The Secrets Within.

The Chase.

The only sounds that floated into her ears were that of the colorful, autumn leaves beneath her feet and a slight rustling of the trees, as a gentle breeze blew. The sky was magnificent. It illuminated the dense forest with a pink hue, every star visible that night under the moon. She knew she had limited time. They would be questioning her whereabouts soon. This was her only solace in a busy, crowded life and these short moments were so very important to her. She exhaled a deep sigh of relief as the trees surrounded her, and she inhaled just as deeply. The smell of earth filling each nostril, sending a chill of excitement through her soul. It was like submerging herself in a warm bath. It cleansed the stress of the day. Her soft, childlike voice rang out. A southern drawl escaping her lips as she began to sing an old Native lullaby that her father taught her as a child. She closed her eyes and lost herself in the peaceful calm that nature offered. She stood motionless and reluctantly opened her eyes and took in the sight once more, before turning and making her way back to the path that lead her here.

She could see the lights in the distance and smell the wood stove burning. As she reached the cottage, she straightened her long, fitted black dress and with one swift motion, she opened the front door. "You better not have been in the forest again, Nina. We have much to do. There is no time for play. " Her mother's voice was commanding and it always made her feel uneasy. Her eyes lowered, as she glanced at the worn, wooden floor and fidgeted with her fingers momentarily. "No Ma'am", her reply was meek. "Good. Get your brothers to bed." Nodding in acknowledgment, she picked her youngest brother, Eli up and cradled him, while reaching for Kevin's hand. She lead them both into the back bedroom and tucked them in. Retreating into her own corner of the room she shared with them, she crawled out of her dress and slipped the white, lace gown over her head that her mother had set out on the bed for her earlier in the day.

She lay still waiting for sleep to engulf her. Instead, she could hear her mother in the other room. Her voice growing louder. There was a mixture of aggravation and fear in her words. There was a man's voice as well. This voice was demanding and unfamiliar and it sent her reeling into a panic. Her eyes widened in the dark room as banging sounds started to fill the house. It was as if every dish they owned was being broken and all the quaint furniture moved. Suddenly, her mother threw the door open. A wild look filled her loving eyes. She moved quickly and gracefully as she grabbed Eli and Kevin, as if to shield them from something. She then turned her head, peered over, and whispered, "Run. Do not look back. Go now!" Her breath hitched and without another thought, she opened the window and climbed out into the night air.

The darkness seemed threatening and tears started to spill onto her cheeks. Her bare feet slipped on the wet, muddy earth but she moved quickly. "Don't stop. The forest will protect you. Go quickly," the voice in her mind was screaming. Through the fields that surrounded the cottage, she ran, her heart pounding out a quick rhythm and her breath was shallow. She could see the edge of the forest now. Stopping for only a second or two to catch her breath, it was then that complete and utter darkness took over. Something was over her head and she was being lifted somehow. She kicked her feet and screamed, fighting with all the strength she had, until an unfamiliar smell filled her nose. It reminded her of the doctor's home. It smelled of medicine, and with no warning, her head started to spin and she couldn't keep her eyes open anymore.

Upon waking, the first thing that was apparent was that her body ached. It ached everywhere and it made her let out a whimper. Slowly, she opened her eyes and tried to focus on her surroundings, but everything was so fuzzy and she was completely disoriented. She blinked a few times trying to regain her composure and focus. This time, her eyes met the shape of a brooding, muscular man at the foot of the bed that she was laid upon. The horror of the situation flooded every sense. She was bound. She was completely helpless, and she screamed.

"That is unnecessary, my darling. No one will hear your cries," he demanded. Warm tears slid once more down her cheeks and she begged him, "Please. Why are you doing this? Let me go. I won't cause any problems, I just want to go home, please Sir!" His reply came quickly. His voice void of all emotion. It was deep and his accent was thick, though she couldn't tell it's origin. "You are home," and with that, he was gone.

Now that her eyes were working properly, she could clearly see this was not the cottage. This was not home. She yelled after him, "This is not home! Let me go!" In return, there was nothing. Absolutely nothing, save a deafening silence. She struggled and fought against the bindings as she wept, until sleep grasped her and pulled her into her own subconscious serenity.