Lost, panicked, scared and abandoned. What would you do?

Inspired by the Thursday Prompt by  poetigress.

oOo


There’s nothing in my mind now except pure, unabashed panic. I’m scared. I’m more than scared—I’m terrified. I want nothing more than to run into a dark corner and curl up into a ball. Nothing makes sense. Everything is a jumble of sound, light and scent and I can hardly tell which way is up. There are so many people around me, concerned looks on their concerned faces, hands reaching to me, compassionate sounds—I need them to go away. They are not what I need here. I’m drowning from them. The walls, that minutes ago were happy objects of interest and curiosity, close in upon me. I badly need to go to the toilet. I can’t stop shaking.

Someone speaks to me. I get very close to snapping. I can’t help myself. Rebuffed, he huffs and walks away with a dismissive comment I don’t understand. How can I? I can’t even think! I must get out of this place—out into fresh air—somewhere natural—away from glaring lights and echoing sounds. Turning on my heels I bolt in what I hope is the right direction, but I can’t be certain; my eyes are so wide it’s hard to see. I hammer into someone and, caught unawares, she yelps. Dazed and shocked, so do I. I didn’t see her. How could I not see her? Am I losing all my senses? I shake my head and barge onwards once more in a desperate skitter to the outside world.

The smell of grass comes on a breeze. I’m on it in a moment. There is the doorway, a bright square of brilliance many miles away. I have to go through. Everything will be better when I go through. I will be safe when I go through.

No! Something grabs me—holds me—pins me bodily to the floor. I go berserk and scream for it to release me, to set me free, to let me reach the only goal in my addled mind—

—and a familiar scent wrinkles my nose. Oh, I’m saved! It’s you! You’re here!

“Jake, if you lose that pup again, he’s staying at home next time, ‘hear me?”

“Yeah, mom.”

oOo