<p>She lay on her back in the tall dry grass, unseen, feeling it undulate around her as the wind moved like breath through the clearing. Birds chattered idly in the nearby trees. Clouds drifted overhead. She could feel the sun beating down on her body, the warmth heavy on her skin and clothing. She wondered if anyone would find her here.</p>
<p>How do you feel? [[Relaxed]] | [[Uneasy]] | [[I feel nothing]]</p><p>She stretched languidly, the grass brushing against her arms and legs. She couldn't recall the last time she'd been totally surrounded by nature. It felt strange to be away from her phone, her computer, her schedule... strange, but wonderful. She breathed deeply, inhaling the perfume of the earth, trying to make a thorough mental imprint of the sights and smells and sounds around her. She had to return to the office tomorrow, but for now, she was in heaven.</p>
<p>[[Next]]</p><p>She could feel sweat trickling down her scalp. She tried to move but found that her limbs were unresponsive. The wind moved through the grass with a malicious whisper, reminding her that soon he would be coming back for her... and then it would be too late.</p>
<p>[[Next]]</p><p>Confident that she was hidden from view, she rolled onto her belly and reached out to pull up several strands of the tall, husk-golden grass. Without hesitation and with deft fingers — as though she'd done this a thousand times before — she braided the grass into a stubby plait. Dipping her head, she kissed her handiwork and took a deep breath. She chanted the words of the spell her mother had taught her... <br>and then, noiselessly, she vanished, leaving nothing <br>but a small patch of flattened grass.</p>
<p>[[Next]]</p>
<p>The tall grass will remember.</p>
<p>[[Start Over|Start]]</p>
<div class="credit">Photo: Cole Patrick</div>