Runaway

• Natasha Ormay, Grade 9, Loxton High School
• Short Story
• 2011

Excellence Award in the 'Step Write Up 2011' competition

I’m hiding behind our big old gum tree, standing as close to its golden trunk as I can. I hear the old screen door slam, but it doesn’t shut properly. Voices are calling out for me but I never fall for that trick. I look around for an escape route. I see the salt bush but I wait longer, in silence; not moving or making a noise. I poke my head around the side of the tree. I see them walking the fence line like an emu parade, making sure they don’t miss anything. I hear them getting closer, so I move around the edge of the tree. It’s a risky decision exposing myself like this. As I hear them getting closer, they yell out something. I sprint for the salt bush. I just fit through the hole. I feel the branches scratching against me as I move further back, back into the salt bush. I feel safe inside because they can’t fit. I wait there, in the dark, for what feels like hours. I come out slowly looking around to see if they have gone. The coast looks clear so I run for it, and reach the safety of my house. As I open the old screen door, Mum and Dad grab me. Screaming and kicking, I try to get out of their tight grip. They take me to the car and buckle me in, the car door slams. I try to open the door, but the child lock is on. Then they get in and drive off, away from my home. I turn and look out the window with tears rolling down my cheeks. I'm wondering why I have to go to the dentist today.