“Hunh-!”
I uttered a startled groan. And dropped to the ground.
I spun around to face my attacker.
No one there.
Nothing.
“Huh?” A shocked cry escaped my lips.
I started to scramble to my feet-and saw what had hit the back of my head.
A bird’s nest. A dried-up, broken bird’s nest. It must have fallen from a tree limb above my head. Probably shaken loose by the gusts of wind.
“Oh, wow.” I shook twigs from my hair. Then, cradling the camera case under my arm, I gazed around.
Where was I?
Trees up ahead slanted as if leaning against each other. A low mound of rocks stood at the edge of a ridge of tall reeds.
I’m lost, I realized.
I gazed up at the sky. No moon. The heavy rain clouds covered the moon and stars.
How do I get back? I squinted into the darkness, searching for the path. Searching for anything I might recognize.
Nothing.
If I could find the creek, maybe I could find the spot where I found my camera, I decided.
But which direction was the creek?
I was completely turned around.
I shivered. A cold raindrop spattered on the shoulder of my jacket.
I jumped. That bird’s nest had made me terrified of things falling from the sky!
What should I do?
My mind whirred frantically with ideas.
Should I call out for help? Shout to my aunt and uncle? Maybe if I called loud enough, they would hear me.
But, no. If I shout, the animal-the snarling creature-will hear me first.
Was it still searching for me? Was it still nearby?
I decided I’d better not call for help.
What should I do? What?
Start walking in one direction? And just keep going no matter what?
No. I remembered a book I’d read where a guy was lost in the desert. And he tried walking in a straight line. And he just made circles. He went around and around and didn’t even realize it until he saw his own footprints in the sand!
Maybe I should wait until the sun comes up, I decided. I’ll never find my way in this darkness. When it’s daylight, I’ll have a much better chance.
I didn’t like the idea of spending the night in the woods. But waiting here until I could see where I was going seemed like a good idea.
But then I heard a clattering sound. And felt the rain start to pound down hard. A freezing rain, swept by gusting wind.
I can’t stay here, I realized.
I have to get back to the house.
I walked and walked, trying to retrace my steps. I sighed with relief when I finally came to the clump of bushes where I’d hid. I found the flashlight and gripped it tightly in my free hand.
I took a guess on which direction to go next.
Ducking my head against the rain, I started to walk again.
Less than a minute later, I stumbled over something.
Something soft.
I landed on my knees. Turned back to see what I had tripped over.
And let out a cry of horror.