WIND
The air is thick with the promise of rain. I look out from under the branch of leaves I’ve taken temporary shelter under. The moon is bright and full above me. In the distance I can see lightning bolts illuminating the jungle night.
It’s not safe here.
I’ve got to move on if I hope to reach the others by daybreak. While they stick together, I constantly seek ways to find solace. I’m the only one that volunteers for perimeter checks.
My head involuntarily turns at an unseen sound to my right. The only weapon I carry is a spear in its sheath on my back. Most predators are near the perimeter, but I’ve seen them closer inland than I care to admit. I’m distracted by a few drops of rain landing on my head and arms.
Suddenly, I’m blinded as clouds overtake the moon. My heart is beating loudly in my ears. Bursts of adrenaline are pulsing through my veins. I know this feeling.
Wind suddenly comes from the East, tousling my hair. I take a deep breath, trying to steady my fight or flight instinct. The wind has brought with it the deadly sound of a growl. I use my hands to find the nearest tree trunk. I can’t reach any branches to climb to safety. I flatten my back against the strong trunk.
“I’m invisible,” I think over and over in my mind.
I can hear something rooting around in the earth behind me. My heart is beating so rapidly and so loudly surely the creature must hear it. I find myself holding my breath, trying to be silent and still. After what seems like an eternity I can’t hear any more signs of the predator. I attempt to get my bearings straight for which way to run home.
Here’s my chance. I run. Blind in the darkness. I’ve walked these paths for years. You’d think I would know them like the back of my hand. I don’t. A break in the clouds allows a flicker of moonlight to show me the path. In a moment it’s pitch black again. A loud roar erupts behind me and I am suddenly in a race for my life.
My body wants to slow down so I stop tripping over every tree root and rock. But, my mind is aware that if I hesitate I’m going to be eaten. There’s a break in the trees and I am doused in the falling rain. My foot slides as my weight shifts and I’m on the ground. With my hands in the mud, I can feel the running pace of the predator behind me. In one motion I grab my spear and roll to my back. With the knife pointing up at rain, I feel the weight of that beast land on my spear… and its claws rip across my face.
It’s not safe here.
I’ve got to move on if I hope to reach the others by daybreak. While they stick together, I constantly seek ways to find solace. I’m the only one that volunteers for perimeter checks.
My head involuntarily turns at an unseen sound to my right. The only weapon I carry is a spear in its sheath on my back. Most predators are near the perimeter, but I’ve seen them closer inland than I care to admit. I’m distracted by a few drops of rain landing on my head and arms.
Suddenly, I’m blinded as clouds overtake the moon. My heart is beating loudly in my ears. Bursts of adrenaline are pulsing through my veins. I know this feeling.
Wind suddenly comes from the East, tousling my hair. I take a deep breath, trying to steady my fight or flight instinct. The wind has brought with it the deadly sound of a growl. I use my hands to find the nearest tree trunk. I can’t reach any branches to climb to safety. I flatten my back against the strong trunk.
“I’m invisible,” I think over and over in my mind.
I can hear something rooting around in the earth behind me. My heart is beating so rapidly and so loudly surely the creature must hear it. I find myself holding my breath, trying to be silent and still. After what seems like an eternity I can’t hear any more signs of the predator. I attempt to get my bearings straight for which way to run home.
Here’s my chance. I run. Blind in the darkness. I’ve walked these paths for years. You’d think I would know them like the back of my hand. I don’t. A break in the clouds allows a flicker of moonlight to show me the path. In a moment it’s pitch black again. A loud roar erupts behind me and I am suddenly in a race for my life.
My body wants to slow down so I stop tripping over every tree root and rock. But, my mind is aware that if I hesitate I’m going to be eaten. There’s a break in the trees and I am doused in the falling rain. My foot slides as my weight shifts and I’m on the ground. With my hands in the mud, I can feel the running pace of the predator behind me. In one motion I grab my spear and roll to my back. With the knife pointing up at rain, I feel the weight of that beast land on my spear… and its claws rip across my face.