What Is Left

The Burnt Forest

Olivia trudged along in the mix of mud and ash. Her boots sink with each step, making loud squishing noises. She worried that the noise would give her away, but only for a moment. She was in the middle of nowhere and wouldn't someone finding her be a good thing? They could have food or know what is going on.
The dead trees are what worried her the most. Burnt and black, these trees loomed over her like skeletons. They were ready to fall and claim her life, maybe she wanted that secretly. Something quick to take her from the world she desperately is trying to survive.
If this is the end of me, she thought, would I have to die alone? Would my quest be over?
The only thing that kept her going was the thought of her parents waiting and searching for her. They left her alone to search for food a week ago and never came back.
They couldn't be lost, the burnt trees don't hide much and the home they left her at was on top a hill. So easy to spot. No they must be hurt. She had to find them and help them.
Most homes had burned down but some skeletons still stood in random places. Olivia pauses as she spots one. It still stands, walls intact for the most part. The roof caved in from a fallen tree but the walls withstood it. She would be safe for the night in there. So that is where she will stay.
As she trudged into the home , she looked around and frowned at the sight of pink streamers.
It had been almost a year since she has even thought of the color pink. It wasn't her favorite color but the sight of it made her smile. A table had been set up as if a child had a party. A burnt teddy bear and cracked doll sit on the same chair while three others stand empty.
That's when Olivia realized something.
The streamers would of burned. The table would of been broken.
She then spots the small footprints in the ash. She wasn't alone.