As summer turned to fall the scavenging and explorations continued. Tiring as the efforts were, they were necessary. What could not be carried was noted for retrieval later. These missions were typically not dangerous; so much so that they became routine. As a result, people became careless. This carelessness finally caught up with Nona and her group while surveying far to the west.

She knew they were in trouble when Travis suddenly dropped to the ground as Ms. Mary and he rounded a corner. Nona froze in fear. Ms. Mary turned back towards her with an expression that Nona will never forget. Sheer terror!

"RUN!!!!" Mary yelled as she waved for Nona to go back.

Overcome with fear, Nona could not move at first; but quickly managed to turn herself around and start running. She never saw what happened to Travis or Ms. Mary. She didn't know if anything or anyone was pursuing her. She just ran. When she became tired, she kept running. She ran until she was exhausted and fell down. She tried to crawl to a nearby wall; but couldn't move any further. She was out of breath now; her heart pounded in her chest. Nona turned over to one side as she tried to breathe normally, but to no avail. Suddenly, she began heaving.

*to be continued one day*



Cheers and Happy RenderinG!