Chapter 23: Escape 2
Ariana’s lips pressed together for an unknown reason. The chicken was finally calm, quietly pecking at the floor as if searching for something only it understood. The silence settled in, and Ariana’s body relaxed slightly with a quiet sigh of relief.
’At least, the chicken madness has stopped’
She inched forward, pressing herself against the wall as she moved away from the inner side, her steps light and cautious.
If she could just make it a bit farther and dash across, she’d reach the gate faster.
But as she paused and turned to run, footsteps echoed nearby.
Oh heavens, she prayed inwardly. Please don’t let that be another chicken.
The sound got closer.
Ariana’s eyes widened further. She couldn’t believe it—those steps were louder. Her heart thundered in her chest as she spun back toward the inner wall. The chicken lifted its head and tilted it, sensing the shift. Just as it opened its beak to cluck, Ariana acted on instinct. Her hands moved quickly, grabbing the chicken and clutching it tightly to her chest. She flattened herself against the wall, praying for silence.
The chicken tilted its head to one side. Ariana stared at it, eyes still wide, as if her gaze alone could silence it. It tilted its head to the other side again, watching her curiously.
"Please be quiet," she whispered inwardly. "And if you stay calm, I’ll give you corn."
She pressed her pointer finger to her lips again, hoping that was enough—enough to tell the chicken. Enough to hope it understood. Right?