I never thought I would hate snow more. Even without a broken ankle, I would have been slipping and sliding all over the place.

James had long given up trying to carry me, as he couldn’t seem to make it two feet on his own. His arm was around my waist, sending electricity up and down my body.

I cursed as I hit an ice patch. I flailed wildly, looking for something to grab onto. I gripped a

tree and his shoulder as I caught my breath.

“Stupid snow.” I muttered. “If we get out of here, I am moving down to Florida. It never snows there.” That probably wasn’t true. But hey, a girl could dream. And boy did I need a good dream right now.

He was silent, and I thought he didn’t hear me. Then, he stopped and looked at me. I looked up at him, confused. “When.” He said.

I looked at him quizzically. “When what?” He could have seen my soul his eyes were so hard.

“When we get out of here. Not if, when.” He glanced away just as a flying object came flying towards us.

Something hit the side of my head with a sickening smack. I cried out, dropping to my knees. The pain in my ankle was momentarily forgotten as blood began to trickle down my head.

My vision swam. I looked over that the golf ball sized rock that was covered red liquid. “Emerson!” James exclaimed. He fell toward the ground, hands reaching up to cup my face.

He cradled my face, staring at me. I tried to smile, and tell him it was ok. Words could t seem to form on my mouth.

I flinched as the last rays of sun hit my eyes. The sun was starting to set, and the stars were already coming out. Hysteria vuilt at the edge of my mind, and I could feel myself starting to slip away.

“Oh my god.” The words came out as a crazed giggle. It grew into a loud laugh that had my whole body shaking. His whole face was scrunched up, pure panic filling his eye’s.

“I can’t seem to get a break can I?” I asked. “My moms dead and we’re lost in the woods.”

The world spun in circles. What was happening? Oh what a pretty boy that is.

Why is there a stranger here? He looks strong. Maybe he can be good enough for the both of us. He was so warm. Is his curly hair always this soft? “Emmy…” The boy whispered.

Was that my name?

“Yes?” I giggled. Shadows were starting to curl around the edges of my vision as cold snow seeped through my jacket.

The boy looked worried. No. Not boy. This is Jamie. The one I’ve been in love with for years. I suppressed a laugh. My focus went in and out, vision blurring.

“What’s wrong?” His voice echoed. It was all to distant now. I was numb. He was speaking again. God dammit. If only my stupid mouth would move.

“No! No no no no no no no!” Words left him in a breath. Tears were falling down his cheeks. Why was he crying? Everything was perfect.

He ripped a piece of cloth from his shirt. Using it I could feel the pressure he applied to my head. I hissed in pain, my eyes drooping.

My head was pounding, and I felt light headed. I swayed, falling into his chest. He smelled good. Like laundry detergent and the forest.

I was so tired. So, so tired. “Please don’t close you’re eyes!” He sobbed. “You can’t die. Please don’t die. Your sister and your dad need you. Olivia needs you. _I_ need you!” A faint smile found its way across my face.

I’m not leaving. But I couldn’t tell him that. My mouth wouldn’t move. My world tilted as I closed my eye’s.

I’m so tired, but I wasn’t ready to leave yet. God, please let me live. There’s still so many things I have to do.

I have to buy a big house and have five kids like ten year old me wanted. I have to publish my first story that’s sitting on my computer at home. What would Carmen do without a mom or a sister?

I need to come back. I will come back.

But damn, does it hurt.

(Heyy! How was this chapter? Ihaven’t written injured/delerious characters yet, but I tried. Feedback is appreciated. (P.S. I’m sorry this didn’t come out last week, I’ve been injured and school is exhausting.)🩵)