3 3

"Hurry up and get on the damn wagon. We don't have all day," the driver grumbled.

With a groan, I rolled my eyes and climbed into the wagon. Before we left the estate, I informed him I needed to sell my clothes at a pawn shop. He agreed and stated that he, too, needed to pick up something. We came across a small town while driving down the back roads. As he went to an inn to pick up something, I proceeded to sell my clothing for money. On my way back to the wagon, I stopped to get some food and some comfy clothing to wear. I saw the driver leave the inn and someone pursuing him.

I questioned the driver about the person, and he responded saying he is a hunter that he hired.

'This is getting suspicious, but then again the forest is a place with monsters,' I thought as I got back on the wagon.

I kept my guard up as we continued our travel. We finally reached the forest by midday. This time around, the forest appeared breathtaking. The tall tree branches and their leaves sway in the wind. A gentle breeze rustled through the branches. The sun filters through the foliage, creating a dappled light. The scenery keeps my gaze high up in the trees. The birds chirped and sang a peaceful melody. A feeling of contentment washes over me.

The wagon came to a sudden halt a few miles into the forest.

"Why have we stopped?" I asked.

I have a sinking feeling that something is about to happen. My heart is beating fast from nervousness. I can feel the dread in the pit of my stomach. The driver turns from his seat and gestures,

"She is all yours".

My face turned pale, my mouth open in disbelief as I realized this was a set-up. My heart dropped to my stomach. My thoughts became clouded by anxiety. I moved closer to the exit as I watched both of them exchange orders. I jumped out of the wagon as quickly as I could and sprinted.

I ran with tears in my eyes, desperate to survive. I ran as hard as I could, panting for air and my legs cramping. I check behind me as I run and see that he is pursuing me. Whilst running, one of my shoes slipped off. My bare feet slamming into the little rocks and twigs on the ground is excruciating. While trying to run with a limp from the pain, I leave a bloody foot track. He surpasses me and slams me to the ground.

"Phew! I caught you! You're quite the runner," he huffed.

I crawled out of desperation because my legs faltered. He approaches and steps on my hand. In agony, I screamed. I raise my head to see his face, but he strikes me and I spat blood.

"Please, let me go. I beg of you please!" I cried out.

He continued to laugh while placing more pressure on my hand. At that moment I realized he let me run on intentionally because he relished hunting. I was pursued like an animal. I was trembling, sobbing, and pleading with him to let me go. He pulled something from his pocket and used it to encase his sword.

"Orders are orders. Don't worry it will be over quickly," he smiled.

My pleadings were in vain. I was lying on the ground, death hanging above me. I accepted my fate and put an end to my struggle.

"Will allow me to ask you one thing before I die?" I ask him.

"Hmm…Sure, I will grant you a last wish. What is it that you want to know?" He squatted to ask me.

"Will you bury me?" In a melancholy tone, I asked.

"That's a first, sure," he chucked.

"Not here, I want to be buried where my mother lies," I said.

"Now you are asking too much of me," He sounded annoyed.

I persuade him and tell him that in exchange, he could obtain all that belongs to me. He eventually gives in. I tell him about my mother's grave, located by a pond near a derelict house. He strikes his sword at my chest. I cough up blood and await motionless while the light fades from my eyes. The wind blew, and everything went dark.

'I'm cold' I thought and breathed my final breath.

***

I'm in a field of daisies. It appears nostalgic because of the refreshing breeze along with the warm sun. My dress isn't frayed like it usually is, and it certainly looks lovely. In the distance, I can see a home and someone standing. I chose to walk towards it. The person who was standing is now running. As they approach, I realize it's my mother. I'm delighted to see her again.I take off running in the direction of my mother.

"Mom! Mom! I'm here, mom!" I burst into tears.

I'm thrilled I could see her again, but something seems amiss as I draw closer. I halt and observe that the closer she approaches, more eerie things appear. That was not my mum approaching me. It's a maggot-infested body. The scenery abruptly changed as soon as I noticed. The sky is crimson, and the grass is scorched.

It was a nightmare. I tried to move my feet, but they refused. I look down to see myself plunging into a quicksand. The sky is wailing in despair. I plummet quicker as I struggle. When I glance up, the corpse is standing there, staring at me. It bowed down; We're face to face.

I witnessed parasites crawling around within the skull. In fear, I averted my eyes. I was unable to move. It started to loudly shriek. My ears are radiating in pain. I begin to bleed from my eyes, ears, and mouth. It reached out and pierced the side of my left shoulder. I was unable to scream and the pain was excruciating.