The Forest

A sister and brother were lost in the forest. The smallest sound would make them jump and flinch.
 
“Is it getting close to my bathtime?” the little boy complained. “I feel dirty. We’ve been walking for so long.”
 
The girl saw the brook that had caught his eye. She considered how cold it would feel — nothing like a warm bath at home. And there was nothing with which to towel him off. Though it was tempting, she didn’t stop.
 
“Is it getting close to my suppertime?” the little boy complained. “I’m so very hungry. I can’t remember the last time we ate.”
 
The girl saw the berries that had caught his eye. She didn’t know if they were good for people or only for birds. She considered making a fire and catching a hare, but it had recently rained — the wet wood would only sputter and smoke.
 
“Is it getting close to my bedtime?” the little boy complained. “Sister, I’m sleepy.”
 
Then they heard a rustle — both children froze. The girl grabbed her brother and pulled him down into the bushes, where they waited, crouching, for whatever had made the noise.
 
“What is it?” the little boy said, but the girl just hissed at him.
 
 A moment later, their father stepped into view. The little boy saw him and began to rise. “It is our fath—” he started to say, but the girl clamped a hand over his mouth. She wrestled him down and held him still when he struggled. Their father paused, looking both ways with his bloodshot eyes, while they remained hidden. Soon he continued through the forest.
 
The girl watched him go. She waited a very long time.