Six
Anaya tried to keep up with the adults , but her heavy backpack slowed her pace as she fell further and further behind. Soon, she found herself alone on the graveled path.
She stopped and looked up.
Pine and hardwood trees loomed high and all around her, blocking her view of the ever darkening sky. She strained to hear anything, but was met by only stark silence.
No birds. No sounds of life of any kind.
Nothing.
She never truly knew fear until now. A sense of dread, a heavy sensation that pushed harder and harder against her diaphragm, threatened to take her breath away.
Her breathing quickened as she scanned around for any signs of movement. Anything to let her know that she wasn’t completely alone.
They’d abandoned her.
Her fast breathing turned into pants as she fought to control her gasping.
She didn’t want to die. Not like this. She didn’t want to be all alone when the end came.
Anaya’s head spun as she dropped down on all fours. She knew she was hyperventilating. If she can’t find a way to slow down her breathing, she’d pass out.
Closing her eyes, Anaya focused on her roaring heart beats as they were the only sounds she heard.
Her pants gradually slowed to deep, long breaths and the roaring in her ears subsided.
Anaya let out a quivering sigh and stood up.
“Ana?!!”
It was Dad!
“Thank goodness.” She whispered and ran towards the voice.
Copyright © 2012 Carrie Ann Golden
All rights reserved.
Redemption (The Underverse series) 
I could imagine her anxiety, not only of being separated from her family but the realization that death could be quite close. Dare I ask for a little bit more each time. I could cope with a 1000 words!