Sarah stood on the porch looking out at the woods that surrounded her. She needed this. To be alone; really alone. Her marriage was in shambles and everyone around her knew it. Heading out to the woods was very out of her comfort. Hell being alone was out of her comfort. Eight years together and in an instant everything she knew ended. Eventually she knew she would be okay but for now hiding seemed the better option. No Sarah not hiding just taking some time alone she kept reminding herself. Maybe a walk would help clear her head.
She wore a summer dress but decided to change from her sandals to some sneakers. No one here to make snarky remarks about her fashion choices. It was a warm day and the path was easy. Maybe walked on by families or hunters over the years that took solace in her little cabin away from reality. The woods were very alive with sounds. Birds chirping, squirrels running amuck from tree to tree and the occasional acorn falling. She walked and contemplated how far from her original goals in life she seemed to be. Eighteen-year-old Sarah was so full of life and she thought for sure she'd take this world and own it. Reliving her life came to a sudden halt when she heard the loud snapping of a branch off to her right.
Sarah jumped and spun in the direction to see a man standing there about a hundred feet away. She grasped her chest and said loudly "Wow you scared me" the man didn't smile at her he just stared intently. Sarah was nervous and noticed he wasn't in hunting gear and appeared to be in all black. She smiled nervously and turned around deciding that was enough alone time. She turned back around to make sure he wasn't following her and the man had disappeared. She wondered how she hadn't heard him.
The woods that once seemed so freeing now seemed very enclosed and the cabin so far away. She kept walking the path but picked up her pace. Every once in a while, she'd turn back and make sure the man wasn't there. She was making progress and knew she was just another five minutes away from the cabin. She turned around one last time and when she turned back she ran right into the man's chest. He towered over her and she not only let out a shriek but stumbled backwards and was about to fall but he grabbed her by the elbow and pulled her upright but against him at the same time. She gulped and stammered out a thank you. He didn't let go of her elbow and she didn't want to just yank it away but it was painfully awkward being so close to him and him still not smiling at her.
Sarah was used to charming men. Long Blond hair, blue eyes and a curvy frame all her life taught her that most men want to feel wanted or needed. Maybe she could charm her way out of this situation. "I really appreciate you saving me from falling on my ass, I'm Sarah" she smiled up at him making sure it was a friendly smile and not a flirty one. He stared still but released her arm. His eyes seemed to take in all of her from her hair all the way to her chest and even to the tennis shoes. She suddenly wished she hadn't worn the yellow sundress that looked so good tight against her chest but flowing out. She took a step backwards. "Yea I know what you're thinking this dress with these shoes look ridiculous" she smiled and let out a small short laugh. "Are you alone Sarah" the man finally spoke but his words caused her goosebumps and it no longer felt like a warm day she was cold all of a sudden. "N-no I'm not alone my husband is at the cabin. I've actually been gone longer than I said I would be; he'll probably be looking for me soon" Lying through her teeth Sarah couldn't form the words as strongly or convincingly as she wanted to and kept taking small steps back.
"No Sarah I think that's not true. I think you're here alone. I saw you pull up in that cute little car with only one suitcase and a small bag of dry goods for yourself. I only have one word for you Miss Sarah and that is to run"
Walking backwards still the man didn't move and she heard his words but still stuttered out "What do you mean run?" He finally smiled and that was all it took for Sarah to turn around and start running. She was so scared and her heart was pounding. She didn't dare turn around but could hear the man starting up behind her. He didn't appear to be running yet but was calling out her name loudly. She went off the trail and her legs were being scratched by fallen branches and shrubs. She nearly fell a handful of times but kept going. She yelled out in pain as a low hanging branch scratched her across the cheek. It stung and felt raw to her touch.