The velvety breeze warmly caressed the grand old oaks, Their aging foliage gently swaying. The fallen leaves of autumn rustled crisply from the frolicsome movements of rodents squirreling away acorns for winter.

Beyond the shelter of the trees, spikes of thistle prickled against the escaping girl’s sweaty legs as she stealthily crawled through the overgrown field. Rocks gouged sharply, bruising her knees.

An unseen bee smashed beneath her palm, stung her as it died. Stifling a groan, she sucked the injury to ease the throbbing pain.