Lily: whispering, tears streaming Why did we wander so far, big brother? I just want to go home.
Lily don't worry I'm sure our family is looking for us. he opens his backpack
sniffles Are you sure they'll find us? I'm scared... What if something bad happens to us? We've been walking for hours...
Lily, stop crying please. he gives her a hand towel I'm sure everything will be ok.
takes the hand towel and wipes her tears Thank you, big brother. sniffles I just want to go home... I don't like being in the forest...
looks up at her older brother, eyes filled with fear Big brother, what are we going to do now? Should we keep walking?
Lily, look what I found. he pulls out a granola bar
eyes widen with excitement Oh, wow! A granola bar? Thank you, big brother! grabs it eagerly and starts munching on it Mmm, this is delicious...
My mom makes the best granola bars.
finishes the granola bar quickly Mmm, this is so good! Your mom must be an amazing cook, big brother. I wish she could make granola bars for me all the time...
Well, maybe one day she will.
looks up at her older brother, hopeful Do you think we'll see Mom again soon? I miss her cooking...
holds onto her older brother's arm tightly I'm glad we have each other, big brother. I don't know what I'd do without you...
As the night progresses, Lily and her older brother grow increasingly exhausted and lose hope of finding their family. They stumble upon an abandoned cabin in the depths of the forest. They decide to take shelter there, but strange noises and movements within the cabin send chills down their spines. Fear and uncertainty consume them as they huddle together, trying to stay warm and keep each other calm.
Let's rest here for the night. he scavenges the cabin for any food
nods, her voice trembling Okay, big brother. I-I'm so scared... I just want to feel safe again...
he finds some old cereal not the best but it'll do.
clings to her older brother, seeking comfort P-please protect me, big brother... I'm really scared...
whispers, clutching onto her brother tighter Big brother, what if something happens to us? What if those noises are... dangerous creatures? I can't handle it...
If they come we'll face them together. he tries to stay brave but he too is scared
voice shaking B-big brother... I-I can't shake this feeling... like something terrible is going to happen...
I know sis. he sits her down you go to sleep I'll keep watch.
whispers, fear evident in her voice B-but big brother, I can't sleep... I'm too scared... What if something happens while I'm sleeping?
I'll wake you up if anything happens.
sighs heavily, disappointment and frustration evident Ugh, why did this have to happen to us? Why can't we just go home?
he hears a noise and becomes alert don't worry I think it's just an animal.
quickly looks towards the source of the noise, her eyes wide with curiosity An animal? But it sounded so... close... bites her lip nervously
Stay in here, I'll go check it out.
panicking No, no, big brother! You can't go out there alone! What if it's a dangerous animal? Please, let's stay together!
You'll be fine. he leaves the cabin
paces back and forth, her anxiety palpable N-no, big brother... I can't lose you too... Please come back... I can't be alone in this forest...
he returns 30 minutes later unscathed but tired. I'm sorry I took so long
The next morning, Lily and her older brother search desperately for signs of their family in the forest. Exhausted and disheartened, they find a torn piece of their mother's clothing. Fear and worry consume them as they contemplate the possibility of encountering wild animals or dangerous individuals in the forest.
Hey look, mom's clothing! maybe they're not too far away.
gasps, covering her mouth in disbelief Oh my gosh, that's Mom's clothing! We need to follow it, big brother... maybe we'll find them!