Chapter Four: Into the Woods

Tiffany's heart raced as she tried to make sense of the horrifying scene before her. Panic set in, her breathing quickened, and she struggled to recall any details from the events leading up to this moment. The throbbing headache made it difficult to concentrate, but she knew she had to gather her thoughts and find help.

Shaking off the disorientation, Tiffany slowly got to her feet, stumbling slightly as she did. The surrounding forest appeared unfamiliar, and she couldn't shake the feeling that something was terribly wrong. She searched her pockets for any clues to her identity or the events that had transpired, but they were empty.

With a surge of determination, Tiffany made her way towards the road, hoping to find someone who could assist her. As she walked, she noticed her reflection in the shattered remains of a side mirror. Her face was smudged with dirt and streaked with dried tears, but it was the vacant expression in her eyes that struck her the most. Who was she? And how had she ended up in this nightmare?

Minutes turned into what felt like an eternity as Tiffany continued her aimless journey along the desolate road. Every step brought her closer to the realization that her memories had been stolen from her. The weight of her forgotten past bore down on her, adding to the heaviness in her chest.

Eventually, a faint sound caught Tiffany's attention. She strained her ears, trying to discern its origin. It grew louder with each passing moment, evolving into the distinct hum of an approaching vehicle. A mix of relief and anxiety washed over her as she anxiously waited for the unknown driver to arrive.

Soon enough, a car emerged from around the bend, its tires screeching to a halt upon spotting Tiffany. The driver, a middle-aged man with a concerned expression, rushed out of the vehicle and approached her cautiously.

"Are you alright?" he asked, his voice filled with genuine worry.

Tiffany shook her head, her voice trembling as she replied, "I... I don't know. I woke up near the forest, and... my parents... they're..." Her voice trailed off as the weight of the tragedy overwhelmed her.

The man's eyes softened with sympathy as he took in the devastated scene before him. "I'm so sorry for your loss. Let me call for help," he offered, reaching for his phone.

Tiffany nodded weakly, her mind still grappling with the enormity of the situation. As the man made the call, she looked back at the wreckage of the car, her parents' lifeless bodies a haunting reminder of the life she couldn't remember.

Lost in a sea of uncertainty, Tiffany clung to the hope that someone, somehow, would be able to piece together the fragments of her shattered memories. She knew that uncovering the truth about her past was the key to unlocking the answers she desperately sought.

But for now, all she could do was wait, hoping that the fog obscuring her past would eventually lift, revealing the truth she yearned to uncover. 

Minutes later, the man uttered, "What happened to you?"  

Tiffany noticed that the man's eyes darted to the girl's body from time to time which made her feel uneasy. Even if she's tired and lost, she covered her body with the coat.

"S-Stop the car," she commanded. 

The man obliged and stopped the car. Without further ado, Tiffany went out. "Thank you for the ride."

The man was filled with confusion. "W-Wait w-what—" 

The woman ran as fast as she could even if pain embraces her body. She didn't know where that man brought her but at least, she's now free from danger. 

Tiffany's cries for help echoed through the dense forest, but there was no response. Fear and desperation consumed her as she stumbled aimlessly among the towering trees. The bruises on her body throbbed with each step, draining her energy and making the ordeal even more challenging.

The forest seemed to close in around her, casting long shadows that played tricks on her weary mind. Every rustle of leaves and hushed whispers of the wind sent shivers down her spine. The eerie silence added to her mounting anxiety, leaving her feeling isolated and vulnerable.

Exhaustion gnawed at Tiffany's bones, and hunger gnawed at her stomach. She desperately needed nourishment, but the forest offered no sustenance, only an endless maze of trees and uncertainty. The realization that she was alone, without any memory of who she was or where she belonged, intensified her sense of hopelessness.

"Where a-am I?" the woman asked a question.

As the hours ticked by, Tiffany's strength waned further. She stumbled and fell to her knees, too weak to pick herself up. Tears streamed down her face as she clung to the sliver of hope that someone, somewhere, would come to her rescue.

But just as despair threatened to consume her, a distant sound caught her attention. It was a low growl, followed by the snapping of branches. Tiffany's heart raced as she strained to see through the darkness. Fear coursed through her veins as she realized she was not alone in the forest.

With a surge of adrenaline, Tiffany forced herself to her feet and stumbled forward, desperate to escape whatever threat lurked nearby. The sounds grew louder and closer, urging her to move faster despite her weakened state. She darted through the trees, her instincts guiding her through the maze-like wilderness.

Finally, Tiffany emerged into a small clearing, panting heavily. Her chest heaved with each breath as she surveyed her surroundings, searching for any sign of safety. It was then that she caught sight of a faint glimmer in the distance—a flickering light that promised the presence of civilization.

Summoning the last reserves of her strength, Tiffany pushed forward, driven by the hope of finding help and answers. She followed the glow until she stumbled upon a small cabin nestled in the heart of the woods.

Without hesitation, Tiffany approached the cabin, her hand trembling as she reached out to knock on the door. Moments stretched into an eternity before the door creaked open, revealing an elderly woman with kind eyes.

"You poor dear," the woman exclaimed, taking in Tiffany's disheveled appearance. "Come in, come in. Let's get you cleaned up and fed."

Relief washed over Tiffany as she stepped inside, grateful for the warmth and shelter the cabin provided. The elderly woman, sensing her distress, offered a reassuring smile.

"Don't worry, child. You're safe now. We'll figure out what happened and help you find your way home."

Tears of gratitude welled in Tiffany's eyes as the weight of her burdens began to lift. She had found an ally, a glimmer of hope in the vast unknown. With the woman's guidance, she knew that the journey to uncover her lost memories and find her place in the world would continue.

"Th-Thank you so much." Those are the last words that Tiffany muttered because of being tired. As she closes her eyes, she sees a vision of a woman and man.

"Come home, Child. We missed you." 

And she lost her consciousness.