Fear The Light

Oak Tree

The thick branches at the top of the oak tree were thick and as sturdy as iron bars. I figured I would make a makeshift tree house out of it for the meantime, just to be safe.  Like any other trees the top was filled with tiny sticks and branches which I made sure to cut off. Which the sticks and rough bark removed it was smooth. Running my palm across it I made a mental note to definitely thank my grandfather for giving me his handy dandy miniature axe before I left home. Going back into my bag I pulled out what I needed from it.
Seven bunches of black climbing rope ranging in length from 15 meters to 47 meters long, twenty metal climbing clips, two tightly folded tarps; one orange and the other camo, six protein bars, two bottles of water, one pack of moist makeup wipes, a small sleeping bag, a hunting knife, a miniature axe, a jumbo box of matches, a map, a compass, and a miniature cooking set complete with palm sized egg frying pan. I pulled out one bunch of climbing rope and began to weave it into and round the sturdy branches beneath me to create a makeshift floor, making sure too leave a hidden entrance. By the time I was done I had used up two bunches of rope for the makeshift floor. Taking a deep breath my foot stepped forward onto the makeshift weaved floor with hope that I wouldn't fall through it and to my delight and surprise it was completely sturdy. I then took out the metal clips, both tarps and made a makeshift tent using the clips to connect the tarps, branches and makeshift floor together. The orange tarp was placed on the weaved floor so that I wasn't scratched by the rope and the other tarp was placed around the interior against the thick leafy branches surrounding me. So that I would be completely sheltered not just from the rain and wind but from any unwanted visitors sights as well. Once my fort was completed I stood and looked it over, the height of the fort was at least seven feet tall, five and a half feet wide around the trunk of the tree. Once I was satisfied I sat down taking my bag and poured out the content so that I could make a plan and see how long I could last if no one found me anytime soon. With what I had and my limited hunting and gathering skills I could last maybe a week if I was lucky but lately I haven't been too lucky.

Placing almost everything back inside the bag I left out a bottle of water, my sleeping bag, the hunting knife, and a protein bar. I gulped down some water and hungrily ate the protein bar before I unwrapped and laid out my sleeping bag. Sleep came quickly as I was dead tired, my eyes shutting as my fingers gripped the hunting knife. My uneasy exhaustion becoming much too strong to fight.

Dream~

The whiteness of it all blinded me for a moment as I sat on the edge of the hospital bed. I clasp my father's had as he struggled for each breath. Tears and pain flooded my lungs causing me to clutch my free hand to my chest. I was drowning. Sinking downing in a never ending ocean of pain. My father, the man who found me in the streets barely alive at just four years old, the man who took me in and gave me such a good life.
I don't remember much about the time before my father, Henry. I only remember the struggle of poverty and the constant cold that came from longing for someone I never even knew. But I had my father and that was all I needed. All too soon I was beginning to realize that I'm going to be alone again; and its getting harder to breathe.
Henry's fingers squeezed mine softly as I looked from our hands to his face. His expression was pained but so was mine.
"I am so sorry Lula, my dear."
He gasped for more air between each word.
"I never wanted you...to have...to experience anymore pain...and anymore hardship than you already...have in your life. And I am sor-"

"Dad!" I clutched his hand tighter as he coughed harder and harder not being able to take in enough air. The nurses and Doctor Stevens came into the room, rashly adjusting the oxygen amount and checking the monitors. Soon enough we were alone again. The coughing fit was over as soon as it had arrived. I dabbed at the blood, with a Kleenex around his mouth; his face blurred with tears.

"Please don't leave me!"

I cried as the beeping of the heart monitor slowed.
Beep.Beep..Beep...Beep..... Slower and slower.

Father gave me one last smile as his eyes slowly shut as his words faded out. Barely above a whisper.

"Never alone.. You'll always have your shadow"

His hand felt heavy in mine. My sight blurred with hot tears that rushed out. The sound of the heart monitor pierced my ear drums, it's long deafening ring filling the small room. Cementing his passing.