Monday Minutes Challenge

During this week's Monday Minutes Challenge, I'm doing a prompt based on this picture. 285 words.
 
 

By the time I reach the top of the hill, I catch his red shirt disappearing out of my sight. “Oh, Darius Knight, you are in so much trouble!” I shout, even though he can’t hear me.

I kick a little rock and watch it roll. My parents are so thoughtless. Mom knew I just got back from the worst dance in my life, but she sent me here anyway. She would kill me if I come alone and the day would become worse.

Every step I take I almost stumble. This dress will be ruined when I go in that dark tunnel under the stone bridge. That didn’t sound too bad. Messing up this beautiful, blue dress would be the highlight of my day. That way I could throw it away. Never be reminded of that horrible dance.

The pollen blowing in the wind makes me sneeze in my black hair.  What is Darius thinking? He knows that the wanderers live under the bridge. Or used to. Rumors says that they left. Feet away from the entrance, the grassy ground turns to dirt and gravel.

I imagine what my ‘friends’ would say if they saw me here. The thought reminds me that I don’t care. “Darius, get over here if you know what’s good for you!” My echo startles me. I listen for his laugh, but I hear nothing. Usually, I hear the wanderers’ voices.

I bend over and place my hand on the brick frame. I’m in.  Despite the mud sticking to my dress, I stand. Darkness encases me. My mouth opens to say his name again. Words escape me when a hand clamps over my mouth. Something sharp pokes at my throat.