Chapter 4: Escaped

Anne had no idea how much time had passed since she lost her parents and went to this forest. Her red bow-tie dress was crumpled and old enough to be seen. Anne had repeatedly asked David to lead her out of the woods, but he refused, and she did not dare to go through such a dangerous place alone. Every day, David would go hunting, and Anne would cook and teach him what she had learned at school.

David got up early today, as he does every day, to look for food. Anne remained in the cave, rearranging the fruits she had picked, waiting for him to return with his prey for lunch. Anne was concerned because it was past noon and she hadn't seen David return. He always returned on time, but no one was there today. Is David in jeopardy?

Anne pondered, then took a few steps outside the cave to search. She was afraid that wild animals in the forest would kill her if she went any further without a companion. Footsteps were approaching in the distance. Please wait a minute, and it appears that quite a few people are coming here. Anne paid close attention because there seemed to be voices speaking. It's been a long time since anyone has come here, and many people are now. They moved closer to Anne, who was looking at them.

There are four men and one woman in a group of five. The four men carried many things on their shoulders and animals they had just caught. They were all laughing and having a good time when they noticed Anne. Then they approached her.

 Anne looked at them as if she saw hope; perhaps these people could lead her home to her parents.

"What brings you here, girl?" As they approached, Anne, the only female in the group, inquired.

"I lost my parents. Can you take me to find them?" Anne obediently replied.

Hearing the response, the five exchanged glances before the woman gently patted Anna's head: "Okay, I'll follow you. We'll accompany you to locate your family."

Anne still remembers David and believes that the boy, like her, has lost his family, so she wants to wait to take him with him. The people who heard that agreed, but it was lunchtime, so they were hungry and wanted to build a fire to grill the meat. Anne guided them into the cave, where they assisted the kitchen team. While waiting for David, the group ate and rested.

The sun is setting on the mountain. The woman in the group named Lena told Anne that getting out of the forest at night was extremely difficult.

"We need to leave before it gets dark." Your friend hasn't returned; perhaps he went first, or will you accompany your aunt and uncle?"

Anne was hesitant. 

"Leave something to remind the other guy. If he comes back to see it, he'll chase us," Lena said again. Is it all right?"

The girl only nodded then.

Anne went to the rock where David slept every night, scribbled a few simple words with a branch, and then removed and left her necklace. Anne and the others went, looking back.

David returned to the blood-splattered cave many years later to find Anne missing, his face disappointed. David fell asleep after seeing the letters and objects she had left behind.

Anne followed Lena's group out of the forest from this side. There were encounters with wild animals along the way, but thankfully they were all armed, so everyone was safe. Anne was delighted because she hadn't seen so many people in a long time. The girl profusely thanked Lena and expressed a desire to locate her parents immediately. "It's getting dark; let's eat and rest well because tomorrow will take me to find my parents?" Lena said.

Anne was young but knew she was bothering others, so she nodded obediently. Anne was led by five people to a restaurant for dinner and then a room for rest. Anne had not walked in a long time, so she was exhausted and fell asleep as soon as she got into bed.

...

"No! Do not abandon Anne, Mom, and Dad! No…"

Anne was woken up by a nightmare, cried, and refused to go back to sleep. Anne crept out to pour water, suddenly thirsty, when she heard someone talking and recognized Lena's voice.

"This child is lovely; raised in a few years, she will undoubtedly become even more lovely." I think this price is too low."

"But now there is a strict order from above, and this business is complicated to conduct." I wouldn't have bought it if it hadn't been for her beauty and the prospect of many future customers." An unknown male voice.

"That's too low," Lena continued to barter. Furthermore, our group comprises five people; how can you split that cost?"

"As you mentioned, this little girl has been living in the forest for a few days, where there are many hidden dangers. Who knows if it's contaminated? Wouldn't it be a significant loss if I repurchased it and double-checked it? That's all there is to it; add another $100 to divide the five of you evenly. What do you think of the final price?"

Anne was young but understood what the two of them were saying. The woman who used to care for Anne with her sweet voice made her feel as if she could feel her mother's love. But now, she hasn't hesitated to sell Anne to these evil traffickers. It's perilous! The voice she had liked earlier in the day was now talking about selling her to human traffickers. Anne knew she couldn't stay there until tomorrow morning when the women's consent sounded after a long time, and she hurried back to her room to think.

This location was on the second floor, and Anne opened the bedroom window to look down. After that, Anne searched the room for valuables and placed them in the bag Lena had placed in her new clothes. She had to flee from these people before they sold her. Anne thought so, then put on her belongings and climbed the window to escape. Fortunately, while still in the forest, David taught her to climb trees. Although climbing down was more difficult, Anne still managed to jump.

The late night is quiet. Fortunately, Anne's bedroom window did not face the same direction as the main door. Anne descended quickly, then disappeared into the darkness.

The darkness quickly swallowed up her thin and trim body...