Don't Stop in the Woods

"We need to keep moving."

"It'll only be a sec. Which pocket is it?"

"Left." I hunch over as Ally unclips my pack. I feel like a turtle. I fit right in with the toads.

"You sure it's in here?"

"Try the right pocket then." A high pitched whine rises out of the background. "We've stopped too long. Try to look while we walk."

I'm yanked backward each time she shoves her hands down my pack. The buzzing builds and surrounds us as if rising from the woods themselves.

"Hurry up!"

"I'm telling you it's not here. Check mine."

"Fine! Turn around." I whip away and yank her zipper open. Her bag's a mess of granola bars and clothes. I feel around for the metal can.

Ally jerks, smacking her arm with her hand. The high pitched sound flies by my ear again. Ally leans forward and swats at her leg. The pocket unzips too far, a tube of sun lotion falls out.

"It's too late. They're on us now!" I smack my face, blood spatters on me. Ally smacks her legs again and starts swinging at the air.

"Forget the bug spray. Run!"