Chapter 7

• I jerked up, gasping for air. My heart was pounding very fast as memories of what had happened flashed through my mind. I thought I was dead; strange things had happened ever since I encountered my death. I gradually removed myself from the past and focused on the present. I felt a sharp shooting pain streak across my forehead as I dragged my tired body to rest at the side of a large tree. I narrowed my eyes and looked around my surroundings.
• The view was great, and the sunless sky covered the woods over the treetops, which created a canopy over my head. The crimson and auburn foliage was a magnificent sight, as this was the season known as fall. There was a gentle breeze that was creating the single sound of rustling leaves. The leaves appeared as though they were dying to fall out of the tree and join their companions on the forest floor. Together with pine needles and other flora, the leaves formed a thick, springy carpet for me to walk upon.
• "How did I end up here? Who brought me here, and what is this place?" My mind earnestly sought answers to these questions, but I winced as the effort only worsened the headache.