I awoke to a snapping. Instantly I bolted upright, my eyes studying everything around me. Another snapping sound came from behind me and I spun around, taking a couple steps back. I grabbed a tree branch, wishing I had a better weapon.
“Relax, Kelly.” a boy about my age said as he stepped out of the shadows of a tree. He was one of Daniels friends, and I silently let my eyes wander him, looking for any injuries. He was slim, tall, and well-muscled. His light hair caught the sunlight, making it swirl with gold.
“Damn, you’re a mess,” he said, studying me. “What happened to you?”
“Long story,” I answered. “Have you seen anyone else?”
“Trust me if I had I wouldn’t be alone right now.” He reconsidered and added, “Well, besides you, of course.”
“I knew what you meant.”
“What about you?”
“Yeah,” I replied carefully. “Daniel.”
“What the hell?” he said as began to look around. “Where is he?”
“I don’t know.”
“What do you mean by that?” he exclaimed. “How can you not know?”
“We were separated.”
“How?”
“I don’t know. One minute he was with me, the next gone.”
“Wonderful.” Sarcasm dripped from his voice like venom, threatening to kill. I caught a hint of hatred in his eyes as he regarded me. “Anyone else?”
I shook my head. “No, we better be going.”
“Ye-”
He was cut off as a loud roar echoed around us. I cringed, turning towards the sound. The animals near us went crazy; birds flitting from the trees, the squirrels, and anything else that was on the ground streaked for cover. The forest went quiet within a few moments.
“What was that?” Daniel’s friend demanded, coming up behind me. “I’ve never heard anything like it.”
“Oh, no,” I whispered, imagining the creature stalking Daniel and then lunging, going for the kill. The image in my mind showed my boyfriend being devoured quickly, as if there were no time for anything else. His blood spurted out and I winced, wishing I could turn it off. A few tears ran down my cheeks as I realized that could be anyone.
“Oh, no, what? Kelly, do you know something I don’t?”
“Yeah. We need to get out of here right now.”
I started backing away from the horrid noises, ignoring his poisonous look as he glanced from me to the dreaded spot and back. I met his gaze, letting my eyes tell the story I never could. When the raged roar came again, I whirled around and bolted.
I ran until my muscles were burning, crying for me to stop. Behind me I suddenly heard a surprised cry as my companion lost his balance. I shot a glance over my shoulder, feeling my eyes go wide as I did so. I slowed my pace, turning to stare at Daniel’s friend. With a loud crack he looked behind him only to see the six foot monster. With a strangled cry, he instantly turned toward me, screaming, “Run!”
I hesitated, unsure if I should leave him to his horrid fate. The monster crouched above him, its eyes glowing with hunger as it roared, showing razor sharp teeth. Shooting an apologetic glance to my classmate, I fled from the scene, doing my best to block out the screams as the beast fed.