rection. Unable yet to pick up any speed, I nonetheless continued pushing at the low-hanging limbs, mov

oice rising in pitch with my panic as I st

fear, it felt like days. More minutes passed, and f

fear I'd be facing whoever, or whatever might be there. Then, at the distinct crack of a limb behind me, I took off again, my breath puffing out in shallow, panicky hu

lacing the breath sent me into a frenzy. I tried to scream as the grip tightened, however, I lack

hen pushed it outward, bringing forth the self-protective shield I sought. As it wrapped around me in a swirl of flame and heat, I somehow managed to maintain t

etlands well, having spent most of my youth playing within their humid and mysterious depths, but I had only ever encountered whatever this thing was once, and I knew it was nothing other than

re of demise was trailing me-waiting, anticipating yet another chance to ta

lay in a heap in my yard. I wasn't giving up though, so slowly, and I struggled into a kneeling position, all the while pleading with my rubbery limbs

hausted frame. One step at a time I crossed th

molesting it as landing with my forearms against its rough siding, I began peeling several layers of skin off th

isted until it opened, then shoving it the rest of the way, I nearly fell on my face, relinquishing any re

ehind me, then securing the lock, I leaned my back against the door as slowly sliding down its length, I lowered

ed blanket and I realized I needed to get up, and climbing to my feet, I toed off my boots. Once that task was done, I moved to slide out

out of my shirt. Then, wearing only my panties and bra,

even the familiar furniture had taken on a new

fore, as well, had now become threatening, and

any of the rooms, all except the security of my bed

ripped off my underclothes and left them where

massage my shoulders and back. With my head bowed, I rubbed at the chill bumps coating my arms, with my hands, for th

er, and drawing my knees to my chest, I wrapped my arms around them pro

temperature got me up and moving, and after quickly washing and rinsin

e-entered my bedroom and wandered over to my dresser, where pulling out a pair of sweatpants and a worn, yet comfortable t-shirt from its d

n finally, with a heavy sigh, I pulled my face