R.E.M.: The Hidden World by Corrie Fischer Read Free Book Online Page A

short.
    “Oh dear, you need help with that.”  Once again, the woman was using an actor’s tone.  She seemed to be contemplating how to handle the situation.  “Follow me….uhm...”  The woman gestured with her hand as though with an unspoken query.  It was the same question Emily attempted to ask of this stranger.
    “Emily.  My name is Emily.”  She saw no harm in giving such minor information, especially since it was not her full name.
    “Emily, that is a lovely name.  For now, you may call me Lucy.”
    You may call me? For now?  What is this woman’s game?   Emily was clueless as to why ‘Lucy’ was being so secretive, but at the moment, her arm needed some attention and this was her only option.  Hesitantly, she stood to her feet, prepared to follow her odd, new acquaintance.
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7. Alone
     
     
    The forest su rrounding Renee glistened with the sparkle of a newborn child. Its branches and mossy floor refreshed by the morning dew, still resting in slumber.  Everything was perfect, absolute perfection for a sheer moment.  Then arose a question. 
    How did I get here?  Renee’s mind felt foggy.  The lack of clarity increased as a wave of pain jolted through her head.  Her fingertips reached toward the source and met an unpleasant discovery.   There, on the tip of her temple, rested a giant whelp.  What happened? Calm down Renee, examine your surroundings.  At least her father did done something right; he always enforced that she be on guard and aware of her environment.  Renee leaned up, her bottom still resting against soft ground. She scanned the moist forest.  It was fairly standard as far as woods are concerned.  Giant trees looked over her, their branches interlocking in an epic battle for the sun’s nourishing embrace.  They stretched on for what seemed like an eternity. 
    Oh no, Sam!  The thought interrupted all others.  He was right beside me and then…..then what?!  She struggled to regain lost thoughts.  Her eyes scanned the entire area.  We started jogging through the woods and everything was fine ….. but then…then what?  There was no sign of her lost friend anywhere.  Trees surrounded her on all sides.  Their autumn colors and scattered fallen leaves seemed to imply death was in the air.  Oh God…what if the stories were right….what if something took him?  
    R ealizing the seriousness of her situation, Renee's entire body began to shake and she gave way to tears that longed to pour.  What have I done? I should’ve never left home… “God, if you’re really up there, please help me….I just want my mom!” 
    Snap!
    “Who’s there?”  Renee was immediately defensive, ceasing the tears from their release.  She quickly stood to her feet and armed herself with a nearby branch.  A few feet away, a rustling sound arose from the bushes.  Renee braced, grasping the branch like a sword and facing the unknown source of the noise.  Her imagination began to run wild.  Perhaps the woman whose voice created their argument took Sam.  What if I'm next?   It's also possible that Sam is still somewhere close by....maybe even unconscious.   Of course if the noise wasn't Sam then Renee was likely about to face some form of wild beast.  Somehow despite her worries, Renee suddenly felt invincible.  Perhaps the cause of this sensation was directly related to Sam.  After all, if something happened to him, Renee’s would be the only one who could save him.  Her own well being was instantaneously irrelevant.  With that line of thought in place, Renee believed she was prepared for anything. 
    A small cardinal then leaped out of the bushes.  "Whew!  It was just a bird."  The cardinal's feathers were a vibrant red that contrasted brilliantly with the brown and green forest palate.  He landed ever-so-delicately on a nearby branch and turned so he was facing her directly.  His demure was unlike any ordinary