The Forest

Chapter One - Runaway

I've had enough.

I ran out of my room and bolted down the stairs. I crashed out of the front door without hesitation and continued running as the door was still swung open behind me. I didn't care. I just want to be gone. Out of this house. Away from here. Anywhere but here.

I ran toward the forest. My favorite place. I ran until my lungs gave out and I couldn't run anymore. I collapsed by a the trunk of a beautiful oak tree with "A + T" carved in a heart. I was out of breath. Everything was really green. The sun was shining and I took a breath of the fresh forest air. My house was out of sight. I needed water. I needed rest. My eyes were heavy, and they fell shut.

I awoke from what seemed to be a 30 second nap as I gasped for air. Was that a nightmare? It was pitch black and I had remembered where I was and why I was here. I looked up past the tall trees and saw the stars. How long was I sleeping? What time is it? It was colder than before. I was only wearing a t-shirt and jeans. My tennis shoes were caked in dirt and the bottom of my right pant leg was torn. As soon as I recollected myself, I knew I needed to keep going.

I got back on my feet and looked down at my arms. Purple bruises were scattered all over them as if they were painted on. My face turned red with anger. Then it felt flushed and a single tear rolled down my cheek. I needed to move on. I needed to move on! I continued my walk farther into the forest.

I was cold but there was also something sending a shiver down my spine. I started to feel faint with a lack of water, but I kept walking. I had nothing on me. No bag of clothes, food, water, or even a cell phone. It was only me. I began feeling a bit weaker. Then I swear I heard my name in a whisper:

"Benjamin"

"Nobody calls me that!" I snapped at the voice, not even being phased by who said it.

"Benjamin" the voice whispered again. It was clearly female.

I looked all around me and saw no one. Frustrated, I began to run. I wanted to be alone. Away from everyone. By myself. Alone. I ran so fast I didn't care how weak I felt. I wanted to be alone. I came to a hill and just kept running up. As I arrived near the top of the hill, I clumsily tripped on a tree root. I laid there in pain for a few seconds until I heard a sound.

Water.

For a second I felt my lips curve into a slight smile and I scampered back to my feet and over the top of the hill. I clumsily tumbled down the rest of the hill and down into a small river of flowing water. The water splashed as my legs flopped in. My pants were now soaked up to the knee, but I didn't care. I chuckled as I cupped my hands and threw them into the water. I brought the water cupped in my hands to my lips and felt the icy cold water touch them. I poured the water into my mouth and repeated this several times until my thirst was satisfied.

The wind brought a cool breeze and made me shiver. I have nothing to keep me warm. My jeans are now sopping wet and I am still only in a t-shirt. I crossed my arms and rubbed my hands over them causing friction to keep them slightly warmer than before. I need to build a fire. My stomach grumbled. And I need something to eat.