Chapter 1
Mary Alice moved frantically through the woods. Night had fallen several hours ago, and it was windy outside. Pitch blackness covered everything. She shivered as the wind hit her straight in the face, turning her wet tears to ice cubes on her cheeks. Mama had told her to wear a jacket, but she had forgotten. Again.
"Please, help me!!" Mary Alice screamed at the top of her lungs. The words got lost in the night, and nothing answered her. She tripped on a rock and fell into a wet blackberry bush. The thorns scraped her arms and legs. Crying harder, she pulled herself away and stumbled forward.
It was several minutes before she found a clearing in the woods. Sitting down at the base of a tree, she pulled her legs up to her chest and wrapped her arms around them, trying to generate heat.
"Marrrry! Mary Aliice!!"
The voice was faint, but distinct. She stood up and saw the light bobbing in the distance.
"I'm here!" Mary Alice yelled, moving towards it.
Her father was carrying the large lantern, and it illuminated his worried face. Mary ran faster, calling his name.
"Papa!!"
He saw her then, and ran to meet her. Then everything was alright. He picked her up and wrapped his arms around her. She buried her face in his coat sobbed with relief. He stroked her hair gently, "Shhh, Mary...it's okay sweetie. I'm here now. You're safe."
He picked up the lantern and headed back to their house, his seven-year-old daughter clinging to him for dear life.
"Adam! You found her." a woman's voice spoke softly, full of emotion.
"Yes, Mary. She was only a quarter-mile away from home this whole time."
Mary Alice heard the exchange between her parents but didn't open her eyes. Her papa laid her down on the bed, while her mama's gentle hands took off her wet clothes and put on her nightgown. The blankets were tucked over her shoulders and her dark eyes closed.