Woods.

3 years ago, I lay comfortably on the roots of a small oak tree a mile away from my neighborhood. Resting on the tree, my most prized possession lay in my hands. I was reading my favorite book in the entire universe, The Notebook. As I turned the page, a breeze whispered in my ears, tickled my nose, and  kissed my lips. Fall was near. The trees had already begun to transform their pigments, hence changing the course of the seasons. I took a calm breath in and out. The strong aroma of pine and honeysuckle invaded my system. I glanced around, admiring the beauty of nature. The trees were swaying in union, the skies gleamed a shade of baby blue, mountains peeked from long distances, and crows chirped from above. After absorbing in the breath-taking view, I drew my attention back to my book. I’d been coming here every day for the past two weeks after school. I had discovered this place while I was bike riding near my house. I’d taken a route in the opposite direction of my home that led to this private trail. When I had reached this destination, it was isolated and quiet, as it always has been the times I’ve been here. I loved this place; it was my safe haven and peaceful hideout whenever I wanted to be alone. The depths of my stomach always twist and turn with anticipation of my arrival to these sacred woods every time I visit. I grasped my book a little tighter, realizing I had been imagining again. I tend to day dream a lot, forgetting about where I am and who I’m with. That is one of my hugest flaws. Nevertheless, I continued to read my book in awe. The winds have died by now, and I check the time. 6:39. Swish, swish. I glance toward the dark, remote trees in the distance, my eyes glued.  A shadow scattered behind the trees. Trying to remain calm, I returned to my reading. Swish, swish. I stood locked in my position. I wondered aloud what or whom the noise came from. No, not the breeze, nor the crows. I told myself that it was just a dear or a rabbit, even. But then I heard it. Footsteps. Running. My book dropped quickly from my small hands to the hard ground. My heartbeat quickened. I started to stand up, gathering my book and putting in into my hand-made shoulder bag.  Swish, swish. I turned around quickly. I could make out a dark figure in the vast part of the woods. Still running. In my direction. I started to panic, breathing in large breaths. I started to run in the opposite direction from the stranger. As I paced, I began to slow down to look behind me. He was right behind me. I ran faster. But not fast enough. As he caught up, he grabbed my arm and my bag dropped to the ground.

“Well, hello there,” he said. I used all my might and strength to break away from his grasp. As I struggled to break free, he pulled me in towards his stiff, solid chest and jerks at my silky, amber-brown locks. I desperately shouted for help to no one in particular to save me. He covered my mouth with his husky, large hands. Without any impulse or hesitation, I gnawed my teeth into his hands and he began to swear. Taking advantage of the opportunity, I left my bag alone and ran like I never had ran before. This time I knew better than to look back. My feet kept a fast, easy rhythm. I came to a halt near an old maple tree. I took huge breaths in and out, tired from all the running. I sat down for a moment. I had forgotten about my book. Sitting miserably, I sighed aloud. Swish, swish. My thoughts were scattered now,  and I became frightened all over again. I glanced to the left, spotting my silver bike. I speed from the tree to my bike as fast as I could. Leaping onto the bike, I could barely pedal with my legs quivering from the nerve-racking situation. I couldn’t understand why someone would come to these woods and come after me like that. Everything around me was spinning in slow motion, it felt so bizarre. Vrrroomm. My heart leapt and I could already guess what was coming next. A black van was right beside me. I rode my bike with increasing speed, griping onto the handlebars with extreme pressure.  Errrrrrrrrrk. The van parked in place an inch in front of  my bike, and before I could turn the opposite direction and speed off, the same man ran towards me and shoved me off my bike with tremendous force. My body ached and I was numb to the bones. He scoffed and dragged me into his van. Weakly, I attempted to take a good look at his face for the first time. He had wild, dark, mahogany brown hair with hazel eyes. He was wearing a black sweatshirt with black sweatpants and a blue beanie hat. His expression looked angry; I read it through his eyes. At that moment, I realized all that I have lost. My parents, my little brother, my parrot. All because I was at the wrong place at the wrong time. I thought about it while he shut the van and tied a bandanna to my mouth. I thought about it through the pain I was feeling; both mentally and physically. I wanted to cry, but I didn’t. A part of me wanted to stay strong.