Destiny

The silvery glow peeking through the canopy above was just bright enough to see the outline of a young girl sitting below a tree. She was huddled on the ground, hugging her legs to her chest, and resting her head against her smooth, bare kneecaps. You could see her small, frail body shaking with silent sobs as she wrapped her shawl around herself tighter. The only sound you could hear were the occasional scurrying of feet and snapping of twigs as a small forest animal moved from one place to another.1

“I didn’t mean to run away,” the girl whispered. “I just didn't understand. I love you mom; I love you dad. I want you back.” But Maddy knew this would never happen, for she was lost in the forest, where no one would ever find her again.2

She imagined she could hear the voice of her loving mother, calling her name when breakfast was ready, or telling her for the third time to go to bed. Maddy made a silent wish that some miracle would happen, and someone would find her, or she would find her way out, but she knew those were childish wishes. She's already tried to find her way out, with no success, and had screamed herself hoarse for help. She knew now that it was too late, it was too dark for her to find her way out, and most-likely too dark for anyone to see her who was just passing by. And, after all, who would be passing by at this time of night? Besides, Maddy could feel her ankle throbbing in pain, and tried to ignore the warm trickle of liquid on her skin. She wasn't sure exactly what she'd tripped on, but she'd tried to scope around for a way out of the forest when it was getting dark, and now she regretted it. Maddy had tripped on something hard and sharp, which threw her to the ground and caused her to not only get a huge gash, but sprain her ankle as well. With the amount of blood she was losing, Maddy knew she had little chance of surviving through the night.3

"I didn't mean it. I don't hate you," Maddy whispered aloud.4

She hoped somehow, by some chance, her parents would be able to hear her, and understand her love for them. She felt a warm feeling behind her eyes and felt the tears come once more as she remembered the last words she's said to her mom: 'I hate you.' She regretted those words almost more than how much she regretted running away. Maddy thought she'd just run away for the day, and then return, now calm, and apologize. But no. She was now sure to die. Maddy suddenly got an idea, and found a sharp rock and carved the words. 'I love you mom and dad, and I didn't mean what I said. I hope you understand,' on the trunk of a tree. Maddy hoped that, by some miracle, her parents or someone would find her body, and see the message she left on the tree.5

Crack! Maddy looked up suddenly. "Hello?" she said as loud as she could; but still, her voice came out as no more than a whisper. "Is someone there?" Maddy's blue eyes gleamed with hope as she heard another twig snap. 6

Meow. The kitten walked out from behind the bushes. It was an adorable white and gray kitten with a soft-looking coat and blue-gray eyes that looked very frightened.7

"Are you all alone too?" Maddy whispered to the kitten, as it came near her. "It's okay, I won't hurt you. I bet you're in need of a friend right now just as much as I am."8

The kitten meowed in response.9

"I'm going to name you Destiny." Maddy's voice broke and she grew slightly light-headed from the loss of blood. "Did you run away too?"10

Destiny blinked twice.11

"I bet you miss your family. So do I," Maddy said, and the tears she'd been trying so hard to hold back fell freely down her cheeks.12

Destiny closed the small distance between Maddy and herself, and nudged Maddy's arm lightly with her head.13

"Oh," Maddy blinked in surprise. "You’re probably cold." Maddy held the kitten lovingly and securely, and shared her shawl with her. 14

Maddy's vision began to sway, and she knew her time was coming to an end.15

“Goodbye,” Maddy whispered, as she started to grow faint, and took her last breath.16

And there, she fell silent, never to move again.17