Now that I'm on my own out here; I've got a chance I never thought I would get. I am going to find out if all those stories my dad told are real rather I like it or not. I hope they were all lies because if they weren't id be dead by nightfall.
I heard multiple howls in the distance to me left. I stood for a moment looking in that direction. If I'm lucky it was just the wind or my mind is just playing with me. I heard the howls again, but it sounded was closer this time. Of course I wasn't that lucky. So I did the only thing I could do; I ran in the opposite direction. It seemed like every step I took the howls got closer. Within just a few strides the trees of the forest engulfed me.
As I ran I looked over my shoulder and see a pack of what looked like wolves but, I wasn't sure; their size threw me off. In earth science we learned that wolves usually stood around 2.5 feet tall; the ones chasing me were way larger than that. Regardless, I wasn't going to stick around to size them up. I ran faster, and as I did more tree limbs scratched at my hands as I attempted to keep them out of my face. That wasn't working to well though because I could feel a stream of blood slowly making its way down my cheek.
The wolves were closing in behind me and my options are pretty limited. I have no weapons to fight back with and even if I have a weapon there were at least 5 of them; I wouldn't stand a chance. I can't keep running either. My legs are starting to feel like jelly; if I run much longer my legs will probably give out. So, the only option left was up. I have to climb. I haven't ever climbed before but, hey you know what they say 'There's no time like the present.'
I jump onto the nearest tree. I grab branch after branch trying to pull myself up. As I was climb I go to rest my foot on a branch, I guess it couldn't support my weight, 'Snap!' I scream and cling to the branch above me with both hands. As I swing in midair I look down and see the wolves snapping at my feet. I could hear them snarling and their teeth chopping together. I try to pull my feet up but, top record for pull ups is 3.
My arms shake and burn, but finally with all my might I pull myself up and straddle the limb I was holding onto. I carefully back up on the limb until my back is to the trunk of the tree and shut my eyes. "Shit! Shit! Shit! That was way to close!" My body is flooding with adrenaline. I feel my shirt clinging to my sweat soaked body as I struggle to catch my breath. I can hear my heart pounding in my ears and I can feel it racing in my chest. I thought my heart was about to pop out like in one of those old cartoons books my grandmother gave me when I was younger.
"Go away!" I shout at them, but it doesn't seem to faze them on bit. I was angry, tired, and sore; I just want to scream. Then it occurs to me I could scream seeing as no one would hear me or tell me to stop. I take in a deep breath, look down at the wolves and wail at the top of my lungs. To my surprise the bear sized wolves went quite and looked around at each other with uncertainty.
Even though my yelling shut them up they still circle the tree with hungry eyes staring up at me. I take this time to look myself over and as far as I can tell nothing is broken I just had a bunch of scratches. My hair must have fallen out of the bun at some point when I was running and now it remains in a very loose ponytail.
I glance down at the wolves again and a black one attempts to jump up the tree. I hear its claws scrapping off bark as it slides down. Then out of nowhere it lets out a deafening howl. It was so high pitched I press my hands to my ears and squeeze my eyes shut. It feels like someone was sticking needles in my ears and I scream out in pain. Once they finally stop howling I uncover my ears and open my eyes. I look down at them to see the wolves are finally leaving. I want to jump up and down with excitement but I don't dare move in fear of it drawing them back.
Once the pack is no longer visible I let out a breath I didn't know I was holding in. I lean the back of my head against the tree and, once again close my eyes trying to relax. However, I have a important decision to make should stay here or keep moving? Either way I'm not getting much sleep tonight. I look to the sky and see its starting to turn black making me aware I have been pinned in the tree for hours. If I leave the wolves might hear me and if it's dark who knows what else could come creeping out. I close my eyes and try to relax; deciding I'm better off just staying here for the night. That's easier said than done though.
Every little snap of a twig or rustle of a leaves had my eyes flying open. Not to mention my mind was racing with all the things I'll never get to do. I'll never eat my mom's lasagna. I'll never celebrate another birthday. I'll never have another pointless conversation with Kida. I'll never get my first kiss. I'll never see anyone I loved every again. Hell. I might never see another human being again for that matter. Tears began to run down my cheeks as I try to come to terms with these realities.
I try to stop crying, but that only makes me cry harder. I eventually drift off for a few seconds but, then the fear of falling out of the tree wakes me back up. I wasn't one to toss and turn much in my sleep, but one wrong movement, no matter how small, could send me plummeting to the ground. Needless to say it was a sleepless night.
Many hours later the sun starts to rise telling me it's the start of a new day and I know I can't stay here. So, I slowly and carefully climb down the tree. Once my feet are firmly on the ground I pick a direction and start walking. I don't know where I'm going, but I know staying in that tree isn't going to do me any good. Every noise I hear sends a jolt of adrenalin though my veins.
I take a few breaks as I walk. My stomach is growling, my throat is dry, and I'm struggling to keep my eyes open. With every stagger though the forest aimlessly, but desperately finding some place to sleep even if it's just for a little while. Then once I'm rested I can go searching for food and water.
After hours of walking; I see a cave in the distance. I jog over to the entrance of the cave and look inside, but it's too dark to see if anything is in there. I look around, find a rock and throw it hard against the inside of the cave. I prepare to bolt incase I scare out whatever could possibly be in it. I give it a few minutes, but nothing comes out so I assume it's safe to go in. I walk into the cave and sit down. The sun is starting to go down so I decide to stay here. All I could do was hope that if anything lives here it decides to stay somewhere else tonight. I was about drift off to sleep when I see a light in the distance. Part of me says not to be dumb and to just stay here, but the more powerful, curious part of me pulls me to my feet.
I climb out of the cave and sneak towards the light. What do I have to lose after all; plus, the light wasn't too far away either. So, I'll sneak over to the source and check it out and if it's nothing then I'll sneak back to the cave. No big deal. After a few minutes of walking I approach the area where the light was coming from. To my surprise I come upon a clearing similar and I'm surrounded by luminescent blue, green, and purple butterflies. Once I realize there isn't much to fear I step into the center of the clearing admiring them all.
I held out my arms and seconds later one landed in my index finger. I wide grin spreads across my face and I marvel at its light and simple beauty. A small giggle escaped my lips. 'Amazing' I think to myself. I had never heard of anything like these back in the compound. All they told us were about all the things that could kill us. Maybe they were wrong about the Outlands; maybe not everything out here was so nightmarish. Maybe there was more beauty than crudeness. I wouldn't have put it past the Board to tell us only the bad things just to keep us in line. I brought the butterfly closer to my face to admire it more closely; then I saw nothing.
