Katie
The walls of the hole were so steep. I clawed at the damp earth. But my fingers slipped as I tried to find a grip. The pain in my ankle flared with each attempt, but I refused to stop. I had to get out. Every failed effort tightened the knot of panic in my chest. And after what felt like the hundredth try, I collapsed back onto the dirt floor. My breaths came in short and ragged gasps.
“Help!” I shouted. My voice echoed off the walls. The sound barely seemed to carry. It was just swallowed by the thick forest above. “Somebody, please help me!”
I waited, straining my ears for any response. But there was only silence. Only the occasional rustle of leaves and the distant chirping of crickets answered me. My throat tightened as fear began to creep in.
“What if no one finds me?” I whi
