Camp Half Hannah

Don't Sleep in Trees

I dream of flying over vast canyons, then falling in to a deep pit which looks extremely like a mouth. I wake on the dirt in the middle of the camp forest, all the breath knocked out of me and my head feeling as if someone threw a brick at me .

"Why am I out here?" I ask myself aloud. I lay there for several more minutes thinking. I faintly remembered coming out here to watch the forest. I had been frazzled by yesterdays events. I must have been sitting on a tree branch. A low one, I think, or else I could have been hurt even worse, could have had broken a bone. Or do I already? I attempt to stand up, but can hardly handle my weight. I stumble and fall on my butt again pain runs up my body.

I gasp then call out. "Does anyone out there want to help?" Although I know the yell is unheard. I lay on the ground looking at the cloudless sky for what I can guess is thirty minutes.

I need to get up. I need to go back to the pavilion. I'm not sure if it's my need for people or pain or my growling tummy that urges me to get up. I concentrate on the ground, trying to bring up a branch that would work as a crutch. I gasp in pain as I rest my foot on the ground. I pull the crutch to me and rest my weight on it. I stand there, preparing myself for the trip back. This would have been extremely difficult had my mother not been Demeter. Than there'd be no plant assistance for me! Lift the stick, set it down, and hop. Repeat. I do this utill I reach the end of the forrest. I look around for help, but see that everyone is all the way at the camp fire for breakfast.

"HELLO!? Is anyone here? No?" I say my voice receding as I speak. Why is it when you need help no one's there to help, but when you don't everyone's in your way? Sighing as I hobble up the hill, I see a bird and get distracted. While distracted, I set the stick on a rock, sending me off balance. Then land flat on my face. Not a very good landing. I can't help the tears of complete frustration and I know my face is red. My frustration gets to me too easily. I should not get angry or cry because of this. I remind myself. I feel pressure being put on my shoulder and whip around, ready to attack. The flowers on my crown dies in surprise.

"Oh hey! Don't randomly combust those flowers there girl. Calm down!" says Ava putting her hands behind her head in surrender. I laugh with relief.

"What happened to you? We were worried when you did not come back last night! Oh my gosh! Your leg!" she says looking me up and down.

"I may have fallen asleep in a tree and dropped down," I say, embarrassed.

"Again? Well, come on then, lets get you fixed up before Chiron explodes," she sighs in exasperation.

She helps me limp along and after several minutes we arrive at the big house.