Naked and covered in mud, I felt mighty and strong like a wild beast. Nothing could stop and capture me. I almost roared, but I couldn’t give away my position.
Run!
And I could be running to my demise.
I could be racing to the edge of the cliff to only fall and crash.
I could be speeding to another captor, a bigger monster.
I could die in the next step.
In this forest, some animal with sharp claws and teeth could jump out and devour me.
But it will be my choice! Mine. All fucking mine!
I’d been chased before. By the police. By people with more power and weapons than me. By other men. Each time, I sprinted fast away. Each time, I hid. Each time, I found shelter in the oddest places.
I’ll make it this time too. I’m a fucking beast!
Deep within the forest, I no longer heard Cain’s screaming.
That may be good. . .or bad.
Something touched my leg. I screamed and rushed forward. I looked down and saw that it was only a leaf stuck to my ankle.
Keep running.
Time passed.
The rain stopped.
I didn’t know how long I ran.
After a while, I slowed down and caught my breath.
I don’t even know where the hell I am.
A twig cracked near me.
What’s that? An animal? Noah? Cain?
I cowered low by a tree, hugged myself, and shook in fear.
A woman laughed and spoke in an odd accent. “Trevor, those are not psychedelic mushrooms.”
A man responded with a chuckle. “But they could be.”
“I know mushrooms,” she said. “Those are not it.”
Shivering behind the tree, I peeked out.
The couple strolled by in hooded rain jackets. The guy was black. That must have been Trevor. He was slim and tall. He held a covered basket in his hand.
The woman held his other hand. She might have been Hispanic, although I couldn’t place the accent. She had long brownish red hair and a curvy frame.
Trevor chuckled again. “Let’s eat a few and see.”
“No way. Are you crazy? You can’t just pick things from the forest and eat it.”
“But it’s all natural.”
“Yet, you must have a great respect for nature or you’ll die from it.”
“Just one nibble, Libby.”
“We’re not eating anything until we get back to camp and check with Gary.”
Trevor sighed. “Gary doesn’t know everything.”
“Gary knows this forest.”
Then I want to meet Gary.
Nervous, I stood. “Excuse me!”
They both jumped back and spun around.
Trevor jumped in front of Libby as if trying to protect her from any oncoming harm. His other hand held the basket in front. “Where did that come from?”
I waved my muddy hand and kept the tree in front of me to hide my nudity. “It’s me. Over here!”
Even though the rain had washed a lot of mud away, dirt still caked and coated parts of my body. I must’ve looked like some prehistoric ancient creature.
“Oh no,” she mumbled.
“Sorry to bother you, but. . .” I cleared my throat. “I need help.”
With their eyes popped open and mouths wide, they took one step forward.
“I don’t know where I am.” I gripped the tree hard. “I’m naked and scared. Could I use your phone or get a ride to the closest road?”
Trevor handed Libby the basket. “Yes. You can use my phone, but service this far out is bad. There’s better service back at camp.”
I shivered. “How far is that?”
“We’ll show you.” Trevor unzipped his jacket and took it off. “You can wear this.”
“Yes.” Libby bobbed her head. “It’s only a five-minute walk.”
Holding his jacket in front of him, Trevor walked over to the tree. “Here.”
I was scared to let him get so close, but I took a step out on faith. I extended my hand and took the jacket. “Thank you.”
Trevor turned his gaze away and remained on the other side of the tree. “What happened to you?”
“It was a rough week.” I put on the big jacket and zipped it up. “I’m going to get this dirty but I’ll make sure to—”
“Keep it.” Trevor shook his head. “You look like my sister, Tiffany. I’m freaking out right now. How did you get out this far?”
Libby’s voice cracked. “Why are you naked?”
Now dressed in the jacket, I walked around the tree. “I was brought out here and. . .kept.”
“Oh no.” She spoke, “We should call the police.”
I shook my head. “I just need to use the phone. I know someone that will come out here to get me. Where are we, anyway?”
“Serenity Forest.” He held his hand out. “I’m Trevor.”
“Nice to meet you.” I shook his hand. “I’m Phoenix.”
Staying back, she awkwardly waved. “I’m Libby.”
“Nice to meet you too.”
Trevor gestured forward. “Our camp is this way. I’ll give you my phone there.”
“Thank you.”
“Wow.” Libby shook her head. “You scared the shit out of me.”
I checked over my shoulder, making sure Cain or Noah wasn’t near. “I’m just glad you two happened to be out here.”