Exhale

The brunettes breath caught in the back of her throat. Her hair flowing with her head as it whipped from side to side.

Inhale.

The trail disappeared into the bulky, dark green of the trees. The roots dug deep into the forest floor, reaching for any nutrients from the soil it could get. The tall thick bark, keeping the inner layers protected from harm. The brilliant lush leaves soaking in what remained of the sun in the sky.

Exhale.

Her feet were now the map, striding through the thick grass that swayed in the light breeze. Stepping over any sight of danger. Things like rocks, fallen branches and roots shooting up from the ground.

Inhale.

The sun took its time with the fall, fading behind the mountains. The sky darkened and in place of the sun, a orb of zinc-silver was rising from the east. With its rising, stars twinkled brightly all over the sky.

Exhale.

The petite body of the girl heaved, grasping as much air as possible and pushing it through the lungs. The air was pushed back out of her windpipes and to her mouth. With her cheeks pushed out, slowly letting the carbon dioxide flow freely.

Inhale.

The twigs were either snapped from the trees or had been lying on the ground before hand. Being picked up by her delicate yet strong dirt filled hands. Tucked away deep beneath her armpit, securely handled.

Exhale.

The stick rubbed against the dry grass in circular motions, working hard to create friction. Smoke lightly bellowed up as the girls hands rubbed the twig between them, moving downward and repeating. The smoked turned into sparks and sparks burned the grass

Inhale.

Large pieces of wood were added to the dry grass after it grew to the size of a house cat. The wood cracked and sizzled, working with the fire to create not only heat but light and what felt like protection. Now only shadows would be seen through the light.

Exhale.

Flames danced through the black night, telling its own story. The bright oranges, reds and yellows clashed and worked together making the perfect collage.

Inhale.

It's that feeling when you're only half awake. You become almost dazed. Lethargic. It not scary, but soothing. Like you have been washed down with calming oils. Nothing really affects you and goes clearly through your head.

Exhale.

The bushes rustled quietly, hiding secrets within it. With squinting eyes, close to the ground floor, the girl looked to the trees. Within the thick shrubbery, two golden eyes peered at her body.

Inhale.

It's silvery peppered fur ruffled and absorbed the moon light perfectly. It's body the size of a regular bicycle. The head stooped low, picking up the sent with its marvellous nose. The fire reflected in the wolves eyes, flickering back and forth.

Exhale.

The wolfs large legs bent down and touched the ground, allowing the dog to lay down. The watchful eye examining every movement from the girl. Her eyes never left the ones of the wolf.

Inhale.

The two sat in complete silence as the fire died down. Yet, the wolf did not go any further past the fire and towards the girl. Their breathing was in sync, inhaling and exhaling at the perfect exact times.

Exhale.

As hard as the girl tried, her eyes could not stay open much longer. She blinked slowly and had to work to open them again. Her eyes were tired and itchy, her body still had not moved.

Her eyes closed that night. She could only trust that she would wake up the next morning. She somehow found trust in the wild animal, letting it watch her while she dreamed. Trust was all she could work off of. Trust between two sane organisms, doing necessary things to survive.

Inhale.

Exhale.