Silena(revised)

six

I dropped down on my knees. I was screaming, long and loud. My world was shattering around me. I anticipated this, but not so soon. What I felt, could not be expressed in words.

"No....!" I wept, clutching Gramma's lifeless hands. I should've known. I should've known that I'd feel the exact same way as I'd felt at the time when my parents died. I thought I could tough it all out-but I guess I was wrong. I just loved Gramma so much.

People had gathered. They were saying all sorts of things. "Did the vile witch, murder her grandmother now?" Someone asked. "Maybe she fed her poison."

"Very likely." Someone else chuckled.

Mai dragged me to a corner. Burek and Zhen looked sad. I was glad they were beside me at that time. I forced a smile witholding the pain.

"I'm so sorry, Silena. I couldn't do anything to...." Mai was consumed with grief.

"It's okay, Mai. Don't be sorry. I knew she was dying, anyway." I somehow managed an awkward chuckle. "Let me get some air."

I walked out into the open. I'm feeling claustrophobic in there. All those people, insulting my family at Gramma's deathday, they're partially right. I'm responsible for Gramma's death. I should've been a better granddaughter. All those people hating on me, must've made her age faster. But I didn't kill her! I wanted a break from all of these. I wanted to leave this place.

I began running. I ran all the way from my hut to the edge of the forest. Just one step more and I won't have to look back. I'll get lost in the woods, and live alone-peacefully. I will be content.

I dashed into the jungle. The land unknown. I had escaped it all. Of course, I would miss Zhen, Mai and Burek. But, I'd get over it eventually.
I didn't stop. I carried on. Going where my legs take me-the wind howling in my ears-

"Ack!" My legs tripped on a stray banyan root as I fell headfirst onto the ground.
"Ugh!" I groaned as I lay sprawled on the earth. A searing pain travelled up my neck. My knees are bleeding.

I stood up with support from a tree trunk. Thankfully, I could still properly walk. My head was hurting a bit but, it would pass.
Now, I started walking at a normal pace. I had come a long way for anyone who'd come searching for me. I was totally secluded amidst the tall, capering woods.

I looked around me for a place to rest. There were a lot of trees to climb up into, but I didn't want to strain my paining neck.

Suddenly, I heard a sound. "Grrrrsssshh..." Kind of a growl and a hiss. I recoiled in fear. Of course. I didn't think of wild animals. I should have brought a dagger at least. The sound seemed to be very near. I broke off a branch from a tree for self defense. Unable to think of anything else, I took off running.

I didn't know where I was going or where I had been. Even though, I could fall straight into the jaws of the animal ,where I was going-I didn't stop.

Suddenly, I felt myself lose balance and plunged beneath.

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Love,
Mirage