Taking cautionary and almost cat like footsteps. Arlo silently crept along, desperately trying to find somewhere to hide or something to climb. There was only one problem, and that was the fact that he couldn’t see anything. With it being completely dark was going to make it extremely hard. As he moved, it felt like every plant, branch and limb in the forest was trying to grab him. Fighting the urge he felt to pick up the pace. Instead, focused on taking just one step at a time. Making sure his footing was secure, and that there wasn’t anything he would crush or crunch, then take another one. Progressing was the key, he just needed to keep moving. Hoping that if he couldn’t see, chances are that whatever was following him, probably couldn’t see either. Arlo had no idea of how much time had gone by, how much ground he had covered, or what lay ahead of him. Which could’ve been a ditch or even a cliff. Arlo suddenly heard a voice, he froze in mid-step. The voice said that although it couldn’t see him, it could smell him. It was a deep and grumbly voice. Although it didn’t sound angry, but more like it was excited. Arlo didn’t recognize it as being any from in the community, including Gideon. He had never heard this voice before. He stayed still while listening intently, trying to hear if anything was moving. And even though the voice continued speaking, he heard nothing. No footsteps or the crunching of leaves. Arlo slowly sunk to the ground. Not crouching, but laying down, fully flat on his chest and stomach. The voice said that the stench of panic, with a hint of bitterness, filled the air around him. Also letting Arlo know that it was very close, and that there were very few who got away. Arlo’s heart sank, realizing that he had made a terrible mistake. Knowing this could possibly happen and still did it anyway. Now, this may not have been the only reason that caused all the other individuals to return. But Arlo knew that it was without a doubt the main one. Especially since most of them did not seem very happy about it. But with the fate of those who did not return still uncertain. Arlo made up his mind that he was not going to move until this new adversary did. Soon, complete silence came to rule the rest of the night. But Arlo knew, that as long as it was quiet, he would probably be alright. Knowing that it was very dense, he was almost certain that nothing could move through this without making a sound. And that the only thing he could do was wait it out. Which turned this into the longest night of his life. He couldn’t leave, and he couldn’t sleep. The only thing that remained for him to do, unfortunately, was think. His mind began to replay and relive past experiences, good and bad. The memories of both came flooding back, almost like an attack. Feeling as real and vivid as they ever did, almost making him sick. He was constantly trying to keep from closing his eyes, so that he wouldn’t miss the first break of daylight when it arrived. But what he was going to do when it did, was still undecided.