Short stories by Mace Styx

I took a short break a few hours later. Breaking through the curtains of vines and intertwined stalks was tiring, especially when I had to fight through the boggy soil that was weighing down my feet. I was near my physical limit, so I decided to take a drink and a bite of biscuit. It was then when I suddenly heard some rustling from the shrubs as I was taking out my supplies. I paused for a moment to closely observe. A few seconds later, I heard some subtle grunting close by. I carefully but hastily moved forward while trying to avoid making any sound, but it seemed that whatever it was behind the bushes has been stalking me for quite a while. Based on the movement of the shrubs, I assumed that it might be at least as big as a wild boar. I didn’t wait to see what it was, and I started to thread swiftly. I left my pack of supplies behind out of panic. I had to get away from there quickly to avoid getting cornered, and I was already too tired to climb the trees. Whatever this thing was just kept on pursuing me for miles. I held my heavy bag in front of me and recklessly ran forward as I break and snap the vines and the twigs in my way. I received several cuts and scratches when I rammed into some thorns and thick branches, but it was better than to be confronted by an infuriated wild animal on a damp forest floor that was quite challenging to maneuver. Eventually, I had to find a good spot to camp on. I moved forward in hopes that I could find a better ground with a safer surrounding.

I’ve been hiking for several hours, and I was already dead-tired and frustrated. The sun was about to set, and I would be in trouble if I could not camp soon. Needless to say, I bit off more than I could chew. I completely underestimated this valley, and I was being swallowed in it as my confidence and remaining strength were being constantly drained with every step I took. I lost my way when I fled from whatever it was that followed me, and trying to find my way back would not be an easy task. I was awfully hungry and thirsty, but I could not stop from moving forward since it would be more dangerous to explore during the night. I came to this place in order to get away from the noise and the busy streets of the city. But instead of peace and serenity, I found myself trying to survive for the day.