Pursuit

I press my back against the tree and attempt to quietly catch my breath. Not an easy feat. I should have found a better place to hide, but I didn’t have the time. I don’t have time. Time is running out. In the distance, I hear a chorus of shouts. My heart skips a beat. So quickly? My comrades have fallen so quickly? Options flash through my mind. I have to assume that I’m alone now. It’s entirely possible that all my comrades are down. I shouldn’t expect help from them. I gradually allow my feet to take my weight again. Now, in the commotion, would be a good time to find a better hiding place. I retreat further into the woods. That’s when I hear the snap behind me. The panic sets in before I can stop it, and I start to run. I know the woods. The woods are my domain. My pursuer can’t say the same. I use the fallen logs, low brush, and tightly packed trees to my advantage. I hear him stumble behind me, but he doesn’t fall back. I’m in trouble now though. This stretch of wooded area isn’t very large. I can’t keep him running around in circles. Eventually his cohorts will come to join the hunt. The hunt for me. A break in the trees reveals an open field up ahead. It seems to be my only way out, but taking this route would mean death. I can stay out of reach in the woods, but in a flat out race, my pursuer would take me out in seconds. I can’t run. I can only hide. I skip around a tree, double back, dodge behind a clump of brush, and pop up near the edge of the woods. I hold still, even hold my breath, waiting to see what has become of my pursuer. He’s stopped, unsure of where I’ve gone. What will be his next move? I can only hope that he’ll go look for me somewhere else. I stare at him, willing him to move on. Then, slowly, ever so slowly, he turns his head, and starts to walk away. I take a moment to slowly catch my breath, and give my pursuer time to make distance. Now that the treat is gone, my only logical avenue would be into the field. In near silence, I pick my way over to the tree line, and into the open. I start jogging at a steady pace. Then comes the telltale rustle. I bite my lip, but other than that, I make no reaction. I continue my easy pace, but I now know that my pursuer has returned. I can’t beat him in a flat out run. I’ve already decided that, but right now, he seems to be stalking me. He doesn’t know that I know he’s got me. If he did, the chase would be on. My only chance is to continue making him think I have no idea where he is. At least until I can get back into the woods. Every second we keep up this game, my pursuer is gaining ground. I can hear almost everyone of his soft footfalls. I’m running out of time. I take the chance, diving into the woods to my right. My sudden move has shocked him, but not enough for more than a second of reprieve. He’s too close now. Even in the woods I can’t lose him now. It’s too late to do anything, but turn and face my demise. My lungs are burning. I can’t run anymore. It’s over. He’s upon me. I’ve failed! I’ve failed everyone! And myself. He tags me, and the game is over.