Something Brighter

Part Two: Forest

Phil's POV: What's going on? Why does it feel like I can't catch my breath? I feel so...trapped. I'm locked in a cage and there is no way I can get out. I want to run but my feet are stuck to the ground as if it is cement. I call out. But nothing returns my wails. I don't know what this is I want it to stop. The cage shakes. I am frozen in fear. A muffled blast overturns the metal prison and I am flung about. When the cage settles, I spot an opening that I can crawl through. "Safe" I thought to myself. I step out onto the hard ground slightly bruised and battered, but still in commission. Where am I? The air smells damp. Like how it does after it rains. Maybe that blast was a quake of thunder? It's dark but the stars illuminate the ground in front of me. I think I am in a field. I am alone. Only darkness and cold surround me. I venture forward to find shelter. I don't know what to hide from but I have a feeling I should. I have been walking for while. Wait, are those trees? I quicken my step and venture towards them in hopes of finding something. Anything. I can hear thunder begin to rumble somewhere. I need somewhere to stay and fast. I quicken my walk until I am finally in a run. Right as I reach the trees a bolt of lightning tears the sky as an accompanying roar of thunder shakes every thing around me. By now I have stumbled a few yards into what seems to be a forest. As cool drops of water splash around me I find a small clump of about 5 large trees and decided to shelter here. I rested my back against the firm trunk and took a deep breath. I think I can sleep now. As my eyes begin to shut I hear a wail. A bright flash obscures my vision I look up too see a branch gravitating towards me. No this can't...I...my vision is...fading.