brush I get. The sun is going down, I notice. The shadows of the trees are stretching, creating a continuous blur of darkness.
Look behind you and listen. I’m more urgent this time, stopping abruptly. I stare hard at the trees, straining to find something, anything. Once again, nothing.
“Just get to the cabin, just get to the cabin. I can get more firewood later.”
Did you hear that? Better look to see what it was. My heart begins to speed up and the gates holding back the adrenaline are slowly cracking, letting trickles into my bloodstream. I turn around again, faster this time. I know it’s only me out here but I can’t help but look each time. The intervals between glances are shrinking quickly. I push further. My boots are pounding on the wet leaves, carrying me at a pace just shy of running.
Somewhere near, a branch snaps.
Check. Turn around. Stop and listen. I don’t have time to think before my legs propel me towards the cabin. If I turn around going this fast, I pose the risk of hitting a tree. The cabin appears not too far ahead. Somehow, I push faster, panting hard and more rapid. My arm extends towards the knob as I approach the door. I turn it violently, my body slamming into the maple wood. Once safely inside, I triple lock the door behind me, then check the other doors.
Two windows.