Lost in the Woods

by CrescentDreams

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Walking down the path, you’d think that a clearing was just a few steps ahead. It didn’t actually work that way.

The fog bounced the light around so that it looked brighter up ahead. Your only choice was to keep following the trail. Eventually, you’d get out. But without a watch, a clear view of the sky, or the sun – it was impossible to judge time or guess how long you’d been walking.

How long you’d been lost.

I sighed and hitched my pack into a new spot on my shoulders, then adjusted my sweatshirt and the hood so it didn’t feel pinched in the straps.

I should have paid attention when we drove up to see the Leonids. Or brought a map with me. Or a compass. Or charged my cell fully before the drive. Most of all, I should not have fallen asleep next to the fire we lit after the asteroids stopped falling.

Then, my ‘friends’ couldn’t have left me up here in what they probably thought was a harmless prank.

Eventually, I’d hit a fork in the road. I still wasn’t entirely sure which way I’d go.

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Comments

Average Reader Rating: 5.0 stars out of 5

  1. Lost in the Woods

    John Perkins' Buddy Icon John Perkins

    Posted 2 months ago

    5.0 out of 5 stars

    The falling asteroids as a very cool extra layer onto this story. It’s well told, and an exquisite ficlet overall.

  2. Lost in the Woods

    ZorkFox's Buddy Icon ZorkFox

    Posted 2 months ago

    Very nice. I like this better than your last travel-oriented ficlet. It has more definition, less equivocation. I wonder at this person’s “friends” though… what a bunch of jerks! They’re lucky it’s “just” fog and not some unseasonably horrible blizzard like what hit those poor hikers on Mount Rainier the other day. :(

  3. Lost in the Woods

    CrescentDreams' Buddy Icon CrescentDreams

    Posted 2 months ago

    Thanks for the feedback guys. :) This was a forced writing. Maybe we’ll see if someone follows it up, or if I do. :P

  4. Lost in the Woods

    Ana Cristina's Buddy Icon Ana Cristina

    Posted about 1 month ago

    5.0 out of 5 stars

    OK, I was perusing your stuff and came across this piece. It’s very well written, and that’s such a haunting picture. I couldn’t resist sequeling. Hope you don’t mind!

  5. Lost in the Woods

    Freedom's Buddy Icon Freedom

    Posted about 1 month ago

    Very well written. I agree with the above. An entertaining read :)

  6. Lost in the Woods

    CrescentDreams' Buddy Icon CrescentDreams

    Posted about 1 month ago

    Wow! Thanks Ana.. I’m very flattered. :) Love your stuff, so it means a lot that you were inspired by this – and the photo really is attractive all on its own!

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