SEVENTY ONE

LAUREL’s POV

Time is lost to me and in a blink of an eye, the sky goes dark. I look up, past the branches overhead and see the sky filled with a million stars. So many are the stars that they seemingly light up the sky like a concert of sorts. The air becomes so silent that I think I can hear an ant walking…but where did the voice come from?

I frown, bringing my eyes back to my level and scan the now darkened surroundings but there is nothing but bushes and trees.

“Laurel…”

I whirl around, that voice again.

“Who’s there?” I call out. Strangely, I am not afraid. The voice does not sound threatening, and neither does it feel that way. In fact, it is hauntingly familiar. It calls out to me like an old friend, as if we have known each other for years.

“Don’t you remember me?” the voice asks.

“Show yourself.” I can feel the voice coming nearer. I take a few steps forward but see nothing.

“I am already here,” the voice calls out again.

My head snaps to my left and right as perspirat