upon a tinier branch not to far from mine. I aimed a wooden arrow at it as it was distracted with cracking a type of nut. Keeping my moves slow and quiet as to not move any leaves that would cause me my lunch.
Just as I was about to release the pointy stick, noise echoed throughout the air before fading into silence. Cursing as I watched the squirrel scurry across into another tree farther away. Sighing I looked for the cause of my misfortune. Just as I was about to look away, shouts could be heard along with heavy foot steps that slammed into the concrete floor. Just two buildings away a young boy stepped out of a giant hole that was made at the side of what once was a market. Two others not far behind joining him. Faces of rage and determination clouding there faces. They seemed such older then the boy, one was holding a bat.
Somehow the one without the bad caught up with the boy and tackled him. Fists were thrown before the bat guy caught up, who started to take a swing at the boy. Hitting him right on his left thigh, just as the other gave kick after kick. At this point the boy was just trying to block the hits from doing as much damage. I think I was frozen to the fact that it was the first time in years that I had seen another human being. And to the fact that I was witnessing such an act. I knew I shouldn't have been shocked, because truth was people did so much worse now and days.
Something shiny caught my eye as the male without the bat, took out a small pocket knife. Without thinking I aimed my bow at him, shooting a clean shot through his leg. A piercing scream filling the air. Loading another arrow to shoot again. Bat guy had stopped when his friend was shot and the boy on the ground lied unmoving. Aiming again but at the other guy, who was looking around for the shooter instead on his buddy who was bleeding a satisfying amount. I got him on his shoulder, the tip buried in his flesh. A look of pain and fear flashing across his face before running away. His friend limping after him.
When I was sure they had left I climbed down the branch not so gracefully. My legs felt like jelly. Although I've shot things I've hadn't hurt another human before. And I refused for my past to creep on me.
As I crept forward the opening, a strange pang of emotion overcame me. One that made me want to run to the boy. But instead I made my way over slowly.
As soon as I was at his side, I took in how he looked. Brown hair that was matted with blood, and pale skin that would be decorated with bruises. He looked around the same age as myself except younger at the same time. His breathing was steady and his face looked calm.

Before attempting to drag him I gave our surrounding a quick scan, making sure the two males had really left. Wrapping my arms under his arms, heaving him up with a grunt so his weight could somewhat be on me. Almost losing my balance, I began our journey through the forest slowly dragging an unconscious boy. Just my luck.