The Deep Forest

Lost

Alice always thinks all the paths to her house are very pleasant. Seeing the expanse of dense forest on either side of her was something that was a relief. There was something deep inside her that always wanted to be close to the forest.

 Especially when the rain stopped and all the fog still surrounded. Alice likes the sensation of entering the forest at such times, feels comfortable and soothing. But everyone in her house knows that it's not good for Alice.

As a child, he loved to break through a forest full of canopies and finally ended up passing out near a river in the forest. Since then Will and her mother will always be watching Alice every move. She doesn't remember anything that happened that day. Similarly, her mom did not try to ask her what happened.

All Alice remembered was the beautiful singing voice and the wind that seemed to call out to her from the deep forest. Until she was seven years old, she no longer performed rituals in the forest. Her mother who is a single parent must leave Alice to her neighbor, William's parents.

Alice dragged her legs while walking. The distance between the school and the house is not far, only about two kilometers. She tried to take a taxi but forgot to bring the extra money that she left on the table. Alice ended up riding only halfway. Actually she could have paid at home, but then remembered that her mom was at work. She did not want to bother William’s mom.

Alice just remembered that this was the first time she came home from school alone since she was young. She felt her pocket vibrate the sound of Smartphone beeping. She had guessed that it was a telephone from her neighbor. Alice chose to pull over and sit on the roadside rocks

"Alice"

"What's going on, Will?"

"Where are you? Home?"

"nope"

"Why is it so quiet there? You're like ... are you walking?

William's voice went up. Somehow Will always knew what Alice was doing. She Intends to lie, but Alice was caught red-handed

"Um ... yes"

"Why? Didn't you take a taxi? " Will began to worry

"Well .. my money runs out"

Alice was prepared to receive a tirade by keeping her cellphone away from her ears. But she just hears William's low voice

"Where are you now?" Will sounded angry. Alice wants to tease him

"Why ha?"

"I'll be there soon. Don't turn off your cellphone Alice. I’m serious ”

Hearing this Alice sighed. She would feel very guilty if Will left club activities to pick her up. He was often absent because of taking her home.

"Calm down Will, I'm fine. Besides, I am now at ... eh, soon I'll be home "

Alice began to look around. For some reason, she had not been able to see even one resident's house. And unfortunately, she is blind in direction. The plague is the reason why Alice can't go far alone. Even for just going to school or shopping at the supermarket. Even though she has a dream of getting a driver's license so she no longer hitches a ride with his neighbors.

"see? You don't know where you are right now! Just don't follow strangers Alice! "

"Helloo Mr. William, how can I follow strangers if my left and right are in the forest"

"What? Are you in the forest? "

***

Alice was getting bored looking at her watch. It's been five minutes since she waited for William who still did not come. After sending her location she chose to stay still rather than keep going and get lost.

William cursed when he found out Alice's position through the phone. Of course, the neighbor was very angry and continued to nag Alice. Unable to stand the babble, Alice chose to turn off the phone and wait. The cellphone battery will run out soon too.

Alice's position is like a missing person waiting for the mercy of someone to pick her up. She saw the sky that was getting dark because of the clouds. She heard the faint rustling of the wind that hit her face.

To be honest, she was very afraid to be alone in a lonely place and William did not come. Alice swallowed hard and began to stand trying to walk. She looked up at the sky that was starting to fade and frowned, afraid that soon it would rain.

The hair on her neck was chilling. Alice was surprised to notice the change in body temperature which began to cool. The sound of the wind is no longer friendly. Alice sped up her steps. For some reason, she felt increasing far from the crowd.

She began to worry looking at her cellphone, waiting for Will to call again. She was a little sorry for ignoring Will's call five minutes ago. She condemned her stupidity. She checked the GPS and hoped Will soon found its location.

Alice still felt cold, every time she felt that strange sensation, she thought that she was being watched. Even though she hasn't felt this uncomfortable feeling for a long time. Alice began to worry when the drizzle fell on her nose

Ten minutes had passed and Will still hadn't arrived. The fog around her became very thick due to the falling rain. The sky became so dark Alice thought the time was approaching night

She heard something behind, in the direction of the forest bushes. But Alice tried not to care about the feeling of being watched. Instead of observing, the sound in the bushes began to approach her.

Alice ran with all her might. And the heavy rain immediately fell so loud. She heard footsteps behind her. Alice was sure that it wasn't one person, maybe three people were chasing her.

Alice ran while swallowing a lot of rain. Her tears mixed together with water. She began to scream hysterically hoping someone would hear her sound and she starts to imagine all the possibilities that would happen to her.

The fog began to envelop its surroundings. But Alice can only run. But the longer she ran the steps slowly approached her. Alice could not be sure of their distance, but she knew they were close right behind her.

As her eyes began to blur, her breath gasped, and her hopes began to fade, in the distance she saw the lights of William's car. Then everything is dark.

***