Utterly Lost

Stumbling over roots protruding from the ground, I ran towards what seems to be a clearing just ahead. Overhanging branches snagged at my clothes and my hair, but I yanked myself free from their clutches. I continued to fight my way through the underbrush, trying to find my way out of this endless darkness. How many days has it been since I saw another soul in this curst forest? I was not sure. Day and night seemed the same in this shadowland. And it was not pleasant.

A few more feet, and I would be free. A few more steps, and I would be with people again. Or not.

I fell forward into the clearing, scraping the palms of my hands on the rocks and twigs on the ground. Slowly rising to my feet, I looked at my surroundings and my hopes sank. There was no sign of civilization, no town, and certainly no people. It was merely a small clearing.

I turned around slowly, absorbing every little detail I could see. I wanted to find something, anything, that would give me some indication that I was going in the right direction. I wanted to find a path, a way out of this forest. I have been trapped for days, perhaps even weeks. And I did not know how to end this torment.

I was utterly lost, and there was no way out.

~ A