Accepted

The race of survival

My heart thuds rapidly in my chest as i tear through the thick undergrowth. I continue jogging for countless hours before deciding to catch my breath. Glancing around nervously I conclude that I have run far enough to be safe for at least tonight.

After briefly scouting the area, i choose a sheltered location that is shrouded in concealing shrubs to bed down in for the night. Falling asleep was to far fetched to hope for tonight, so I simply nestle up close to the rough tree trunk to watch the moon dance across the sky.

By the time morning has come I am battling to keep my eyes open, however i force myself to trudge on. Exhaustion is setting in by mid-morning, and my legs are beginning to feel like lead weights sucking me down. I lean against a tall tree for a second to catch my breath, but instead end up collapsing in a heap on the ground. 

The rich aroma of rotting leaves fills my nostrils as i slowly begin to regain consciousness. As i return to my senses I realize that many hours have passed since i dozed off.

My tongue traces the outline of my dry, chapped lips, but it is to no avail as water is scarce in these woods. Listening intently i can hear that there are no rivers in earshot and after surveying the land, I come to the conclusion that there are no tell-tale signs signifying there is a nearby water source. In fact I could hear no bird life at all, witch was odd as this area is generally abundant in wildlife. It was quiet at that moment... Too quiet.

Straining all my senses i can detect nothing, alas i am certain something or someone is out there. a chill runs down my spine, that is when i know that i must get out of here... and quickly. with my eyes flickering constantly from place to place, I set out toward a downhill slope i had seen earlier. I figure that if i am going to find water, this is where it is going to be.

I look up and can't see the sky, I am in a particularly dense patch of forest at the moment. Crunch... It was faint, but i am certain that i heard it. Lurching forwards i sprint through the trees and shrubs as fast as I can. After what feels like a long time, i begin to slow down my pace, although i still feel uneasy. Darkness is slowly beginning to engulf my surroundings, but i continue to run through the grey haze regardless of the fact that i am starting to stumble on twigs and roots. 

I want to put as much distance as possible between myself and whatever was following me today. due me barley being able to make out my surroundings anymore, i decide that when i come across a suitable pitstop i will make camp for the night. Squinting my eyes in order to see as best i can, I glance around the underbrush. 

Arhhhhhhh, I cry out in pain as i feel my knee being torn open.