….
Neera shifted her weight on her aching legs, careful not to make any noise from where she hid. The shrubbery was high enough to conceal her from sight, and the dry edges of the grass pinched at her feet. She hugged herself tighter as the sound of approaching footsteps came closer, her heartbeats picking a pace.
She wanted to peek, but she was afraid the rustle of the leaves would make her seen. So she stilled herself like a rock, her head bowed between her raised knees, and waited for the footsteps to fade away.
"Neera, come out!" The yell came. Neera held her breath as the footsteps grew closer, and closer, until…
She let out a scream when a hand reached out to pull her. She slapped lightly on the grip of the hand and burst out in a laugh.
Penelope frowned. "Are we children? Why are we playing this game?"
"I know you're having fun." Neera said as she pulled out the leaves that stuck to her dress.
