Sara Bowles

An amazing client, who I have been working with for several years now, has just sent me a $100 Christmas bonus. How kind is that?! I am so touched by her kindness. Thank you from the bottom of my heart Nicole.

I want to thank all of my wonderful clients for their ongoing trust and support in 2021. I wish you all the very best in 2022 - together we can make it great!

I just love it when my clients say such lovely things - "Oh Sara....you make me SO HAPPY! Again, this is exactly what I’m looking for! I appreciate how you use what I say but then make it very formal and make it all flow together. I’m very grateful to have found you :)" Karla - Phoenix, Arizona.

A piece of flash fiction - The Pursuit The thick undergrowth clawed viciously at her legs, causing her to falter as she ran. Heart hammering painfully in her chest, lungs heaving and desperate for air, every breath was an agonising gasp. She knew, without doubt, that once again, she was fleeing for her life. The anguish of complete terror tore through her fragile body. She'd first heard them while briefly pausing for a drink at a narrow stream. The sun had been fading fast, dusk encroaching rapidly. Listening intently, she'd tried to calculate the men's speed and direction. As they'd come closer, their acrid scent carried to her on the breeze and a sudden rush of fear and adrenalin had prepared her for flight. She'd paused but momentarily, when a sudden explosive confirmation of their intent, finally launched her into action. The sound of a gunshot had ricocheted, echoing through the woods, startling the roosting birds from their perches and into flight, upwards they flew towards the dimming sky. At the sound of barking, she'd known for certain, the pursuit was on. She couldn't help but picture the hounds macabre faces, lips curled, white teeth flashing, a crazed blood lust in their eyes. A bolt of ice-cold fear grabbed her, as she dashed headlong into the oncoming darkness. Bright lights had flashed into her eyes, dazzling her as she fled. Partially blinded, and with shouts and barking deafening in her ears, there'd been no time for any cohesive thoughts. Her need for survival had already kicked in; every fiber of her being driven to do just one thing – run! This was not the first time they'd stalked her; they were an old enemy, and she'd known instinctively that running was her best - her only - chance of escape. Low and fallen branches had made the path difficult to navigate, particularly while still blinded. Luckily, her eyes had quickly recovered and adapted to the encroaching darkness. She'd known, almost with a sixth sense, which way to go. Now, entering a clearing, she paused momentarily, listening intently. Instantly, their continued pursuit was confirmed, and again she sped on. More lights flashed, first to her left, then right, their glow dancing strobe-like, through the branches of the trees. Her body strained, mustering every ounce of energy as she willed herself to run faster. Suddenly, a steep rise blocked her way, bringing her to an abrupt halt. She faultered, not knowing which way to turn and in that moment one of the dogs was at her heel. She kicked at it in terror, expecting the animal's jaws to clench onto her at any moment and bring her down. She sprang away from the sharp teeth just in time, dodging around the trunk of a broad oak tree. Glancing a small animal track to the left, she darted acutely onto it and ran for all she was worth. While one moment the dog had been hard on her heel, now, miraculously, it was gone. The close shave fuelled her with an extra shot of adrenalin, and with her energy levels temporarily renewed, she was provided with the strength needed to continue her escape. More lights and shouting came from the right this time. She hurtled headlong through the thick undergrowth of branches, ferns and brambles that clawed at her relentlessly, it felt almost as if they were in favour of the hunter's aims. It seemed no matter which direction she tried, somehow, the men and their savage dogs were always there, running her in endless circles. The effort of desperately evading her pursuers, soon exhausted her and she knew she couldn't go on for much longer. Just as the last of her energy was draining away, the tree line broke and the stream she'd been drinking from earlier lay before her, only here it turned and widened out, cutting more deeply into the soft earth of the woods. The streams banks were high, but there was no time to pause or think, with one huge effort, she made an enormous leap, landing hard on the steep bank at the far side. She struggled furiously to gain some traction, but the slippery mud was soft and she slid back into the cold water. Feeling terribly exposed, she scrambled desperately to mount the muddy slope, but the earth continually gave way beneath her like sand on a dune. Eventually, somehow, she hauled herself to the top, and legs wobbling, she staggered back into the cover of the trees. Despite her now total exhaustion, she continued on, every muscle screaming, every step pure agony. Droplets of sweat trickled down her face and into her eyes, making them sting, her entire body drenched from effort. Finally, she had no choice but to pause and regain some breath. Trembling uncontrollably, she stood alone in the darkness, listening for the slightest sound – to her relief, there was nothing but silence. Dropping her head to rest for just a moment, she welcomed the cooling breeze that blew towards her. Then briefly, she could hear the faint sound of barking in the far, far distance, but to her absolute relief it quickly subsided and she knew her pursuers were moving away. Cautiously she stepped forward, on legs as unstable as a newborn fawn. Suddenly, a slight movement ahead caught her attention, instantly alarmed, her heart lurched and again her body prepared for flight. However, sheer exhaustion forced her instead to remain stock-still. Watching intently, she tried to see more clearly through the blackness, seeking the possible cause of the disturbance. In the next moment, a large badger exploded from the undergrowth, sending her hurtling back in fright. Following the initial shock, and realising there was no imminent danger, a huge wave of relief washed over her. She relaxed a little, easing the tension in her bow-taut body. The badger seemed utterly unconcerned at her presence and continued to snuffle on his way despite her, searching out any tasty treats he could find along the path. A cooling rain was now falling, gently at first, but before long more heavily, leaving her saturated and this time not only from sweat. The additional dampness chilled her, a little too much, and for the first time she felt the night's cold bite. Not only was she exhausted from the endless running, it had also left her with a raging thirst. A hollowed-out tree stump, now filled with water, gave much-needed relief and taking large gulps, she greedily quenched her thirst. Finally sated, she sought out a place to shelter, the broad leaves of an ancient oak offering some protection from the deluge. She stood tiredly below its mighty branches, her aching body starting to relax, but her mind remaining on high alert, ever aware and listening for any sounds of returning danger. Ahead it would be a long, cold, wet night. As dawn broke, a weak morning sun shone down on the wood, sending shards of misty light across the damp peaty earth. Everything was calm, still, and wet from the night's rain. She roused herself, although still tired and aching, hunger now had its hold on her and she began to look for something to eat. Suprisingly, her thoughts did not dwell on the previous night events; in fact, they were already mostly forgotten. Her focus now was only on her immediate survival and the need to find food and water. Once again, she's survived, but her foe, they are relentless. Inevitably they'll return to the woods with their guns and their dogs and next time she might not be so lucky. The hunters will not be satisfied until they appease their blood lust, for each time she evades them, they become even more determined to make her their prize. She doesn't understand why these cruel men pursue her, all they seem to want is to rob her of her life. But we know, to them it is simply sport, something to do for fun, the pursuit of their innocent prey, like the beautiful, defenseless, doe.

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