I struggle to cope with the overwhelming intensity that exists between the creature and me.

I pull myself away hard and pick up my feet to run.

I trip over the strong coils beneath me and stumble into the mud.

It lunges towards my face again, not to strike but to gaze.

I barely avoid its glance and pull myself up from the ground.

My feet are under me again.

The moonlight over the stream becomes farther and farther, making it darker and darker.

I run and run for what feels like miles.

It is odd.

I feel a sense of betrayal.

As if I missed a chance I did not take.

An opportunity I could not predict, lost to time and my decision.

Against these doubts,
I continue on.