The quick pace of our steps slowed.

Collapsing by a tree, I placed my hand on my shoulder, trying to slow the bleeding that seeped through my torn clothes in great amounts. Fatigue overcame me. My eyes blurred around the edges as I tried to focus my eyes on Kellen, who slowly sat beside me and helped me stop the blood. I exclaimed quietly in pain so he stopped, pulling his hand away. My blood now painted a gruesome picture on the ground, blending in with the red leaves falling from the withering trees.

We knew we had to keep running. They would get to us eventually. But, we were starving, thirsty, longing for rest we couldn’t stand or motivate ourselves to keep running. Silence overcame the rustling leaves and the singing birds. Nothing was heard except my own heavy breathing and throbbing of my ears.

“We have to…keep going,” I grunted, trying to stand but he grabbed my wrist, gently pulling me back down into a seating position.

“You can’t,” he said, his voice somehow reassuring, “You need rest. They seem intent on killling us, but it will be a while till they find our location.”

I shook my head, not saying another word. Although the air was bitter cold, the blood seeping from my wound was warm and his breath hot in my hair as I placed my head onto his shoulder. I felt his trembled breathing when his shoulders lifted when inhaling.

A tear escaped my eye and dripped onto his tunic. He noticed and took me into his arms, holding me there only gently, careful not to hurt me.

The red leaves still fell - a reminder that time was still progressing, that the world was still turning.

_(Note: I don’t usually write in this style, so feedback will be appreciated!)_