Step by Step
Walking had become something Arisha dreaded. It wasn't because of the physical activity or the fact that by the end of the day she was exhausted, but rather she never got anywhere. Sure, she could be in a forest and by sundown she could be by a lake- but neither of those meant anything to her. They weren't home. Often times she thought of her family, of her old home and of the bush she left the safety of, the one she was instructed to stay to, but she just couldn't. She had waited for days there, and the hunger and thirst had overcome her will to listen. Now, she had to survive. Was that possible for her, though? A mere pup, sheltered all her life with little idea of how to do anything. She knew little on hunting and would try to scavenge or dig for bugs and worms to eat, and the lack of nutrients showed on her small frame; ribs starting to prod at her frail skin. Water was a bit easier, but the past two days Arisha hadn't been able to even find a decent puddle. That was what brought her to the lake today. However, disappointment was quick to sink in her gut as she starred with defeated eyes at the dried up lake. Wobbly paws brought her to sit, dirt kicking up from where her body plopped down, and Arisha whimpered to herself. She wanted to cry but she didn't dare dehydrate herself anymore. Thoughts of everything started to pile into her mind and Arisha began to wallow in her self-pity, but her paws began to dig at the dirt under her. Maybe, just maybe, she could find a few drops somewhere... right? |