Panting

• Lauren Ashley, Grade 7
• Short Story
• 2014

I’m running, I know they’ve found me. I’m breathless. Panting - I make a sharp turn around a corner, flashlights illuminate the cold streets. A minute goes by, I think they’re gone. Poking my head out of my ally hiding place I’m unaware of the dangers and the risks of going to prison, I know I don’t belong here, I have to find a way out, I hear the footsteps of angry people, my sweat releases a powerful stench that I can smell. Then suddenly - quietness... I run around like a ninja in stealth mode, I arrive into the forest, low branches brush against me. ‘THWACK!’ something hit me:
“AGH! Oh, OUCH!!!” Thick red, wine coloured blood rushes down my forehead like a miniature waterfall.
“I’ve got to get out of here, C’mon Emily, I have to go!!!!” Talking to myself somehow soothes me a bit, I don’t understand why but it just works!
“Okay then, keep going...”
“*****BREATHING*****”
I’m pant and breathe loudly, Im surprised that they didn’t hear me. A slight glimmer of something which the moons light reflects off catches my eye like candy. I go to grab it.
“Oh, Oh!!! “
This is what Im getting chased for- a rare gem from the museum. I don’t what to do, I stand there staring for more time than I realise. Subsequently, a gruffly voice comes out of the shadows.
“Aha! Gotcha!!!!”
I surrender….they’ve found me……………………………