A wet leaf fell on her shoulder making her jump in fear. Startled she shifted from her hiding place behind the bush and saw bright orange eyes stare into hers. She placed a hand over her chest, feeling the thumping about to explode.
The tiger let out a roar, revealing thick white canines.
Sarah closed her eyes. This was it. The end! She heard movement and open her eyes. The tiger was gone.
She left her hiding place and walked with shaky legs along a dirt path. She knew going on the hike was dangerous, but she really wanted to see the animals up close outside of a car.
She took deep breaths as she walked, her body swayed as the adrenaline left her. She really should not have left alone. Looking around her, more trees and open plains ahead of her.
She found a huge rock and sat down. Drinking water from her water bottle felt cool and refreshing down her throat. She spotted orange move across a thick patch of green.
She nearly spat out her water as she darted to her feet. Why was she being hunted now? She scanned the area and saw no sign of the tiger. Was she hallucinating?
She quickened her pace and reached a campsite. When she saw who it was, her shoulders sagged and she ran toward her friend. They briefly hugged.
"Don't go in there unless you really have to!" Sarah glanced back at the forest she left. She sat on a bench in the plains facing the fire. The sky was starting to darken.
"Richard told you not to do it!" Ruby said as she handed Sarah a bowl with a smile.
"And miss out on seeing a tiger up close!" Sarah grinned. "It was worth the fear."

© All Rights Reserved