Ava kept walking deeper into the forest. The moon was now only a silver - thin and sharp like a secret being kept too tightly. At first, the forest had felt like the freedom that she had always longed for. It had the scent of damp earth and leaves but now, there were just crickets, rustling branches, and the hooting of owls. With every hoot came her fear. Her lungs burned within her and her legs now trembled. She fell constantly as she limped forward. She finally rested on the trunk of a very massive tree as she listened to the heaving of her chest. She slid down the trunk and made to rest when a rustling among the dry leaves came. She narrowed her brows in fear as she looked around. There was nothing; it became silent. She let out a sigh of relief but no sooner had she let out the sigh than she heard the rustling again. This time she did not wait for anything. She took to her heels. She was tired but keeping her life was more important. The animals might have smelt her fear.
She pressed on, following the slope of the grassy land downward, hoping it would lead to a body of water. Her feet were sore, scratched by twigs and stones. Her dress caught on branches leaving her with a badly torn dress. Her hair tangled in the hoarse wind. She went further and finally found a stream; she fell to her knees and scooped the water to her thirsty mouth as she drank greedily. The water was so cool that it shocked her system as it slid down within her. She splashed the cool water on her weary and pale face. The splash awakened her to purpose again as she laid down on the soft, green grass beneath her. Looking up, she laughed for a moment. Maybe I can survive this; maybe I can make a life here, she thought to herself.
Lying down there, she drifted to sleep as she finally gave in to the constant call of a drowsy eyes and tired body.
The forest changed after dark.
What had been a gentle rustling had become whispers. Shadows stretched and twisted unceasingly. Every sound felt closer and sharper. Ava curled up beneath a fallen log, hugging her knees. She could not sleep much because every crack of twig and every rustling of leaves made her heart race. Every distant howl sent cold fear creeping into her bones. The cold breeze sent shudders down her spine. She shook and shivered continuously; not because of the cold night but because she was afraid. The unknown pressed in on all sides. The thought of the warm bed, good food and clean water at the orphanage crossed her mind. Had she made a mistake by leaving the orphanage? She was confused and afraid but she discarded the thought immediately. She had made up her mind and she was not going to go back there. Sleep had eluded her and fear was what reigned in her innermost part so she just laid down there, wide eyed, lost in thoughts with every hope of survival but without a means for it.
Back at the orphanage, everyone was worried about the missing Ava. Mrs Loly had reported the case to the security officers within the area but no one had seen the girl. Mrs Loly had also gone to lodge a complaint at the police station. Ava's picture was put up at every corner and turn of the street with a bold inscription "THE MISSING GIRL". The orphanage home contact address and phone number was also written on the poster Incase anyone came across her.
Avaelyn was afraid and worried; no one had seen her sister, Ava for the past two days. It was taking a toll on her and her health. Mrs Loly too was deeply worried, she almost regretted her action of letting Ava out of the secluded dark room she had been in but Ava had shown signs of repentance; Ava had been a sweet girl after her release. She had been nice to everyone around her and had been dutiful; she spent time with them unlike before when she kept to herself most of the time. Her sudden disappearance made everyone worried the more. Avaelyn had noticed her sister quietness and solemn mood some days before her disappearance but Ava had not admitted to anything being wrong so she had just let her be. Avaelyn did not tell anyone about the situation as well, she had only thought it was a normal mood swing. Little did she know that her desperate sister, Ava had a hidden agenda. She did not know if judging her sister was the right thing to do now, in this situation. She just wanted her sister back by her side so that she could hear her own side of the story. She was not going to make conclusions about her sister this time around. Avaelyn was bitter and afraid that some harm might have come to her sister; she feared that Ava might have been kidnapped; she had heard a lot about children who suddenly went missing. The orphanage was well secured enough but no one knew how she had disappeared. Avaelyn prayed and fasted that her sister would return back safe, sound and hearty. The orphanage was silent for days and everyone was solemn; they barely talked. The kids were not left out. They had all developed a liking for Ava since Mrs Loly released her from the dark room. Ava was friendly to them so they had accepted her regardless of her scars and previous attitude to them. They had all lived like a happy family but now, it seemed something was missing. Ava was missing and it affected them all. They pitied her sister, Avaelyn but there was nothing any of them could possibly do about the situation except to wait and anticipate Ava's return. They hoped for it.