That thuding persisted, increasing in regularity and volume. The now panicked Lottie suddenly become very aware of her own steps, that loud clip clop caused by kitten heels as her walked became increasingly brisk.

They were clearly steps, Lottie had deduced this, steps, reminiscent of that nervous elephant at the zoo, that scary giant who had unnerved Lottie growing up, each and every visit to the Harrishire zoo upon her little brothers birthday, that feeling of standing on a giant bongo drum being played, worried that the violent hand may swing her way and SQUISH!

Hastening her pace to a run, something she knew she wouldn't sustain long, Lottie weased as she clutched the swinging pearls at her chest, darting down the clear path, followed by that noisy rhythm.

The journey soon took her down hill. This decline aided her in losing control of her footing, she failed her arms, stumbled then fell into a brief slide.

Struggling to maintain breath, register the pain of her scuffed knees and and acknowledge the reduced drumming, Lottie lay with her chin on the ground, just briefly, assessing her surroundings. A calm clarity washed over her as she spotted the port within the near distance, a port full with docked boats of numberours kinds.

~

Managing to compose herself, Lottie got up, brushed herself off as best she could, wincing as she brushed off her bleeding knee then witnessed the damage it at done to her light gloves.

She looked around, yet again, nobody appeared to be there but her, perhaps her stalker was in wait within one of the many entries?

Bracing herself, Lottie took a deep breath before restarting her sprint.

As she expected, the pounding footsteps returned.

~

Lottie made it to the port

"HELP!"

she frantically screamed as she run through the dock, hoping to allert anyone

"Help, somebody, for I am, being pursued and I, am injured"

she relayed as loud as she could in a breathy struggling

The area appeared derelict. Dead silent.

"Help.."

~

Well, the rhythm persisted as Lottie wondered, maintaining her fear, yet taking on a hint of annoyance.

~

For reasons unknown to her, perhaps exhaustion, maybe a mounting sense of apathy at her situation, one particular boat stood out to her, a sailing boat, not unlike many of the others neighbouring it.

Approaching, trespassing this is where Lottie chose to make her bed.