The crack of a twig was all the warning I needed. I shot out of the grass as fast as my legs could carry me, knowing in my heart there was no hope of outrunning this killer but I had to give it my best shot.
Even as I ran, I could feel myself slowing down with every step I took. My breath was deep and ragged and I my dry throat burned from the lack of water. The silent assassin was almost upon me when suddenly, I changed direction. The much older predator had to slow down considerably, giving me a few seconds to get further away. However, in seconds he was back on my tail, his eyes filled with anger and malice.
I flew over the ground, all the while thinking about my chaser, stalking my every move. Then, finally, luck turned to favour me. The pursuer, so intent on killing me, tripped over his own legs, tumbling to the ground.
Digging deep, I discovered strength I had unconsciously kept in reserve and pushed myself forward, putting as much distance between him and me as was possible.
Suddenly, as if it had popped out of the ground, I saw a tree. Not just a tree but one with a colossal trunk that would be a perfect hiding spot for me. I quickly ran behind it, hoping and praying that my stalker would not see me.
Somehow, my prayers worked and after getting up, the chaser gave up and walked away.
I watched him go until he was a distant speck and then, panting hard and filled with adrenalin, I started the long walk back to my waiting family. As I walked, I thought about all that had happened in the last few minutes alone. It was unbelievable to think that so much had transpired in such a short time.
It was a very lucky coincidence that the assassin had tripped as I’m not sure I been able to run for much longer.
It was with thoughts like these that I walked back to where my family stood. I could hear them shouting something but I wasn’t really listening as it was probably questions like “Are you alright?” and “Are you hurt?”
Then my instincts started going into overdrive and I realized too late that I had been deceived by my pursuer. He had expected, and rightly so, that I would walk back to my family after going on the high speed chase. He then leaped on me at just the right moment. I could only turn around and watch as death leaped onto me and grabbed my neck.
Sharp teeth clawed at my insides as my black and white stripped fur was ripped away from my body. Incomprehensible pain swept over my body as, with my dying eyes, I saw my family get devoured by dozens of amber beasts that could only be the rest of the lion pride.