A visitor

Alice’s heavy breathing, and panting drowned out the sound of hooves until they were well within sight distance. She shot her head up, and opened her eyes. A girl with dark brown hair, almost her age, wearing short-shorts, a blue rock T-Shirt, boots, and a hat was riding a horse in her direction, a worried look upon her face. The girl looked Alice, who was frozen in shock, up and down, and worriedly asked “You all right? You don’t look so good. Did someone do this to you?” The girl frantically asked.

Alice slowly recovered from the emotional shock of someone seeing her like this, then a wave of embarrassment washed over her. She quickly sat up, crossing her legs in front of her, and wrapping her hands in front of them to cover herself. Alice shyly looked towards the ground to her left, avoiding eye contact with the girl a few feet away from her. Alice tried finding the right words to answer the girl’s question, but couldn’t.

“Please tell me if you’re all right. I can get help if you need it.” The girl said, stepping off her horse. The steed neighed, and jerked around a small bit. The girl directed her attention to the horse, petting it and soothing it softly.

“...I’m fine.” Alice said softly, her face already reddening to the shade of a strawberry.

“Are you sure? You seem tired. I can take you to my house, and get you some clothes, food, and water if you want?” The girl spoke, calming down now that she knew the girl seemed alright, and just exasperated.

Alice repeated herself again, her ability to speak slowly dwindling as her exposure slowly lengthened.

“Well what are you doing in my field? I know every face around here for miles, and I’ve never seen you before.” The girl asked sternly.

Alice stumbled, unsure if the truth would be the best answer. “I-uh-I...”