Disclaimer: I don't own this book, movie, nor the characters. They belong to Natalie Babbit, and Natalie Babbit alone. Props to her book, which I loved.

A/N: Here's the fourth chapter. Sorry it's a shortie.

Chapter 4

Winnie left in the darkness, right when her mother thought that she had gone to sleep. She climbed gently out of the window, and plopped onto the soft soil beneath her feet. She sighed and faced the outside world: the world outside the borders of her fence. With her parcel in hand, she started out on the long journey. She had no idea where Jesse was, or how long it would take her to find him. She wasn't even sure if she would ever find him, but one thing she knew in her heart, was that she would at least try. If it was meant to be, then destiny would bring them together, and the good Lord would keep them safe.

The moonlit sky placed little dashes of light all around. A howl of wolves was heard in the distance. Winnie felt tired and scared, but continued on. The creaking of the insects would keep her awake. She still felt weary though, so she began to sing a song:

Oh grasshopper,
Who jumps in the air
And soars here and there,
Keep me company.
You may be small,
But you are a friend.
Friends come in all different shapes
And sizes.
Mr. Grasshopper,
Would you please be my friend?

When she finished, she thought that she heard a distant laughter. She stopped for a minute, and thought she heard some footsteps behind her. It was a warm autumn night, and the fallen leaves crinkled beneath her feet. She walked a few steps more and then suddenly stopped. Still, the sound was heard a few seconds later. But, the sound was more distant. Her breathing became heavier, and her heart pounded against her ribs. A band of sweat slowly started forming around her forehead. She began to pick up her pace. A shiver went up and down her spine as she contemplated the thought that she was not alone.

A/N: This is pitiful excuse for a chapter, isn't it? I'm sorry that it's so short, but at least I updated! Yahoo! I promise...the next chapter will be longer, if only by a few words. ;-) Is someone following Winnie? If so, who is this mysterious figure? Stay tuned to find out. NOTE: If any of y'all have any idea for my story (conflicts, etc...), please let me know. This story is incredibly hard for me to write. That is why the chapters are so short. I'll try to update soon, now since school is all wrapped up. Just keep sending me reviews! They make my day so happy! :-)

Thank you, sandystar72, Mexican Baby Monkey, baily89, and EvenThoIDoubtedIt, for your excellent reviews.