Seeking Safety 2: The Story of Cherrybloom

Auburn Harvest, Maigold and Cherrybloom were crouched behind a large fallen tree trunk, panting heavily as the rain came down hard.

They dared not speak to each other, instead attempting to use this brief reprieve to regain their breath. Their nerves were frayed; ears swiveling as they listened to the sounds of angry shouting and hooves stamping through the mud, all the while steadily getting louder.

"YOU UNGRATEFUL LITTLE BITCH!" Cherrybloom's father was yelling. "YOU AND YOUR FRIENDS CAN'T HIDE FOREVER! I'LL FIND YOU ALL AND CHOP YOU TO PIECES LIKE I DID TO YOUR STUPID MOTHER!"

Cherrybloom shuddered violently beside Auburn, putting her hooves over her ears as she attempted to block out her father's threats.

It was in this moment, when they were faced with life or death, that Auburn made a decision. It was both completely insane and incredibly dangerous, but he knew it was the only chance that Cherrybloom and his sisters now had of escaping.

"Mai, do you know the way home from here?" he said quickly, surprising himself with how calm he sounded.

Maigold stared at him. Auburn could see that she knew what he was thinking. After a moment of hesitating, she nodded.

"Good. Now when I tell you, run. Don't look back, just get back to town and tell the guards what's going on."

"But Auburn-" It was Cherrybloom's voice, trembling and scared. "What are you going to do?"

"I'll find a way to stall him," Auburn told her. He gave her hoof a reassuring squeeze with his own. "Look, it doesn't matter what happens to me. Just get back to town and get help." Auburn tightened his grip, trying to help his marefriend find courage. "You can do this, Cherry. I know you can."

Cherrybloom swallowed. "All right, Auburn. I'll try."

Auburn smiled at her. "That's my girl. Now go, both of you. Don't stop until you get home."

Maigold stood up, but Cherrybloom hesitated. With tears pooling in her eyes, she leaned forward and grabbed Auburn's head with her hooves, kissing him hard on the mouth. For a few precious seconds, the two held each other. Then Maigold and Cherrybloom were dashing away, Cherrybloom casting one last look at Auburn over her shoulder before she disappeared after Maigold into the dark forest. Auburn remained where he was, at last turning and heading in the direction of the angry shouting, not sure if he'd ever see his family or marefriend again.