My Short Short for the Day

“Hurry! Faster!” Linda called over her shoulder.

“I'll get you!” Andrew yelled.

The trees became a blur as the two raced through the forest, legs moving faster and faster. Heart pounding. Arms pumping. Sweat glistening on their faces. The thrill of the world flashing by, the joy of the high they always felt when they pushed beyond that threshold. The strain of their muscles, the rush of their breath, all smoothed out when they hit that magical threshold. Then there was no pain, no struggle, no stress, just bliss as they ran like they'd never run before. Each time hitting a new high.

Linda abruptly skidded to a stop. Pointing at the tree. Andrew barely missed colliding with her. He stumbled and fell just beyond her feet.

“What did you do that for?” He blustered sitting up and brushing the dirt off his knees.

“Look.” Linda raised her hand, pointing at the tree. “There on the branch.”

“I don't see any...” Andrew froze in silence. “Is it?”

“Yes. I can't believe it.” Linda slowly lowered her hand and knelt down beside Andrew. “I didn't think they existed anymore.”

“Are you sure it's real?” Andrew whispered.

“Yes. Positive.” Linda moved slightly forward. “We need to let El know.”

“Ok. I'll go.” Andrew said rising slowly to his feet.

“But...” Linda didn't take her eyes off the duck.

“I'm faster. Don't argue.” Andrew barely finished the words before disappearing into a blur of light as he streaked away back into the woods.

“Yeah, right.” Muttered Linda settling on the ground in a cross legged position.