"Damn it."

Ava felt her toes hit the uneven ground before feeling herself lurch forward. Her hands dug into the earth and elicited a familiar scent, bringing to mind a memory that she could only faintly recall. Her body catapulted past her hands, throwing her into the thick brambles that lined the forest floor. Amidst her journey, Ava let out a humorless laugh, only being forced to stop by the sheer force of her body's impact upon the hard ground.

This can't be what my life has become, Ava thought, laying upon the ground, waiting for her body to return to her. She closed her eyes and took in a slow and shaky breath. Her lungs rattled in their cage, looking to find their footing again. 1, 2, 3, 4...

As the air and her entire being made its slow return to her body, Ava opened her eyes. The webbing of the tree limbs provided a view to the dark sky above. Stars twinkled and danced to their heart's content. The moon hovered lower than usual as if it was set to drop right where she now resided. The dark crevices and craters of the moon wore a smile upon its pale face.

It felt as though it had been years since Ava had been able to enjoy nature. It had been far too long since she had been able to feel the earth beneath her bare arms and the embrace of the gentle breeze that touched everything that surrounded. For one brief moment, Ava's life was stable and sure. Relishing the quiet, Ava allowed herself to close her eyes once more and feel the world around her.

"I think she went that direction."

Ava's eyes snapped open as she was brought back to reality. This really can't be what my life has become, she thought to herself bitterly. Ava stood up and started to run.