The Mating Run by Leeka

Game

The forest stretches out endlessly, the trees standing tall and imposing.

I follow the map, its numbers and lines guiding me through the forest. The air is cool against my skin as I move with purpose, my footsteps soft against the earthy ground.

The map leads me deeper into the heart of the forest. I squint at the map, trying to decipher its cryptic instructions. The trees seem to close in around me, their branches interlocking like a maze.

As I navigate through the darkness, a clearing emerges before me. Moonlight spills through the gaps in the canopy, casting a silvery glow on the forest floor. The map directs me to a specific spot, and I feel a sense of anticipation.

I reach the designated location, and my eyes scan the surroundings. The numbers on the map point upward, towards a tall tree that towers above the others. I crane my neck, trying to see what the map is leading me to.

And there, high up in the branches, I spot it – a shack.

The tree stands like a sentinel, its trunk sturdy and unwavering. I wonder how I’ll reach the top, but the map insists this is where I need to be. The forest, once at place of mystery, now feels like a puzzle waiting to be solved.

I take a deep breath and begin to climb.

The bark is rough against my palms, but determination fuels my ascent. Each branch becomes a foothold, and I pull myself upward, higher and higher. The night. air grows cooler as I climb, the moon watching over me like a silent guardian.

The shack comes into view, nestled among the leaves and vines that act as nature’s camouflage. It’s decent–sized, blending seamlessly with the foliage. Tall leaves and long vines drape over it, concealing it from prying eyes.

O

1/7

08:32 Sat, 9 Mar N

Game

Game

88%

The forest stretches out endlessly, the trees standing tall and imposing.

I follow the map, its numbers and lines guiding me through the forest. The air is cool against my skin as I move with purpose, my footsteps soft against the earthy ground.

The map leads me deeper into the heart of the forest. I squint at the map, trying to decipher its cryptic instructions. The trees seem to close in around me, their branches interlocking like a maze.

As I navigate through the darkness, a clearing emerges before me. Moonlight spills through the gaps in the canopy, casting a silvery glow on the forest floor. The map directs me to a specific spot, and I feel a sense of anticipation.

I reach the designated location, and my eyes scan the surroundings. The numbers on the map point upward, towards a tall tree that towers above the others. I crane my neck, trying to see what the map is leading me to.

And there, high up in the branches, I spot it – a shack.

The tree stands like a sentinel, its trunk sturdy and unwavering. I wonder how I’ll reach the top, but the map insists this is where I need to be. The forest, once at place of mystery, now feels like a puzzle waiting to be solved.

I take a deep breath and begin to climb.

The bark is rough against my palms, but determination fuels my ascent. Each branch becomes a foothold, and I pull myself upward, higher and higher. The night air grows cooler as I climb, the moon watching over me like a silent guardian.

The shack comes into view, nestled among the leaves and vines that act as nature’s camouflage. It’s decent–sized, blending seamlessly with the foliage. Tall leaves and long vines drape over it, concealing it from prying eyes.

O

1/7

08:32 Sat, 9 Mar

Game:

If not for the map, I probably wouldn’t have noticed it.

88%

on a sturdy platform of intertwined limbs. The shack looms above me, a mysterious structure hidden

approach cautiously, my senses on high

for a moment, my hand hovering over the doorknob. The night is silent around me,

a hiding spot. The moment when I thought I could outsmart the game, evade the chaos of the Mating Run. If

potential rather than confusion. I had found a secluded nook, a spot

his twisted sense

thinks everything’s a fucking

if he hadn’t ruined

I had remained hidden, tucked away in that quiet corner

with someone in the name

ancient tradition?

things have

spared the confusion, the chaos, the hurt?

don’t know, and that uncertainty gnaws at me.

O

1/7

Sat, 9

Game

the

right to choose, to decide my own fate in this twisted game he orchestrated. The air is cool against my skin, but there’s a heat within me, a simmering frustration that

wonder about the what–ifs, the alternate paths my life could have

frustration intensifies, a knot tightening in my chest. I hate that I don’t know. I hate that Victor, in his arrogance, decided to play puppet

the shack cautiously, the wooden door creaking as I push it open. The shack, unlike Ettie’s cabin, is different. It’s smaller, cozier, but it’s filled with more things. The air inside is different

air–conditioning.

open, I catch sight of him – Victor.

The shack seems to swallow me as my eyes widen in shock. He’s laughing at some joke, the sound echoing in the small space, while a

irritation bubbling beneath

his eyes meeting

with me. The magazine drops to the floor, forgotten in the face of my unexpected

decided to drop by,” he says, exhaling a plume of smoke. “What took you so long, sweetheart? I was waiting

I can’t even speak. My mouth opens but nothing comes out, my entire body is trembling with anger as I look. around the

tight. The frustration, the anger they churn within me like a storm. The

O

3/7

9

Garne

the absurd comfort of his little haven is too

intensity

our struggles, feels suffocating. I glance around, trying to take in the audacity of it all. It’s not just comfort; it’s excess. The incap amount of food, the electricity, the television–it’s as if he’s on

see the bounty of food neatly organized on a shelf. Cans, fresh produce – things I haven’t seen in what feels like an eternity. The anger bubbles, threatening to spill over,

a buffet.

an expectant smile. “Impressive, right? I guess my father must have told some of the restaurant owners outside that I wanted them

happy

to scream, to unleash the

gestures around the shack. “Feel free to make

a joke. But he’s

within me.

the shack. “Oh! And look at this! Electricity

tv.

on me, the absurdity of it all amplifying my frustration. I glance at the television – al

217

9

Game

seen a ghost, Alina. Relax.

across the room, to shatter the illusion of comfort that Victor has

the shack. “And over here, we have a fully stocked pantry. I made sure we won’t run out of supplies

think. about the meager rations we scrounged for

arrogance.

it with a casual flourish. He