Chapter 3
DARA
Sweat streams down my skin as I stumble, my camera bag slapping against my leg. I cough, trying to clear my throat, and swipe away the tears stinging my eyes. Panic hovers close, but I push it away.
Freaking out won't save my life. And it definitely needs saving.
I don't know how the fire started, but it was suddenly there, flames jumping up in front of me. When I turned to go back, they were somehow behind me, too, and the smoke quickly made it hard to see. Hard to breathe.
I'd run on instinct. Hoping that I had chosen right, not caring where I ended up as long as it wasn't charred to a crisp.
The problem with that was now I had no idea where I was. No idea which way was safe.
I get back to my feet, bracing myself against the trunk of a tree. The bark is rough, but at least it’s solid. I rest against it for a moment. Trying to think. To fight through the fear that's gaining strength with every second.
My head is spinning. There isn't enough air. And I finally admit to myself, I don't know what to do.
Dragging a foot forward feels like too much effort. I know I need to keep going, keep moving, but my body doesn't want to leave this little pocket of slim safety.
A chant starts up in my head, a mantra building up that repeats, "One foot in front of the other. Just one step at a time."
I make myself do exactly that. One step, then another, toward where the smoke seems thinner. A shadow appears on my left, another tree, and I lean against it as I step again, letting it support my weight for a lingering moment, before pushing off it.
More shapes in the haze, more trees that might be devoured by the fire pursuing me, and I offer them each my thanks for being with me right now. For lending me their strength.
Then one of the dark shadows moves, steps toward me, and I want to scream, but the smoke has stolen my voice, and no sound comes out.
My vision swims and I try to stop, to backtrack, but lose my balance and crash against the man that materializes in front of me. Arms wrap around my waist, hauling me up off my feet, and I'm grateful.
I'm not alone anymore.
And that's enough for now.