Gisel's Perspective
Running, running. Anything to leave that place. My threadbare boots slap against the lush underfoot as I pump my legs faster, deeper into the heart of the forest. My muscles burn. I stop to catch my breath and I look at the forest. The tall, gnarled oaks seem to stare down at me. I feel so small and young in this ancient place.
I left our little cottage only a while ago, in the dead of night. The sky is still ink, but I can see tinges of orange at the horizon line. I needed to leave. I left after Mother and Father's worst argument ever. There was yelling and screaming and then dark. When I came to, I walked right out of the cabin. I ran. With adrenaline, with calm, and now with anger. I don't feel the tiredness that comes with speed, just a weary ache. The suddenly it hits me, that I will never see my little brother and sister, Rudi and Adelaide, ever again. A single tear runs down my cheek. I quickly wipe it away. I am on my own from now on. There will be no room for my old life. But what does my new life hold?