"You should just go for a run, clear your head a little." My father wouldn't let it go.

I don't want to leave the house. Every corner, every sound, reminded me how much of a failure I am. "Please, dad, give it a rest!" I pleaded. "Don't you have work soon?" I pointed at my watch, desperate to change the subject.

He only smiled, patient, stubborn. "Just get some fresh air for me okay? You've been cooped up to long. Who knows on your run, you might has an idea of. What to do next. So go!" He shooed me, with a warm smile.

His encouragement didn't lift me, but I know he means well.

I slumped against the couch, staring at nothing. A month since I lost the job that was suppose to change everything. A month since the rug was yanked from under my feet. Now I was back here, crashing in my dad's house, living like a shadow.

With a sigh, I laced up my sneakers. Still in my three day old sweats, I shoved myself outside.

The sun beamed down, forcing me to squint. Warm air kissed my skin for the first time in weeks. It's a beautiful day, yet anxiety still stirred inside me.

Head lowered, I walked the familiar road until the Cape Fort Park tail came into view. The path glowed, bright with life.

Sulkily, I kicked every rock in my way, imagining each one was my Bo's head. If I could, I'd drive my foot into his chest and knock the wind out of him. Everything ruined because of him!

A sharp crack split the air. I froze. My eyes swept the tress, but nothing.

Not many people walk this path, not since that man went missing out in these woods. They searched day and night, but he was never found.

It still haunts the town. Still, I always come here. No matter the weather, no matter the time. I always return somehow, it makes me feel closer to my mom.

Birds sand around me. A delicate symphony. No matter how heavy I felt, the world still had the audacity to shine beautifully. It's not fair.

I clenched my jaw and closed my eyes, drawing a deep breath. I can't let the weight keep eating me alive. Betrayed or broke, I have to keep living.

Another sharp snap. Closer. My heart jumped, cold rushing through my veins. Maybe it's an animal, or worse, a person stalking me.

I walked faster, fighting the urge to run.

Then came the growl. Low, vicious, right behind me.

I bolted.

I risked one glance back, a breath caught in my throat. A massive black wolf thundered after me, jaws snapping, fangs glinting.

Panic ripped through me. Maybe this is how that man disappeared, maybe no one will ever find me either.

Its snarls grew closer, breath hot against my back. The air shuddered with its breath as it snapped at me.

I darted off the trail, weaving hard, zig zagging between trees. The ground pitched steep beneath me, but I couldn't slow down. My lungs burned, my legs screamed, but gravity dragged me faster until I stumbled, and fell.

Tumbling down the hill, crashing into rocks and trees. My screams piercing the air as I clawed for branches, only to slam into them instead.

Pain lit my body like fire. I could only cry out until everything went dark.

A tickle brushed across my cheek. I swatted at it, stinging myself awake. Slowly, I rolled over. Dim sunlight bled through the bushes.

A tree must have knocked me out. Judging by the light it's evening. I'd been unconscious for hours. My dad is probably worried sick.

I didn't even think to bring my phone. Perfect.

Shakily, I pushed to my feet. Dirt clung to my skin, smeared too deep to wipe off completely.