YASMIN DAIHA - THE FOREST

Yasmin Daiha is a Film Industry writer as well as part time Synchronized Swimming coach. She usually writes Action/Adventure stories and Horror. Her credits include an internship at Randstad, participation at a creative writing summer program at Pratt University in New York, an article called “Conrad’s Career is about to Takeoff” for a local newspaper called the Circle Gazette. She is a full-time student at Full Sail University and is earning her BFA in Creative Writing. 

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​THE FOREST

​“I can’t feel my limbs. S-Santana, I can’t feel my limbs!” Josh panicked. The brother and sister were almost out of the forest until a snake bit Josh. He fell to the ground and moments later started yelling. His whole body went numb. As he tried to get up there was no use because he fell right back down.
Everyone always warned to stay away from this forest, but Josh and Santana made a bet to see who can last the longest without complaining.
“Josh, you have to be quiet,” Santana warned. “We don’t know what or who lives in this forest and I’m really not trying to find out.”
“I can’t believe you made me agree to this bet.”
“I didn’t make you agree to anything. This was all you.”
“Whatever. Can you at least try and do something? We can’t just stay here all night.”
“Alright come on. We have to try and get you somewhere safe.” Santana grabbed his arm and hung it around her neck, instantly feeling his whole weight on her.
“Damn it Josh. At least a little help would be greatly appreciated.”
The brother and sister started to make their way through the forest, one step at a time, trying to make as little noise as possible. They were walking for what seemed like hours, Josh just getting worse. His breathing became slower and he started to wheeze.
“Josh, you have to stay awake. Okay? No matter what just stay awake. We’re almost out, I know it.”
Santana tried her hardest to make sure Josh didn’t panic but she had no idea where they were. Sweat trickled down her forehead and as Joshes breathing slowed, hers sped. What if we don’t get out in time? What if Josh dies? Santana knew she had to do something.
As if on cue a small wooden house appeared. Santana gripped Josh tighter and started rushing to the door. Before she could knock, the door opened, and an old lady appeared with a big grin on her face.
“Hi, my name is Santana, and this is my brother Josh. Can you please help us? He’s been hurt.”
 “Yes, yes of course my dear bring him in and put him on the couch.”
Santana stumbled inside and carefully lay him down. She backed up and looked around the living room. She raised her eyebrows but decided to ignore the fact that the whole house had kid toys laying around.
“Oh my, dear you look so parched. Let me make you some tea,” the old lady said as she walked to the kitchen. Santana stood there awkwardly. Arms to the side swaying back and forth but her eyes never left Josh.
A couple minutes later the old lady returned with two cups in her hand. She handed one to Santana and motioned her to drink it. Santana didn’t want to seem rude and decline so she lifted the cup to her mouth but decided it was too hot.
Santana noticed a wall filled with children’s pictures hanging up.
“Are these your grandchildren?”
“Drink the tea dear. It will make you feel better,” the old lady insisted, completely ignoring the question.
Santana’s lips parted, and her head cocked to the side, but she brought the cup to her lips once more. As soon as she finished with the cup of tea, Santana started to feel tired. Her eyes kept closing and her breathing became shallow. The old lady watched but didn’t do anything.
“Help,” Santana pleaded but nothing.
“Drink more tea my dear. You’ll feel better, I promise,” the old lady said with a smile. Moments later Santana fell to the ground. The old lady finally rose and went to check her pulse. Nothing.
Josh had no idea what was going on but soon noticed that Santana wasn’t around.
“Where’s Santana?” he even struggled to say those words. They came out hoarse and slow.
“She just went to get you some water my dear.”
The old lady had another cup of tea in her hand and started to walk closer to Josh.
“Here my dear, have some tea.”
“I’m okay, thank you,” Josh turned away and tried to sleep again.
“I insist, I promise, you’ll feel much better,” the old lady inched closer, holding the cup up.
Josh gave in and grabbed the cup. He drank it in one take and as soon as he finished he began to cough.
“What’s wrong my dear? You don’t like my tea?”