By Bailey Benson

Quietly running like a deer that risked to go through a part of the woods it knew was dangerous, I proceeded to cram myself into a small bush. Sliding backwards to make sure every part of my body was hidden between the bush and wall I took in my surroundings. I felt blind not being able to see anything, but what was straight out in front of me. Glancing forward I saw Jacob kneeling front of me. He too, like me, was hidden behind a full green bush. The only difference between ours was that his was larger, a lot larger, than mine. Catching his eyes I held them and in that brief second we both agreed on an extremely vital detail, he would be my ‘partner’. From his position he could see the entire yard except for what was behind him. Where as from my position you could see about as good as if you had splashed soapy water in your eyes and didn’t wash them out. His job was to let me know when whoever if was that was ‘it’ was out of. Then it was up to me, I would have to run faster than I would if had set my pants on fire and kick the cone, and win the game.

Straining slightly I could hear a slow steady count, 61…62…63. All of a sudden it felt as though someone was trying to drill into the back of my skull. Shifting slighting I moved my position towards the wall as if it were my last refuge to escape the wrath of the vicious little twig that was ruthlessly attacking me. Once comfortable again. I turned my head back towards Jacob. He had his finger to his lips, reminding me of a perturbed librarian, signaling for me to hold still and keep my mouth shut. That is when I heard it, soft footsteps that were coming towards me like a naughty child doing something he wasn’t supposed to be doing. Slowly, so slowly, the footsteps receded and Jacob turned his head as if he were watching something that I could not see. Sitting quietly I stared at Jacob, all of my attention focused on him. It seemed as though time had stopped completely. I felt as though I were viewing what was happening from someplace very far away and distant. Finally Jacob slowly raised his hand calling me back into my body. Unconsciously I got to my feet, still crouched up like a cat about to spring forward and attack its prey. Then he began to wave his hand frantically and began to get out of his hiding place. I sprang forward like a frightened deer.