Love and Loss

Chapter 1:

It was after me.

I ran as fast as I could through the sinister and eerie forest. My bare feet plump and red as they were swollen from running. Rabid wolves howled at the glowing moon that lit up the dark sky. The moon was the only source of light causing my eyes to strain as I struggled to see ahead. Where am I? Am I lost? My eyes darted from tree to tree, the horrible feeling of realisation suddenly kicking in. I'm lost. Suddenly, a loud, ferocious growl sounded out causing any remaining animals to flee. My heart dropped to my stomach and my mind raced.

It had found me. Soon I would have no hope of survival.

The fear overwhelmed me as I searched for something, anything that could help.

That was when I heard it. The quiet sound of running water. A stream. I raced towards the sound. Slowly, the trees began to clear and the sounds from the stream grew louder. My eyes opened wide as my suspicions were confirmed. In front of me, was the key to my survival. Looking ahead, I saw a small stream was flowing gently. A few silver fish swimming in the clear water.

The stream flowed from a calm freshwater spring. Above the spring, was a small waterfall that flowed fast hitting the water below hard. A narrow rock ledge jutted out from the side of the waterfall. I stepped into the river, the ice-cold water up to my knees. Once I was in front of the ledge, I crouched down underneath it hugging my knees close to my chest. My chin now barely above the water, I hoped that the beast would not be able to track me through it.

I was holding my breath and my body was paralysed with fear. Then everything went silent. All I could hear was the gentle flowing of the stream and the quick pounding of my violently thumping heart. Slowly, I stuck my head out from under the ledge and looked around. It was as if it was never there. I gripped onto the ledge and pulled myself up into a standing position. I didn't believe it. It couldn't just be gone.

Could it?