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.
