At long last, Mary Ann climbed out of the lagoon. She'd had a lovely swim. She'd actually considered taking up swimming as a sport, but she knew it could never replace her first recreational love. The love she'd lost what seemed like so long ago. But then, three years wasn't such a long time.
Then she saw the sky. Gray, almost black clouds had clustered above her. She broke into a run back to her cave. Then the heavens opened up and the rain started coming down in sheets. Lightning flashed in the distance, the thunder rang in her ears. No, she'd never make it back to the cave. The others' camp was closer. Mary Ann switched direction quickly, willing her feet to carry her faster. Not taking time to notice anything around her, she sped through the jungle, where the canopy protected her somewhat, but not enough to keep her from shivering with cold from the buckets of rain falling upon her.
Every moment she prayed that she might make it through the storm unharmed, but her hope was waning. Fear took over her mind; she no longer cared if the others reminded her of that time, of her failure. She'd agree to any amount of pain to be back at that camp. Several times she fell flat on her face, only to pick herself up and keep going. She kept thinking, It can't be too far! If I just keep going I'll get there! I'll be fine!
For every inch she ran camp seemed to get six inches farther away. But it was too late to turn back. How she longed for a blanket or something to keep her warmer. Her teeth were already chattering like castanets.
Finally the hut clearing came into view from the edge of the jungle. Mary Ann sighed with relief, sending up a prayer of gratitude. The rain was pouring harder than ever. She tripped on a root and fell downwards. She collapsed in a heap before everything went black.