Chapter 2; Episode 28 and 29

Episode 28

Worrying

2016 Jul 15

"Chelsea! Where are you?" Ocean's voice echoes through the trees but there’s no response, besides the chirping of insects and twittering of birds. The barbecue area in the suburbs of Lan Kong Town lie close to a small stream and forest. Verdant, cloud-covered mountains can be seen off in the distance.

"I still can't reach her on this cellphone..." Ocean keeps redialing Chelsea's phone number, but he keeps directing to her voicemail.

"Chelsea!!" Ten paces to the right of Ocean, Jessy heads down a different path into the woods, shouting Chelsea's name as he goes.

Ocean is leaving no stone unturned. He scrambles among low trees, through dense thickets and around large boulders looking, but finds no sign of her.

"Jessy, let's split up and search." Ocean shouts, and runs off into the forest, not noticing the small glimmer at the base of a large tree. Jessy nods and pushes on. He appears to notice something and turns back to the spot.

"No wonder she didn't answer... She's such a scatterbrain." Jessy picks the phone up off the ground and puts it in his pocket. Then he looks up at the sky, concerned. The sky is suddenly overcast and dark clouds gather overhead. Fine raindrops starts to gently fall.

Episode 29

OH NO

2016 Jul 15

Clutching the bundle of branches, Chelsea heads deeper into the forest. The looming trees and dusky sky seem to be from a different world. The birds and insects suddenly sound very near, as if all the creatures in the forest were crowding around her. None of these creatures show themselves however, preferring to remain hidden in the forest. Leaves and branches tangle on all sides, making it difficult for her to see anything beyond the foliage.

A faint ray of light pierces the canopy of the dark forest, lighting the way ahead. Chelsea has lost her bearings and can’t figure out which way to go. She mutters a quiet prayer, hoping to find her way back onto the right path. "Sniffle ...How come I can't find the way out?" Chelsea feels like she's been lost in the forest for hours, but really it's only been about 30 minutes. She is all scratched up and muddy from her walk, resembling the appearance of a lost little red riding hood.

"What now? ...Rain?" A single drop of water falls on Chelsea's shoulder and then, very soon after, the gentle pitter-patter of rain fills the forest. Holding her bundle of sticks tightly, she increases her pace, moving along the small path as fast as she can. "Ocean and the others must have noticed I've gone missing by now, right?" Chelsea wonders while she runs, "René must be worried too, right?" She speeds up, desperate to escape the forest. Ahead, a fuzzy light looks like it might be an exit.

Stepping out from under the cover of the trees, the rain quickly soaks through Chelsea’s clothes. She finally makes it out of the forest and runs like a frightened deer through the torrential downpour. Shielding her face with one hand, Chelsea hunches awkwardly over the firewood, trying to protect it. "I thought I’d never get out of there. I can't let this wood get wet now." Chelsea looks around but the heavy rain obscures her vision, yet she spots a small building not too far up ahead on the left.

"I need to get out of this rain first..." Chelsea is exhausted but musters up some energy and pushes forward. At last, when she leaves the forest, the broad expanse of open sky fills her vision.

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