By: Fionna Ma

My dad was cooking ramen noodles over the camp stove. After I fed our dog Autumn, I sat down and ate with my father.

“Dad! I am going hiking, can you come with me?” I asked.

“Sorry I can’t,” Dad replied shaking his head. “You are old enough to go by yourself. Bring food, water, Autumn, and one of my socks for my scent.”

After packing all the items into a bag, I started walking out.

“Goodluck, Nory!” my dad waved.

“Okay, you too, on whatever you’re working on,” I told him.

“Come on Autumn!” I called her. She padded over to me and licked my face. After a few minutes, we set out into the undergrowth. We hiked several miles without a break because I wanted to reach my destination before the sunset. Finally, we reached it! A big grand valley. I set my stuff on a rock and just stared at the view. It was beautiful; one I’ll never ever forget.

I was so mesmerized by the view that I was lost track of time. One thing was clear though, the sky was getting dark. It was getting late, and our only chance of making it back to camp at sunset was now. But even though we were scared of getting lost, we still had time to fool around.

“Autumn! We must return to the field where we played. Are you able to find the trail?” I asked nervously.

Autumn nodded and went to work sniffing the trail. I slowly followed her all the way to the very end of the forest. She sat on her haunches and slowly shook her head looking depressed. I knew we were lost. I could not blame her as the rain had washed away our scent.

I sighed and sat on the wet grass, wishing I could just rewind time. Autumn looked sorry with her big eyes that were pleading for forgiveness. I knew one way for her to understand. Slowly I blinked, and she knew that all was forgiven.

Just then, I saw a small bunny. It came toward us, as if it wanted us to follow it. We followed the bunny like our lives depended on it. The small furry creature led us to a stream, hidden by some bushes. I scanned the stream and saw otters. During my research project, I learned that otters only live in freshwater bodies. Relieved, I started to scoop water into my mouth. At last, my thirst was quenched. I smiled as Autumn was lapping the water and a single drop landed on her nose. She was ridiculous.
We followed the same bunny. After a century of walking, I recognized a familiar camp!

“Dad you’re here!” I ran to give him a big hug, “I knew I would find you eventually.”

“Oh, Nory, I was worried sick! Umm, but where is your bag?” He asked, eyebrows furrowing.

I plopped down on one of the chairs and said, “it’s a long story.”

Image Credit by cottonbro studio