The Phoenix Girl

4. The Discovery

Campsis sat on her bed, her forehead beaded in sweat. Breathing heavily, she repeated to herself. Again. And Again.

"It was just a dream". 

It was 6:30 in the morning, and she had to get ready for school. Slowly, she got out of her small bed.

It had been 3 years since her parents and her older sister had gone missing. She could only assume it had something to do with her parents old friend... the one who made them fly in the air because of some windstorm earlier in her past. 

"Friday," Campsis told herself. "Today is Friday. Huh. Well, i should probably call mom and dad and ask them what movie we are gonna watch for Friday Movie Night!". Campsis told herself with a sad smile. She missed her family so much. 

Her parents and sister were the only 3 people Campsis believed cared about her. If you were to look at her life, you might think so as well. Campsis lived in a small hut she built herself after the kidnap of her family. She had some money left and used it for her education, and food. When she wasn't at school, she was working as a florist, since it was all she could afford. 

Campsis got out of bed and started getting ready for school. She grabbed her backpack and headed off. 

On the way to school, there was a trail into the forest, which ended by the outside rim of her school's field. Everyday she took that route. She loved it, especially in autumn, like it was now. The trail was covered in leaves the color of amber, burgundy, yellow, green and orange. The trees looked a vivid orange, red and yellow, like the sunset, which is why Campsis loved this place so much. 

It was quite. 

Very quiet. 

Campsis never remembered the forest to be so quiet before. 

"Maybe it's just the weather, or some construction going around. Maybe the animals want to hide". 

And she was right. 

But the animals weren't hiding from any weather. Or construction. 

Campsis heard a rustle of leaves behind her. 

Her heart skipped a beat as she whipped her head around, breathing becoming rapid. 

"Who's there!" she shouted. 

There were too many trees for her to see anyone, even if they were hiding. The drop-dead silence was broken with a ear-piercing scream. 

Campsis jumped, and started running. Her feet hit the ground as if the ground were lava - she was running so fast. A sickening feeling crawled into her stomach. She didn't want to believe it, but she knew it was true.

 Someone was looking for her.

And there was no one to help her.