2 Hours Camping Hiking Deep wood horror Stories | Camping And Hiking Stories| Reddit Stories | P.94

Hi guys I'm happy to welcome you back if you're enjoying my videos please hit the like button it helps the YouTube algorithm notice us me now sit back and enjoy the story I'll never forget the summer of 2019 it was the year I decided to take my cousin Jake up on his long-standing invitation to visit him in crestone Colorado Jake had been raving about this small town nestled at the foot of the Sangr de chis Mountains for years always going on about the stunning scenery the quirky local culture and the endless outdoor activities as a

committed City dweller I had always politely declined preferring the Comforts and excitement of urban life but after a particularly grueling year at work I found myself craving a change of pace a chance to unplug and recharge in a different setting so I called up Jake booked a flight to Denver And set off on what I thought would be a relaxing week in the wilderness little did I know relaxation would be the last thing on the agenda Jake picked me up at the Denver Airport in his beat up old Jeep Wrangler as we set off on

the 4-Hour drive to crestone he regaled me with stories about the town's eclectic mix of hippies spiritual Seekers and nature enthusiasts he described the incredible hiking trails that crisscrossed the Mountains the hot Springs where you could soak away your cares and the amazing stargazing opportunities afforded by the lack of light pollution despite my initial reservations I found myself getting caught up in his enthusiasm by the time we pulled up to his cozy cabin on the outskirts of town I was actually looking forward to a week of Outdoor Adventures that first evening we kept things low-key

we grabbed a couple of beers from Jake's fridge and Settled onto his back deck watching as the Setting Sun painted the jagged peaks of the sangri de Cristo range in shades of orange and pink as the light faded and the first Stars began to wink into view Jake pointed out constellations I had never been able to see in the city Orion Ursa Major copia they all blazed overhead with a Clarity that took my breath away for the first time in a long time I felt a sense of Peace settle over me maybe this trip Was

exactly what I needed the next morning Jake was eager to show me around his favorite spots in the area after a hearty breakfast of eggs and homemade sourdough toast we packed up his Jeep with hiking gear snacks and plenty of water our destination for the day was the Great Sand Dunes National Park a surreal landscape where towering sand dunes buted up against the base of the mountains as we drove the winding road into the park I couldn't help but Mark Marvel at the Stark beauty of the terrain it was like someone had dropped a piece

of the Sahara Desert into the middle of the Rockies we spent the morning hiking among the dunes our calves burning as we slogged up the steep slopes of sand the higher we climbed the more incredible the views became from the top of the tallest Dune We Could See For Miles in every direction and endless expanse of sand and sky bordered by the rugged peaks of The sangri de Christos we whooped and hollered as we ran back down the dunes our feet sinking into the soft sand with each bounding step by early afternoon we were both

exhausted and exhilarated ready for a change of scenery Jake suggested we head to a secluded camping spot he knew in the nearby National Forest it was a place he often went to get away from it all he said a Hidden Gem that not many people knew about I was game for anything at that point Still Riding High on the rush of the day's Adventures we stopped back at his cabin to grab our camping gear then set off down a series of increasingly rough dirt roads deep into the woods after about 30 minutes of bouncing along

Jake pulled off into a small clearing and killed the engine we shouldered our packs and set off on foot following a narrow trail that snaked through the dense undergrowth the forest was cool and quiet the only sounds the crunching Of our boots on the path and the occasional Trill of a bird in the canopy above after about half a mile we emerged into another clearing this one bordered by a babbling stream it was an idyllic spot the kind of place that seemed to exist outside of time we set about making Camp pitching our tent and

gathering firewood as the sun began its slow descent toward the Horizon as Darkness fell we huddled around the crackling campfire trading stories and Sipping from a flask of whiskey Jake had brought along the Stars overhead were even more incredible out here away from any hint of civilization we talked and laughed late into the night enjoying each other's company and the peaceful Solitude of the forest eventually the chill of the Mountain Air and the exertions of the day caught up with us we banked the fire and crawled into our sleeping bags zipping the tent closed against

the Night I remember lying there for a few minutes marveling at the absolute Stillness and quiet no traffic noise no Sirens no drunken revelers stumbling home from the bars just the gentle rustling of the trees and the occasional hoot of an owl I drifted off to sleep feeling more content than I had in years I'm not sure what time it was when I woke up but it was still pitch black outside at first I couldn't figure out what had roused me I Lay there in my sleeping bag blinking up up at the darkness trying to

get my bearings then I heard it a strange scratching noise coming from just outside the tent my first thought was that it must be some small animal a raccoon or a squirrel maybe attracted by the scent of our leftover food but as I listened more closely I realized the sound was too deliberate too purposeful to be a foraging Critter beside me Jake stirred in his sleeping bag you hear That I whispered not wanting to raise my voice he grunted still half asleep but then sat up abruptly as the scratching sound came again this time accompanied

by a low guttural growl that made the hair on the back of my neck stand up what the hell is that he hissed fumbling for his flashlight I grabbed his arm stopping him before he could switch on the light don't I breathed not sure why I was so certain that drawing attention to ourselves was a bad idea Just just wait we sat there intense silence hardly daring to breathe as the thing outside continued to move around the perimeter of the tent the growling grew louder interspersed with a snuffling sound that reminded me of a dog

catching a scent but whatever this was it was way bigger than any dog I had ever encountered I could hear the heavy thud of its footsteps the snapping of twigs and rustling of leaves as it circled us suddenly something slammed Into the side of the tent right near my head I barely managed to stifle a Yelp of Terror my heart hammering against my ribs like it wanted to escape Jake's hand found mine in the darkness and squeezed his palm slick with sweat the thing was right outside now so close I could hear the rasp of

its breath smell the rank musky odor of its fur then it made a sound that will haunt me for the rest of my days it was a roar but not like any roar I had ever heard before it Started low a deep base Rumble that I felt in my bones then Rose in Pitch to an earsplitting shriek that made my teeth ache it was a sound of pure Primal Rage a challenge and a warning rolled into one every Instinct I had screamed at me to run to get as far away from this thing as possible

but I was frozen Paralyzed by a fear deeper and more visceral than anything I had ever experienced in that moment I was certain I was going To die torn to shreds by some unknown monster in the darkness time seemed to stretch and warp seconds feeling like hours as the creature paced outside snarling and growling like something out of a nightmare then as abruptly as it had appeared it was gone the forest fell silent again save for the pounding of my own heart in my ears Jake and I sat there for a long moment clutching each

other hands hardly daring to believe it was over finally Jake spoke his voice Shaking we have to get out of here now I didn't argue we burst out of the tent pausing just long enough to grab our Essentials before tearing off through the woods back toward the Jeep branches whipped at our faces Roots caught at our feet but we hardly noticed driven by pure adrenaline and the Primal need to get as far away as possible when we finally burst out of the the tree line into the clearing where we had parked I nearly wept with

relief Jake fumbled With his keys his hands shaking so badly it took him three tries to unlock the doors we threw our packs in the back and peeled out in a spray of gravel the Jeep's headlights cutting through the darkness like twin knives we didn't talk much on the drive back to Jake's cabin both of us too shaken by what had just happened it was only when we were inside the door locked and bolted behind us that we allowed ourselves to breathe Jake grabbed a couple beers from the Fridge with Trembling Hands popped the tops

and handed one to me we collapsed onto the couch taking long shuttering pulls from the bottles what what the hell was that thing Jake asked finally his voice barely above a whisper I shook my head at a loss I don't know a bear maybe but the sound it made that was no bear Jake said firmly I've never heard anything like like that in my life and the way it moved the intelligence behind it that was no animal a chill ran down My spine at his words he was right whatever had stalked Us in those woods

it was far beyond anything in the natural world the thought made me feel small insignificant like an ant who had unwittingly wandered into the path of a boot we sat up for hours that night drinking and talking in circles trying to make sense of the unexplainable by the time the sun began to Peak over the mountains painting the sky in pale shades of pink and gold we Were no closer to an answer but one thing was certain neither of us would ever be the same the next day despite our exhaustion and lingering fear we knew

we had to go back to the campsite we had left most of our gear behind in our frantic escape and as much as the thought of returning made my skin crawl I knew I couldn't leave Colorado without my wallet and phone the hike back felt different in the daylight less ominous somehow but when we reached the clearing Where we had camped any sense of relief evaporated the place was a wreck our tent had been shredded the nylon hanging in tatters from the bent poles our packs had been torn open the contents strewn about like confetti

after a parade and everywhere in the mud along the banks of the stream were footprints but they weren't human or even animal they were elongated almost oblong with SPL Toes that looked more like fingers and they were huge half again as long as my own Size 11 boots Jake let out a low whistle his eyes wide as he took in the scene holy he breathed can you believe this we have to tell someone call the Park service or something but I was already shaking my head and tell them what that we were attacked by Bigfoot

they'll think we're nuts or drunk or both we'll be lucky if they don't slap us with a fine for camping in an undesignated area Jake looked like he wanted to argue but after a moment his Shoulders slumped yeah you're probably right but man can you imagine if we had proof a clear footprint or a hair sample or God a photo we'd be famous the guys who finally proved Sasquatch is real I suppressed a shudder at the thought Fame is the last thing I want from this I just want to forget it ever happened go back

to my normal life and never think about monsters in the woods again we gathered what was left of our gear in silence stuffing it into trash bags from Jake's Jeep the drive back to Denver was subdued both of us lost in our own dark thoughts when Jake dropped me off at the airport we hugged awkwardly not sure what to say let's just keep this between us okay I said finally my voice rough I don't want to be the crazy cousin at Thanksgiving dinner Jake managed to laugh at that though it sounded forced yeah no worries

what happens in crestone stays in crestone I boarded my flight feeling Drained in a way that had nothing to do with physical exhaustion the events of the past two days kept replaying in my mind the terror of that night in the woods the gut-wrenching wrongness of those footprints a part of me wanted to dismiss it all as a bad dream a product of too much whiskey and an overactive imagination but I knew deep in my bones that what we had experienced was real the world was stranger and more frightening than I had Ever dared to

imagine and I had looked into the abyss and seen it looking back in the months that followed Jake and I talked on the phone a few times always skirting around the topic that loomed between us like a spectre he would make vague references to that camping trip or the incident but we never spoke of it directly it was like we had made an unspoken paact to bury it to pretend it had never happened but late at night lying in bed in my city apartment with The sounds of traffic and Sirens drifting up from the streets

below I would sometimes allow myself to remember the Stillness of the forest the icy grip of Fear here the bone shaking Roar that echoed from the darkness and I would wonder with a chill that had nothing to do with the temperature of my room what else might be out there in the wild places of the world lurking just beyond the edge of the firelight this happened in the 1990s the year was 1993 and by that point I'd been living in this cabin in the aah National Forest Arkansas for 5 years it wasn't like I'd planned

to get caught up in something so wild but then again most people don't right I guess I should start by saying I've always preferred being Off the Grid it's not much but it's quiet and I'd rather deal with my chickens than the traffic or neighbors who never mind their own business my name's EMT Reed by the way Not that it matters much now people say you run off to the woods when you've got nothing left in life but that wasn't it for me I had a good life in Kansas City worked as a carpenter even

had my own little business but something always felt off you ever get that feeling like you're just grinding away for no good reason I remember the day I decided to leave it all behind it was a Tuesday and late August 1988 the air was thick with humidity and the sound of jackhammers from the construction side across the street had been giving me a headache for weeks I was sitting in my living room staring at the TV but not really watching it when something inside me just snapped I stood up walked to my bedroom and started

packing it wasn't a dramatic moment there were no tears no yelling no throwing things around just a quiet realization that I couldn't do it Anymore the monotony the noise the constant pressure to be something I wasn't it was all too much by the next morning I had sold most of my possessions closed down my business and was on the road I didn't have a specific destination in mind just a vague notion of heading South I drove for days stopping only when I needed to sleep or eat it was pure chance that led me to the

IAT National Forest I saw a sign for it off the highway and decided on a whim To take the exit as soon as I entered the forest something changed the air felt different cleaner somehow the sounds of the highway faded away replaced by the rustling of leaves and the calls of birds I couldn't name I found the cabin a few days later it was run down abandoned for years by the looks of it but it was perfect I bought it from the forest service for a pittance and that was that my new life began the

first few months were hard I Had to repair the roof fix the plumbing and learn how to live off the land but slowly surely I adapted I planted a vegetable garden learned to hunt and trap even raised a few chickens it wasn't an easy life but it was mine I didn't keep a gun on me not like most folks out here it wasn't some moral thing I'm not one of those types but it's more about not needing one you'd be surprised what a good Axe can do if it comes down to it I had a

couple of traps Set up around my land for small small game and usually i' check them every morning for 5 years life was good simple but good I'd wake up with the sun tend to my garden and chickens maybe do some hunting or fishing if supplies were running low in the evenings I'd sit on my porch watching the sun set behind the trees listening to the forest come alive with nighttime sounds but all that changed in the summer of 93 it started small so small I almost didn't notice it At first but looking back I

should have known something was wrong the signs were there if only I'd been paying attention it was late June when I first noticed the silence not complete silence mind you the wind still rustled through the leaves and the creek still bubbled over the Rocks but the animals they were quieter than usual at first I thought maybe it was just the heat it had been an unusually hot summer even for Arkansas but as the days went by the silence grew then there were the noises weird ones at first I thought it was the wind whistling through

the trees but after the second night I knew better it was this guttural Rumble and I've heard all kinds of animals out here but this one was wrong there's no other way to put it I remember the first night I heard it clearly it was a muggy evening in early July I was sitting on my porch trying to Catch a breeze when it came a low rumbling sound that seemed to come from everywhere and nowhere at once it was unlike anything I'd ever heard before not quite animal not quite human it made the hair on

the back of my neck stand up and for the first time in years I felt afraid in my own home the sound lasted for maybe 30 seconds then faded away I sat there for hours afterward straining my ears but it didn't come Again part of me hoped I had imagined it that maybe The Heat and isolation were finally getting to me but deep down I knew better the next morning I went about my usual routine trying to shake off the unease from the night before but as I checked my traps I realized something was off

they were all empty which wasn't too unusual on its own some days you catch something some days you don't but what struck me as odd was the complete lack of animal signs around the traps no tracks no droppings nothing to indicate That any creatures had been in the area at all this went on for days no catches in the traps barely any Wildlife to be seen and every night that same Eerie Rumble echoing through the forest I tried to rationalize it maybe there was a forest fire nearby driving the animals away or perhaps some kind

of industrial work I hadn't heard about though that seemed unlikely given how isolated my cabin was but deep down I knew something was very very wrong the forest which had Been my home for 5 years suddenly felt alien and hostile I found myself staying inside more keeping my axe close at hand I even dug out the old flare gun I kept for emergencies making sure it was loaded and within reach it all came to a head that Thursday I'd gone down by the creek to set up a new track when I noticed something odd the

forest had gone silent that never happens not here normally you've got birds chirping squirrels chattering the whole deal but That morning nothing and the air felt heavy like before a thunderstorm but the sky was clear as I got closer to the creek I saw it the first sign something wasn't right there was a deer half submerged in the water its body was torn open its rib cage crushed like it had been stepped on I've seen what a mountain lion can do to a deer and this wasn't that it looked more like someone had dropped a

boulder on it from 100 ft up I knelt by the carcass staring at the Massive indentations in the ground like hoofprints but bigger almost like the size of a human foot except it wasn't a foot no toes no heel just a rounded solid shape like it had been pressed into the Earth by something impossibly heavy the sight of it made my stomach churn in all my years in the forest I'd never seen anything like it the sheer force required to crush a deer's rib cage like that it was beyond any animal I knew of and

those prints they defied Explanation now a smart man would have turned back right then right packed up and maybe headed back to civilization for a while but I'm not a smart man I figured I'd follow the trail the Trap led up into the hills through the densest part of the forest where even the animals usually don't go I don't know what I was thinking maybe it was curiosity maybe it was stupidity I don't have kids or a wife never did so it's not like there was anyone waiting for me I guess in some sick way

I wanted to see what had made those tracks to prove that whatever it was I wasn't imagining it as I followed the trail the forests seemed to close in around me the trees grew denser their branches intertwining overhead to block out most of the sunlight the air grew thick and humid making it hard to breathe every step I took felt like I was moving deeper into another world one where the normal rules didn't apply the silence was oppressive No birds no insects not even the rustle of leaves in the wind just the sound of my

own breathing and the crunch of leaves under my feet I found myself moving more carefully trying to make as little noise as possible though I couldn't shake the feeling that whatever had made those tracks already knew I was there about an hour in I found the second body this one was worse it was a man or what was left of one he'd been torn apart his limbs scattered around Like someone had tried to pull him in four different directions his torso was gone just a bloody Heap where his chest should have been the sight of

it nearly made me lose my breakfast the violence of the attack was beyond anything I'd ever seen whatever had done this wasn't just killing for food this was something else something darker his head was untouched though still sitting there Eyes Wide Open staring up at the sky like he hadn't seen it coming those eyes I'll never forget them filled with Terror Frozen in the last moment of his life it was like they were staring right through me trying to warn me to turn back I checked his pockets more out of habit than anything else he

had a wallet a guy named Daryl Cantrell from Little Rock based on his ID the wallet was clean too clean considering the state of his body no blood on it that didn't make any sense I stood there for a good 5 minutes trying to wrap my head around it Who was this man what was he doing out here and how had his wallet remained so pristine when the rest of him was well you get the picture that's when I heard it again the noise that Rumble deeper than any animal I've ever heard it came from

the direction of the hilltop now I've never been one to scare easily but there's something Primal in a sound like that it hits you somewhere deep inside like it's tapping into instincts you forgot you had I started walking faster The way I came back down the hill it wasn't running I don't run but I wasn't sticking around either the forest seemed different now more Sinister Shadows moved in ways they shouldn't and every snapping twig sounded like a gunshot in the silence then out of the corner of my eye I saw movement not in front of

me but behind something big something dark moving fast through the trees I've seen a Bear Once out here and this wasn't that bears don't move like that too Graceful too fast and they sure as hell don't have a head that almost looked human for a split second our eyes met its eyes they were intelligent not animal eyes but not human either something in between something that shouldn't exist in that moment I felt like prey for the first time in my life like I was nothing more than a rabbit caught in theate days of a wolf

but this was no wolf this was something much much worse I didn't look back again I don't Know what it was and I wasn't about to wait around to find out my legs carried me faster than I thought they could fueled by a primal fear I'd never experienced before branches whipped at my face Roots tried to trip me but I kept going I could hear it behind me moving through the forest with an ease that defied its size soon enough I was back at the cabin out of breath clutching my knees like some outof shaped

City Slicker I slammed the door Behind me latching every lock and collapsed onto the floor my heart was pounding so hard I thought it might burst out of my chest for hours I sat there back against the door ax in hand waiting waiting for that thing to come bursting through the walls but it never did as night fell the forest came alive with its usual sound crickets chirping owls hooting it was as if the events of the day had never happened but I knew better I'd seen it Whatever it was it was out there and

something told me it wasn't done with me yet that was the last time I went out to the creek 2 days passed without incident I didn't hear the rumble again didn't see the thing stalking the trees for a second I thought maybe I'd imagined it or maybe it had moved on wishful thinking right those two days were the longest of my life I stayed in the cabin doors locked windows shuttered I barely slept jolting awake at every little Sound the few times I did manage to doze off I was plagued by nightmares dreams of being

chased through an endless Forest by something I couldn't see but could feel breathing down my neck I spent most of my time trying to make sense of what I'd seen I went over it again and again in my mind mind trying to find some rational explanation but there was none what I'd seen defied explanation it defied reality itself I thought about leaving About packing up and heading back to civilization but something stopped me maybe it was stubbornness maybe it was fear the thought of driving through the forest of being exposed I couldn't bring myself to

do it at least in the cabin I had some semblance of safety out there I'd be completely vulnerable so I stayed and I waited I cleaned my ax until it gleamed checked and rechecked the flare gun I even dug out some old boards and nailed them over the windows it probably Wouldn't stop that thing if it really wanted to get in but it made me feel a little better as the second day Drew to a close I found myself on edge The Silence from the forest was unnerving no birds no animals even the wind seemed

to have died down it was as if the whole world was holding its breath waiting for something to happen that Sunday just after Dawn I heard the Trap outside snap I remember feeling relieved maybe I'd caught a Rabbit or something something normal but when I opened the door I stopped cold the Trap had been triggered sure but what was in it wasn't normal it was the head of a rabbit just the head placed neatly in the Trap the body was nowhere to be found no blood either just the head sitting there like some kind of

offering I stared at it my mind refusing to process what I was seeing it was impossible even if some animal had somehow managed to decapitate the rabbit So cleanly why would it place the head in the Trap and where was the blood there should have been blood and standing a few yards away in the woods I saw it clear as day it wasn't human but it wasn't entirely animal either it stood upright maybe 7 or 8 ft tall with long seny limbs covered in dark fur that looked almost matted like it had been in a

swamp its body was hunched like it didn't fit right in its own skin the proportions Were all wrong arms too long torso Too Short it looked like something a child might draw if asked to combine a man and a beast with no understanding of Anatomy or natural law and its face God that face it had a mouth wide and thin like someone had carved a slit into its skull the mouth stretched all the way across and it opened in a way that made no sense like a snake dislocating its jaw I can't describe it any

better than that but it was the eyes that truly terrified Me they were almost human but not quite too large too round with an intelligence behind them that was unmistakable and they were fixed on me with an intensity that made my blood run cold for a moment we just stared at each other me Frozen in fear on my porch it standing motionless at the edge of the clearing I could hear my heart pounding in my ears could feel sweat trickling down my back despite the morning chill then it moved just a slight shift of its

weight but it Was enough to break the spell I didn't think I just moved grabbed my axe from beside the door and ran at it now I know what you're thinking EMT that's about the dumbest thing you could have done you're probably right but there's something that happens when you're faced with something that shouldn't exist you either freeze or you fight and I'm not one to freeze I swung at it putting all my strength behind the blow but the thing moved faster than anything I'd Ever seen it dodged like it knew what I was going

to do before I did it I hit nothing but air the momentum of my swing carrying me forward and off balance before I could regain my footing it was on me its claws or whatever you want to call them ripped through my shirt and into my chest I felt the warmth of my own blood before I felt the pain the force of its attack sent me sprawling backwards my axe flying from my grip but it didn't go for the kill not right away It was playing with me like a cat with a mouse I scrambled

backward desperate my hand scrabbling in the dirt for anything I could use as a weapon my back hit the side of the cabin and for a moment I thought it was over the creature loomed over me its mouth opening impossibly wide I could see rows of teeth sharp and uneven like broken glass its breath hit me a hot rancid smell that made me gag I closed my eyes certain that this was the End then by some miracle I remembered the the flare gun I kept in the kitchen with a burst of adrenaline I bolted inside

slamming the door behind me I could hear the creature outside its claws scraping against the wood of the cabin I grabbed the flare gun off the shelf my hand shaking so badly I could barely hold it I didn't even aim just fired through the window the flare hit the creature in the chest and for the first time I heard it scream it wasn't a Roar it was more like a distorted human scream like someone trying to imitate a sound they didn't quite understand the sound was deafening filling the air and seeming to shake the very

foundations of the cabin I covered my ears but it did little to block out the awful noise it was a sound of pain yes but also of Rage of promised retribution through the broken window I could see the creature stumbling back the fur on its chest smoldering from the Flare its movements were jerky uncoordinated so different from the fluid Grace it had shown before for a moment I dared to hope that maybe just maybe I had seriously hurt it but then it straightened up its eyes those terrible humanlike eyes locked onto mine and in that

moment I knew that this was far from over this wasn't just about hunting or territory this was personal now I didn't stick around to see if it recovered I grabbed a bag threw in Whatever I could some clothes what little food I had the flare gun and its remaining ammunition as I ran out the back door I could hear the creature recovering its movements getting stronger more purposeful I ran I ran like I've never run before in my life through the forest that had been my home for 5 years now transformed into a nightmarish Labyrinth

branches whipped at my face Roots seemed to reach up to trip me but I didn't slow down I Couldn't the sound of pursuit behind me was all the motivation I needed I don't know how long I ran hours maybe the sun had risen high in the sky by the time I finally broke through the tree line and onto the main road my lungs were burning my legs felt like jelly and the scratches on my chest stung with every movement but I was alive I flagged down the first car I saw probably looking like a madman

with my torn clothes and wild eyes the driver and older man in a Pickup truck took one look at me and pulled over I didn't tell him what had happened just asked him to take me to the nearest town he didn't ask questions which suited me just fine I ended up in a small motel on the outskirts of Hot Springs I checked in told the guy at the desk I'd been in an accident he didn't ask questions either just handed me the key and pointed me toward the room I locked the door pushed a dresser

in front of it for good measure and Collapsed onto the bed for days I didn't leave that room I ordered food to be left outside the door kept the curtains drawn every sound made me jump every shadow seemed to move I was safe I told myself I was out of the forest away from that thing but deep down I knew better a week passed before I worked up the courage to go back not alone of course I'm not that stupid I convinced a couple of local guys to come with me spinning a story about a

bear attack and needing to Retrieve some valuable items from my cabin we found the place ransacked the windows shattered and that flare gun lying outside burnt out the inside was even worse Furniture overturned claw marks on the walls my possession strewn about like a tornado had torn through the place the creature didn't just destroy things it was like it was looking for something but what the locals were spooked muttering about bear attacks and the dangers of living so far Out in the woods but they hadn't seen what I had seen they couldn't understand the thing

didn't vanish it left marks broken trees and blood stains but we didn't see it again at least I haven't not directly but sometimes when I'm driving down a lonely road at night I swear I can see something moving in the trees something big something fast and sometimes on quiet nights I think I can hear that Rumble again carried on the Wind so yeah that's why I Don't live in the woods anymore I've got an apartment in the city now surrounded by people and noise and light it's not perfect but it's safe or at least it

feels that way most of the time but I can't shake the feeling that it's still out there waiting watching and sometimes in my darkest moments I wonder if it followed me here if those Shadows I see out of the corner of my eye aren't just my imagination if that scratching I hear at night isn't just the wind because the Thing is once you've seen something like that you can't unsee it you can't go back to believing the world is what you always thought it was there are things out there in the dark spaces between the

trees in the shadows of the mountains things that shouldn't exist but do and sometimes they notice us back I don't know why I'm telling you all this maybe as a warning maybe just to get it off my chest but if you're ever out in the woods and you hear a rumble that Doesn't sound quite right or see something move that's just a little too big a little too fast don't investigate don't try to be a hero just run run and don't look back because trust me there are some things in this world that are better

left alone and some Mysteries that should remain unsolved on a crisp autumn evening in September 2022 I found myself deep in the wilderness near Mount rineer in Washington state as an experienced hiker And outdoor Enthusiast I had decided to embark on a solo camping trip seeking Solitude and a connection with nature far from the beaten path at 32 years old I considered myself well prepared for the challenges of backcountry camping my pack was filled with essential gear including a highquality tent sleeping bag water filtration system and enough Provisions to last for a week the first

two days of my journey had been uneventful filled with breathtaking Vistas of towering Evergreens and glimpses of distant snowcapped Peaks on the third night I set up camp in a small clearing surrounded by dense forest the area was Far From Any official campgrounds or marked Trails a deliberate choice to immerse myself in the Raw beauty of the Wilderness as Darkness fell I kindled a small fire its warm glow creating a comforting barrier against the encroaching Shadows of the forest the Crackling of the flames and the gentle rustling of leaves in the cool night Breeze lulled

me into a sense of peace I retired to my tent zipping myself into my sleeping bag and and quickly drifted off to sleep feeling safe in my solitude it was in the dead of night when I was jolted awake by an unfamiliar sound at first I tried to dismiss it as the natural noises of the forest but a growing sense of unease compelled me to investigate with trembling hands I Unzipped the tent flap and peered out into the darkness what I saw next sent a chill down my spine that no amount of wilderness preparedness could

have stealed me against there mere feet from my tent sat a man the dying Embers of my campfire cast an eerie flickering light across his features he was unremarkable in appearance perhaps in his mid-40s with nondescript clothing that Blended seamlessly with the forest surroundings But it was his presence alone in this remote location that filled me with a profound sense of dread our eyes met and in that instant I saw a flash of something in his gaze that defied explanation it wasn't surprise or guilt at being caught but a look of Stark Terror as if

he had seen something far more frightening than a lone camper before I could gather my wits to speak he bolted into the darkness leaving me Frozen in shock I remained motionless For what felt like hours straining my ears for any sound of his return the forest had fallen unnaturally silent as if holding its breath eventually exhaustion overcame my fear and I fell into a fitful sleep plagued by nightmares of shadowy figures lurking just beyond the reach of my campfires light as Dawn broke I emerged from my tent Half expecting to find some trace of the

nocturnal visitor but the forest appeared undisturbed offering no Evidence of the previous night's encounter I tried to rationalize the experience convincing myself that it must have been a hallucination brought on by isolation and the unfamiliar sounds of the Wilderness perhaps I thought it was simply another hiker who had stumbled upon my Camp by pure coincidence with this uneasy rationalization I packed up my gear and set out to continue my journey pushing the unsettling encounter To the back of my mind yet as I hiked deeper into the Wilderness I couldn't shake the feeling that something had

fun Mally changed the forest once a source of Solace and Adventure now seemed to Harbor hidden threats its Shadows concealing unknowable dangers the day following the strange encounter passed without incident yet I found myself unable to fully relax every snapping twig or rustle in the underbrush set my heart racing my mind Conjuring images of The mysterious man lurking just out of sight I pushed myself harder than usual covering more ground in an attempt to put distance between myself and the location of the previous night's unsettling experience as evening approached I selected a new campsite taking

care to choose a spot that offered a clear view of the surrounding area I was determined not to be caught off guard again the process of setting up camp normally a Routine task now felt like a strategic operation I positioned my tent with its back to a large Boulder ensuring no one could approach from behind without my knowledge despite my precautions sleep eluded me that night I lay awake ears straining to catch any sound that might betray an approaching presence the normal nighttime sounds of the forest The Hoot of an owl the distant howl of

a coyote took on Sinister undertones in my heightened state of alertness it was Well past midnight when I heard it a sound that didn't along at first it was so faint that I thought I might have imagined it but as I held my breath and listened intently I could make out what sounded like footsteps slow and deliberate circling my campsite my heart pounded so loudly I was certain it would give away my position I reached for my flashlight my hand trembling as I grasped it for several agonizing moments I debated whether to investigate or Remain

hidden in my tent the footsteps grew closer and in a surge of desperate courage I unzipped the tent and thrust the beam of light into the darkness the forest beyond my campsite was still no sign of movement no mysterious figure caught in the act but as I swept the flashlight around I noticed something that made my blood run cold a series of footprints in the soft Earth forming a circle around my tent they hadn't been there when I'd set up camp sleep was now Out of the question I spent the remainder of the night sitting

up my back pressed against the boulder flashlight in one hand and my hunting knife in the other as the first light of dawn filtered through the trees I felt a momentary sense of relief only to have it replaced by a new gnawing fear someone was out there watching me stalking me through this vast Wilderness and I had no idea why with hands That Shook from a combination of fatigue fear I broke Camp as quickly as possible my initial plan had been to spend a week in the back country but now all I could think about

was finding my way back to civilization I consulted my map plotting the quickest route back to my car which was parked at a trail head some 15 miles away as I hiked I constantly looked over my shoulder scanning the forest for any sign of pursuit the beauty of the Wilderness that had initially drawn me here now seemed Oppressive every tree could potentially conceal a threat every shadow might hide my unknown stalker by late afternoon I had covered a significant distance pushing myself to the point of exhaustion I knew it wasn't safe to continue in the

growing Darkness but the thought of stopping to make Camp filled me with Dread eventually fatigue went out and I found a small clearing to set up for the night this time I forwent the tent opting instead to sleep under The Open Sky where I could better see my surroundings I gathered a larger than usual pile of firewood determined to keep the fire burning throughout the night as I sat by the crackling Flames trying to calm my frayed nerves I couldn't shake the feeling that I was being watched the forest seemed to close in around me

the darkness beyond the firelight impenetrable and full of Menace I found myself jumping at every sound my imagination popping ating the Night with terrifying scenarios was the man I had seen merely a harmless if eccentric fellow hiker or was he something far more Sinister a deranged individual who stalked lone hikers through the Wilderness for some Twisted purpose as the night wore on my exhaustion began to overcome my fear I fought to keep my eyes open knowing that to succumb to sleep was to make myself vulnerable but eventually despite my best efforts I felt my eyelids

growing Heavy my thoughts becoming muddled just as I was about to drift off a sound pierced the night a voice calling out from the darkness beyond my campfires glow do you know how to get to Bells Canyon it asked the words sending a jolt of adrenaline through my system I scrambled to my feet my heart pounding as I peered into the darkness trying to locate the source of the voice no I called back my own voice sounding strange and strained to my ears I don't Think that's a real place the voice continued seeming to move

around the perimeter of my Camp it asked a series of bizarre disconnected questions about the weather about local landmarks I'd never heard of about my reasons for being in the forest with each query I felt a growing sense of unease the voice was getting closer and there was something familiar about its tone that sent ship down my spine desperate to see who was speaking I grabbed my flashlight And swept its beam in the direction of the voice aim that away the Unseen speaker yelled a note of panic in their tone I quickly lowered the light

not wanting to agitate whoever was out there the one-sided conversation continued for what felt like an eternity I stood rooted to the spot every muscle tense ready to flee at a moment's notice then almost imper perceptibly I sensed a change in the atmosphere The Voice had grown closer and a prickling sensation At the back of my neck told me that the speaker was now just beyond the reach of my fire light in a moment of blind panic or foolish bravery I'm still not sure which I raised my flashlight once more and illuminated the area where

I sensed the presence the beam of light revealed a sight that turned my blood to ice there standing at the edge of my Camp was the same man I had seen outside my tent two nights before his eyes wide with that same inexplicable Terror I had Witnessed before locked onto mine for a split second before he turned and fled into the darkness I stood there Paralyzed by shock and fear as the realization dawned on me this man had been following me for at least 15 miles over 2 Days in the vast expanse of this Wilderness

there was no way this could be a coincidence I was being hunted the gravity of my situation hit me like a physical blow I was alone in the wilderness pursued by an unknown Individual with unknown intentions my mind raced with possibilities each more terrifying than the last was he a deranged killer a survivalist gone mad from isolation or something even worse that my frightened mind couldn't begin to comprehend as the adrenaline began to subside it was replaced by a bone deep weariness I knew I couldn't stay here but the thought of venturing Into the Dark

Forest where my pursuer might be waiting was equally terrifying I spent The remainder of the night in a state of hypervigilance jumping at every sound my flashlight and knife clutched tightly in my trembling hands when the first light of dawn finally broke through the trees I made a decision this trip was over I had to get back to civilization back to safety but I knew it wouldn't be easy my pursuer had proven himself capable of tracking me through this rugged terrain if I was to escape I would need every Ounce of wilderness knowledge and survival

Instinct I possessed with a deep breath I shouldered my pack and set out my senses on high alert the journey back to my car and to safety would be the most harrowing experience of my life a test of endurance wit and will against an adversary whose motives remained chillingly unclear as I set out at first light the forest that had once seemed so welcoming now felt like a Sinister maze designed To conceal my pursuer and confound my Escape every shadow held the potential for danger every rustle in the underbrush sent a jolt of fear through

my body the 15 miles that separated me from my vehicle and safety might as well have been a thousand I knew knew that a straight path back to the trail head would be the quickest route but also the most predictable if the man following me had any knowledge of the area he would likely anticipate this move with this in Mind I made a difficult decision I would take a more circuitous route one that would hopefully throw him off my trail the first few hours of my journey were a blur of paranoia and exhaustion I pushed

myself hard covering ground quickly while constantly looking over my shoulder every so often I would stop and listen intently trying to discern any sounds that might betray my pursuer's presence the forest remained eerily quiet as if holding its breath in Anticipation of the chase as midday approached I came across a small stream under normal circumstances I would have welcomed the chance to refill my water supply and rest now it presented a tactical opport opportunity I decided to use the water to obscure my trail waiting into the cold stream I walked along its bed for nearly

a mile my boots slipping on moss covered rocks the chill of the water numbing my feet when I finally emerged from the stream I found Myself in a dense Thicket of ferns and young saplings perfect for concealment I thought I took a moment to catch my breath and plan my next move it was then that I heard it a faint sound of splashing water Upstream my heart leapt into my throat had he found my trail so quickly without hesitation I plunged deeper into the undergrowth moving as quietly as I could while still maintaining speed the

ferns whipped at my face and arms leaving tiny cuts that Stung in the cool air I didn't care all that mattered was putting distance between myself and whoever was following the stream as the day wore on my path took me through varying terrain of steep Rocky inclines that left me gasping for breath through Meadows where I felt terrifyingly exposed and back into the dense forest where every tree seemed to hide a Potential Threat I employed every trick I knew to cover my tracks backtracking walking on Rocky ground That wouldn't hold Footprints and even climbing trees

to travel short distances without touching the forest floor despite my efforts I couldn't shake the feeling that I was still being pursued occasionally I would catch a glimpse of movement in my peripheral vision or hear a sound that seemed out of place in the natural Rhythm of the forest each time I would freeze holding my breath straining my senses to detect any further signs of my Stalker and each time the forest would fall silent leaving me to wonder if my fear addled mind was playing tricks on me as evening approached I faced a difficult decision

the smart move would be to find a defensible position and make camp for the night traveling in the dark would be dangerous increasing my chances of injury or losing my way but the thought of stopping of making myself a stationary Target filled me with Dread in the end necessity made the choice for Me the light was fading rapidly and I knew that continuing in the dark would be fool hearty I found a small Hollow formed by the upturned roots of a fallen tree it wasn't ideal but it offered some concealment and protection on one side

I didn't dare light a fire despite the chill that was settling into my bones instead I huddled in my sleeping bag my back pressed against the dirt wall of the hollow my knife clutched tightly in one hand and my flashlight in the other Sleep was out of the question I resigned myself to a night of watchful waiting my eyes straining to penetrate the darkness that surrounded me the hour crawled by with agonizing slowness every sound The Hoot of an owl the rustle of leaves in the breeze sent a fresh wave of panic through me my

mind conjured terrifying scenarios of my pursuer creeping up on me in the dark of waking to find him standing over me with unknown but surely malevolent intentions it was sometime in The early hours of the morning when I heard it a sound that didn't belong at first it was so faint that I thought I might have imagined it but as I held my breath and listened intently I could make out what sounded like a low guttural noise it wasn't quite human but it wasn't like any animal call I'd ever heard in these Woods the sound

came again closer this time it was a poor imitation of a wolf's howl with an unmistakably human quality that sent Chills down my spine was this my pursuers attempt to unnerve me or was it a signal to others the thought that there might be more than one person hunting me was almost too terrifying to contemplate I remained motionless hardly daring to breathe as the Eerie calls continued they seemed to Circle my position sometimes sounding far away sometimes terrifyingly close I gripped my knife so tightly that my Knuckles turned white prepared to defend Myself if necessary

as suddenly as they had begun the sound ceased the forest fell into an unnatural silence that was somehow even more unsettling than the fake animal calls I strained my ears trying to detect any sound of movement any hint of my pursuer's location but there was nothing the rest of the night passed in a haze of fear and exhaustion as the first light of dawn filtered through the trees I emerged from my makeshift shelter my body stiff And aching from the night's vigil the forest around me was quiet but I knew better than to trust the

apparent calm my pursuer was out there waiting watching I quickly packed my gear forcing down a meager breakfast of Trail Mix and water every moment I remained stationary felt like an invitation for danger as I shouldered my pack I took a moment to consider my options the direct route to my vehicle was still the most logical choice but also the most Predictable I decided to continue my erratic path hoping to confuse and misdirect my stalker the Day's Journey was a grueling test of endurance and paranoia I pushed myself hard covering ground quickly while employing every

evasion tactic I knew I doubled back on my trail laid false tracks and even resorted to crawling through dense underbrush to avoid leaving an obvious path as the sun climbed higher in the sky the forest seemed to close in around Me the once peaceful sounds of birds and rustling leaves now felt like a cacophony of potential threats every snapping twig or sudden movement in my peripheral vision sent a jolt of adrenaline through my system midday found me at the base of a Steep Ravine The Descent would be treacherous but it offered a chance to put

some difficult terrain between myself and my pursuer as I carefully picked my way Down the rocky slope loose Stones skittering away under my feet I heard a sound that made made my blood run cold a deliberate cough echoing from somewhere above me I froze pressing myself against the Ravine wall my heart pounding so loudly I was certain it would give away my position minutes passed feeling like hours as I strained my ears for any further sound when none came I resumed my descent moving as quickly as I dared on the unstable ground reaching the Bottom

of the Ravine I found myself in a Nar nrow Gully a shallow stream trickling between moss covered rocks the high walls on either side made me feel trapped but I pressed on knowing that to climb back out would expose me to whoever might be watching from above as I splashed through the cold water my mind raced with possibilities who was this man what did he want the not knowing was almost worse than any scenario I could imagine was he a Deranged killer a survivalist gone mad from isolation or something even worse that my frightened mind

couldn't begin to comprehend the Gully eventually widened opening into a small Mist shrouded Valley as I emerged from the narrow passage a movement caught my eye there on the far side of the clearing was a figure my pursuer stood motionless partially obscured by the mist and the Shadows of the trees even at this distance I could feel the weight of his Gaze upon me for a moment moment we both stood Frozen locked in a silent standoff then as if by some unspoken signal we both burst into motion I turned and ran no longer concerned with

stealth or misdirection pure survival Instinct took over as I crashed through the underbrush branches whipping at my face and arms I could hear him behind me his footfalls heavy and purposeful the sound spurred me on pushing my exhausted body Beyond its limits I ran without direction or plan my only thought to put distance between myself and my pursuer time lost all meaning as I fled through the forest my lungs burned my legs screamed in protest but still I ran I scrambled up slopes plunged through streams and forced my way through dense thickets ignoring the cuts

and bruises that accumulated on my skin as the light began to fade from the sky I realized I had made a terrible mistake In my panic I had lost all sense of direction I had no idea how far I had come or in what direction my vehicle lay the thought of being lost in this Wilderness with night falling and a relentless pursuer on my trail nearly broke me exhaustion finally forced me to stop I collapsed behind a fallen log my chest heaving as I struggled to catch my breath as my pulse slowly returned to normal

I strained my ears for any sound of Pursuit the forest was quiet save for The usual evening sounds of birds settling in for the night had I lost him or was this another of his tricks letting me believe I was safe only to appear when I least expected it I knew I couldn't afford to let my guard down but my body desperately needed rest I decided to risk a few hours of sleep knowing that I would need my strength for the ordeal ahead finding a dense cluster of bushes I crawled inside using the natural canopy

as camouflage it was Far from comfortable but it offered some concealment as I lay there my body trembling with exhaustion and fear I tried to formulate a plan in the morning I would need to regain my bearings and make a final push for my vehicle but for now all I could do was wait listening to the sounds of the night forest and praying that morning would find me alive and free the hours crept by with agonizing slowness every rustle of leaves every snapping twig sent a fresh Wave of panic through me I dozed fitfully never

fully sleeping my hand clutched tightly around the handle of my hunting knife as the first light of dawn began to filter through the leaves I stirred from my Hiding Place my muscles protested stiff from the cold and the awkward position I had maintained throughout the night but there was no time to coddle my aching body I had to move emerging from the bushes I surveyed my surroundings trying to get my Bearings the landscape looked unfamiliar but a distant Peak I recognized gave me a general sense of direction my vehicle and safety lay to the Northwest

with a deep breath I shouldered my pack and set out knowing that the final leg of this nightmare Journey would test me to my very Limits The Rising Sun brought little comfort as I began what I hoped would be the last day of my ordeal every step was a battle against exhaustion fear and the growing Certainty that my pursuer was still out there watching and waiting for his moment to strike I set a punishing Pace pushing my battered body to its limits the terrain was unforgiving steep inclines dense underbrush and treacherous Rocky outcroppings that threatened

to twist an ankle or worse but the thought of reaching my vehicle of escaping this nightmare drove me onward as the morning wore on I began to recognize landmarks a Peculiarly shaped Boulder a clearing I had passed through on my way in small signs that I was on the right track but with this growing familiarity came a new fear if I recognized these markers surely my pursuer would as well he would know I was making for the trail head the realization spurred me to new heights of parent paranoia I began to take increasingly erratic detours

backtracking and laying false trails with a frenzied energy my progress Slowed but I couldn't shake the feeling that a direct route would be my undoing as midday approached I found myself at the edge of a small Meadow the open space made me hesitate Crossing it would leave me exposed but going around would add precious time to my journey as I stood there weighing my options a sound reached my ears that turned my blood to ice voices distant but unmistakable coming from the direction I had been heading for a moment hope flared in my Chest other

hikers rescue but as quickly as it had come the Hope was extinguished there was something off about the voices a quality I couldn't quite place but that sent warning signals blaring through my mind I retreated into the shelter of the trees my heart pounding had my pursuer been joined by others the thought of multiple Hunters tracking me through this Wilderness was almost too terrifying to contemplate but I couldn't deny the evidence of my own Ears with shaking hands I consulted my map there was another route to the trail head longer and more difficult but one

that might allow me to avoid whoever was ahead it was a gamble but one I had to take I set out on this new path my sense stretched to their limits every sound every movement in the undergrowth sent a jolt of adrenaline through my system the voices behind me faded but I couldn't shake the feeling that I was being hurted driven like prey toward some Unseen trap the afternoon wore on the forest growing darker as clouds gathered overhead the temperature dropped and a chill wind began to whip through the trees as if sensing my death

aspiration the Wilderness itself seemed to be turning against me it was then as I scrambled up a steep root Tangled slope that disaster struck my foot caught on a hidden route and I felt something give way in my ankle I stumbled crying out in pain as I fell heavily to the ground for A moment I lay there the taste of dirt in my mouth pain shooting up my leg the urge to give up to just lie there and let whatever was going to happen happen was almost overwhelming but survival Instinct kicked in and I forced

myself to move my ankle screamed in protest as I got to my feet it wasn't broken but it was certainly sprained possibly badly I tested my weight on it biting back a groan I could walk but my Pace would be significantly slowed as I stood there Leaning against a tree and fighting back tears of pain and frustration a sound reached my ears that chilled me to my core from somewhere behind me came the call that same terrible not quite human approximation of a wolf's howl that I had heard nights before it was answered by another

then another from different directions they were coming Panic gave me strength and I began to move half running half limping through the forest the calls continued sometimes Fading Into the distance sometimes terrifyingly close were they toying with me hurting me or was this saw some elaborate psychological torture the light was fading fast now the overcast Sky hastening the arrival of dusk I knew that I was close to the trail head it couldn't be more than a mile or two away but in my current condition with unknown pursuers closing in that distance seemed insurmountable as I

stumbled through the Gathering Darkness I made a decision Born of desperation I needed to hide to find some defens position where I could make a stand if necessary up ahead I could make out the looming shape of a rocky outcropping it wasn't ideal but it was the best option I had I reached the Rocks just as the last Light faded from the sky gritting my teeth against the pain in my ankle I climbed searching for a spot that offered both concealment and a view of the surrounding area I found a narrow crevice just wide enough

to Squeeze into with a ledge that allowed me to see see the forest below as I settled into my precarious shelter the first drops of rain began to fall soon it had developed into a steady downpour drumming against the rocks and turning the forest floor into a muddy morass in a way I welcomed it the rain would mask any sounds I might make and would make tracking more difficult from my vantage point I scanned the darkness below straining my eyes for any sign of Movement the rain Limited visibility but occasionally when lightning flashed overhead I

caught glimpses of the forest and in those brief moments of Illumination I saw them figures moving with unnatural stealth through the trees sometimes alone sometimes in pears in the stuttering lightning they seemed more Shadow than substance but there was no mistaking their purpose they were searching quartering the area with frightening efficiency I pressed myself Further into the crevice hardly daring to breathe they were so close now that I could occasionally Hear Voices over the sound of the rain snatches of conversation in low urgent tones I couldn't make out the words but the intent was clear

they were hunting and I was their prey as the night wore on a new fear began to gnaw at me I was trapped there was no way for me to reach my vehicle without exposing myself even if I managed to slip past my pursuers in The darkness my injured ankle would slow me down make me vulnerable the rain eventually slackened then stopped altogether in the Eerie quiet that followed I could hear them more clearly they were calling to each other voices drifting through the Mist that had settled in the wake of the storm any sign

nothing here you wait I think I saw something move up on those rocks my heart nearly stopped had they spotted me I held perfectly Still barely breathing as a beam of light played across the rock face near my hiding spot long seconds passed as I waited for the shout that would signal My Discovery but it didn't come the light moved on and I heard footsteps receding into the forest I allowed myself a small sigh of relief but I knew it was only temporary they were still out there and they were getting closer as the first

light of dawn began to creep Over the Horizon I made a decision I couldn't stay here sooner or later they would find me my only chance was to make a run for it to try and reach my vehicle before they could close in slowly painfully I extracted myself from my Hiding Place my entire body protested stiff from hours of immobility and chilled to the Bone my injured ankle throbbed a constant reminder of the disadvantage I faced I paused at the edge of the outcropping surveying the Misty Forest below there was no sign of My pursuers

but I knew they were out there waiting watching taking a deep breath I began my descent each step was Agony my ankle threatening to give way with every movement but I pressed on driven by the desperate need to escape this nightmare as I reached the forest floor a twig snapped underf fooot the sound seemed deafening in the pre-dawn quiet I froze certain that I had given away my position for long moments I stood there Ears straining for any sound of approach when none came I began to move again picking my way carefully through the underbrush

I had gone perhaps a 100 yards when I heard it a shout followed by the crashing sound of someone running through the forest they had spotted me all pretense of stealth forgotten I ran my ankle screamed in protest but I ignored it driven by pure animal Terror Behind me I could hear them closing in their voices raised in excitement as They gave chase the forest blurred around me as I ran dodging trees and leaping over Fallen logs my lungs burned my vision narrowed to a tunnel of desperate flight I had no idea if I was

even going in the right direction anymore all that mattered was putting distance between myself and my pursuers suddenly the trees thinned and I burst out onto to a dirt road for a moment I stood there disoriented then through the lifting Mist I saw it my car Parked where I had left it so many days ago with a sob of relief I stumbled towards it behind me I could hear shouts of frustration as my pursuers realized I had reached the road they were close so close but I had a head start I reached the car fumbling

with shaking hands for my keys as I wrenched open the door I caught a glimpse of movement at the edge of the forest a figure emerging from the trees arm raised as if reaching for me I threw myself into the driver seat Slamming the door and jamming the key into the ignition the engine roared to life and I floored the accelerator tires spinning in the muddy gravel before finding purchase as I sped away I caught one last Glimpse in my rearview mirror a group of men standing at the edge of the forest watching my departure

their Stillness was somehow more terrifying than if they had been giving Chase I drove recklessly far too fast for the winding Forest Road but I couldn't bring Myself to slow down it wasn't until I reached the main Highway merging into early morning traffic that I finally began to relax the ordeal was over I had escaped but as the adrenaline faded and the full weight of what I had experienced settled over me I realized that while I had left the for Forest behind the terror of those days would stay with me forever in the years since

I've tried to make sense of what happened in those woods I've researched Missing persons cases in the area looked into local Legends and myths even considered reporting my experience to the authorities but in the end I've kept it to myself unsure if anyone would believe me and afraid of drawing the attention of whoever or whatever had Hunted Me Through the wilderness sometimes on Dark Nights when the wind howls outside my window I find myself back in those Woods running for my life from an unseen threat and I wonder are They still out there waiting for

unwary hikers to stray too far from the beaten path and what would have happened if I hadn't made it to my car that morning it was the spring of 20 6 and I was a 16-year-old Native American Teenager from Oregon like many of my peers I was eager to embrace our cultural heritage and learn more about our Traditions when the opportunity arose to join a youth camping trip led by some of our tribal Elders during Spring break I jumped at the chance little did I know that this trip would leave an indelible mark on my

psyche shaping my understanding of our spiritual beliefs and the Unseen World Around us our group consisted of about a dozen teenagers and three respected tribal leaders we packed our gear into a couple of old vans and set off for the Lush forests that our ancestors had called home for countless Generations the drive was filled with excited Chatter and laughter as we wound our way through winding roads the scenery gradually changing from suburban sprawl to dense towering trees after a few hours we arrived at our campsite a small clearing nestled among Ancient Cedars and Douglas Furs

the air was crisp and filled with the scent of pine needles and damp Earth we spent the afternoon setting up our tents gathering firewood and preparing for the days ahead as the sun began to set Painting the sky in vibrant oranges and purples we gathered around the campfire the crackling Flames cast Dancing Shadows on the faces of my friends and Elders we roasted hot dogs and marshmallows sharing stories and jokes the mood was light and carefree a stark contrast to the weight of the lesson I was about to receive as the night wore on and

the initial excitement began to wne a comfortable silence fell over our group without thinking I started to Whistle a tune just a simple Melody I'd picked up somewhere the sound seemed to pierce the quiet of the forest echoing slightly in the clearing suddenly one of our Tri trial leaders an older man named Robert with deep set eyes and weathered skin shot me a sharp look stop that he said his voice low but firm we don't whistle at night confused and a little embarrassed I immediately fell silent the other teenagers looked at me with a mix

of curiosity and Concern Robert's expression softened slightly as he saw my discomfort and he motioned for us all to gather closer there's a reason we don't whistle at night he began his voice taking on the Cadence of a Storyteller it's a lesson passed down through generations a warning about the delicate balance between our world and the spirit world as Robert spoke the forest around us seemed to grow quieter as if the trees themselves were leaning in to listen he Explained that in our native traditions we believe that the nighttime belongs to the spirits it's their

time to roam freely to exist without the interference of the living by going to sleep at night we show respect for this Arrangement giving the spirits the space they need but Robert warned there are consequences for those who disrupt this balance he spoke of creatures known as the stick people entities that serve as Guardians of the spirit world's time these beings He said are drawn to those who make noise at night particularly whistling the stick people Robert continued his eyes reflecting the flickering fir light they're not evil but they're not kind either they're Protectors of

a boundary we must respect when someone whistles at night it's like a beacon to them they come to investigate to silence the disturbance he went on to describe how the stick people would lure unwary individuals Deeper into the forest leading them astray until they were hopelessly lost some stories told of people disappearing for days others for weeks a few he said in a hushed tone were never seen again as Robert spoke I could feel a chill run down my spine that had nothing to do with the cool night air the forest around us which had

seemed so welcoming during the day now felt alive with unseen presences every rustle of leaves or snap of a twig made me jump slightly But why whistling one of my friends asked her voice barely above a wh whisper Robert nodded acknowledging the question whistling carries far in the quiet of night he explained it's a human sound unmistakable to the spirits it's like shining a bright light into a dark room disruptive and disrespectful he went on to share other traditional beliefs about nighttime Behavior we learned that it was considered unwise to call out someone's Name after

dark as this could attract unwanted attention from Spirits looking into mirrors at night was discouraged as they were seen as potential portals to the spirit world as Robert spoke I found myself reflecting on the deeper meaning behind these beliefs they weren't just superstitions I realized but a complex system of respect and balance with the natural and spiritual World our ancestors had developed these Traditions as a way of living in harmony with Forces beyond our understanding the night wore on and Robert's stories continued he spoke of other spiritual entities from our Traditions both benevolent and malevolent

he told us of shape shifters who could take on animal forms of Guardian spirits who watched over our people and of trickster figures who taught lessons through mischief and Chaos as I listened I felt a growing sense of connection to my Heritage these weren't just stories they were a link to Countless Generations before me a way of understanding the world world that had been passed down through the ages I began to see the forest around us not just as a collection of trees and animals but as a living breathing entity filled with unseen forces and

ancient wisdom the fire began to die down and Robert's voice grew softer remember he said looking each of us in the eye these Traditions aren't meant to scare you they're meant to teach respect for the Land for the spirits for the delicate balance of the world around us when you whistle at night you're not just making noise you're disrupting that balance as we prepared for bed that night the forest seemed alive in a way it hadn't before the rustling of leaves in the breeze sounded like whispered conversations the Shadows cast by our flashlights seemed to

move with a life of their own I found myself hesitating before stepping outside my tent scanning The darkness for any sign of the people that night as I lay in my sleeping bag listening to the sounds of the forest I reflected on what I'd learned the story of the stick people and the warning against whistling at night wasn't just a scary tale to keep kids in line it was a window into a world view that saw humans as just one part of a vast interconnected Universe it was a reminder of the importance of respect of

living in harmony with the World around us both seen and unseen in the days that followed our camping trip continued we hiked through ancient forests learned traditional skills like identifying edible plants and reading animal tracks and shared more stories around the campfire each night but that first night's lesson stayed with me coloring every experience I found myself moving more quietly through the forest aware that I was a guest in an ancient and sacred place I Paid close closer attention to the world around me not just looking at the trees and animals but feeling the energy

of the land itself and each night as Darkness fell I remembered the story of the stick people and the importance of respecting the spirit's time as the years have passed I've carried that lesson with me even now living in a modern world far removed from that Forest campsite I find myself hesitating before whistling at night the story has Become a part of me a constant reminder of my Heritage and the wisdom of my ancestors sometimes on quiet nights when the wind rustles through the trees outside my window I think back to that camping trip I

remember the warmth of the fire the sound of Robert's voice and the feeling of being connected to something ancient and profound and in those moments I understand why we tell these stories why we pass down these Traditions they're not just Tales to Frighten children or quaint superstitions they're a way of understanding the world of maintaining balance and of keeping alive a worldview that sees magic and meaning in the natural world the lesson I learned that night goes beyond not whistling after dark it's about respect for nature for Spirits for traditions and for the delicate balance

of the world around us it's a reminder that we are not the masters of this world but a part of it With responsibilities and obligations to the seen and unseen alike as I've grown older I've come to appreciate the depth of wisdom in our native Traditions what once seemed like simple rules or scary stories now reveal themselves as complex systems of knowledge built up over countless Generations they encode not just spiritual beliefs but practical wisdom about living in harmony with the natural world the story of the stick people for instance isn't just about Supernatural beings

in the forest it's a way of teaching the importance of silence and respect in nature of not disturbing Wildlife or other campers of being aware of one's surroundings the tradition of not calling out names at night a practical way to avoid attracting Predators or getting separated from your group in the darkness these days when I find myself in nature whether it's a weekend camping trip or just a walk in a city park I Carry these lessons with me I move with more awareness more respect I listen to the world around me not just with my

ears but with my whole being and yes I still refrain from whistling at night but more than that I've learned to see the world through a lens of interconnectedness every action has a reaction every disturbance ripples out in ways we might not immediately see this understanding has influenced how I live my life how I interact with others How I think about my place in the world as I reflect on that camping trip now years later I'm filled with gratitude gratitude for Robert and the other tribal Elders who took the time to pass on these Traditions

gratitude for the wisdom of my ancestors preserved and passed down through generations and gratitude for that moment of thoughtless whistling that opened the door to a deeper understanding of my Heritage and the world around me the story of the Stick people and that night around the campfire have become a touchstone for me a memory I return to again and again it reminds me of who I am and where I come from it connects me to my past and guides me in my present and every time I catch myself about to whistle at night I smile

remembering the Lessons Learned in a forest clearing under a Starry Sky in the end these Traditions whether they're about stick people whistling at night or any of the countless other beliefs and Practices passed down through generations are more than just stories they're a way of seeing the world a reminder of our place in it and a guide for living in harmony with all that surrounds us both seen and unseen and that I believe is a lesson worth carrying forward no matter where life may take us Heartwell but you can call me Brie my husband Calvin

who goes by Cal and I live in the small city of Anderson Nestled in the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains in upstate South Carolina when Cal and I first got together a little over a year ago he owned his own place a cozy house surrounded by sprawling Woods on the weekends my two kids from a previous marriage and I would stay at his house using it as a little getaway Cal has since moved in with me and the kids full-time but we still like to go out to his old place when we need a

break from The bustle of town Cal's childhood home where his mama Bonnie still lives is right next door to his place the gravel driveways of the two properties even connect winding through the Towering Oaks and hickories like Dusty ribbons it was on my first visit to Cals that Bonnie pulled me aside her weathered face serious as a preachers at a Tent Revival now Bri I know them kids of yours will want to go exploring in them Woods she said her Voice low and solemn but you best not let them go too far off especially not

near evening time I raised my eyebrows curious Bonnie seemed like a sensible woman not prone to Flights of Fancy why is that Bonnie copperheads we have our share of venomous snakes in these parts she shook her her head slowly no honey worse than that she glanced toward the tree line then back at me her faded blue eyes holding mine few months back I was out in the yard tending to my tomatoes All of a sudden this thing come tearing out the woods right past me not more than 6 feet away I felt a prickle down

my spine despite the warmth of the afternoon what kind of thing it was a cat biggest damn cat I ever laid eyes on size of a full-grown lab easy and black as pitch not a speck of color on it now I've spent my fair share of time outdoors I knew the Department of Natural Resources didn't officially recognize the presence of mountain lions Here but that was a bunch of bureaucratic hogwash I'd caught a picture of a Tawny cougar on my own trail cam just last fall but a black one I'd never heard tell of such

a creature prowling the Carolina Hills you sure it wasn't a bear or maybe a real big boar I asked though I had a feeling I knew the answer Bonnie fixed me with a look that could curdle milk honey I've been hunting and trapping these Woods since I was knee High to a grasshopper I know a cat when I see one and that was a cat sure as Sunday moved all Slinky and quiet not like no bear I nodded slowly A tingle of unease dancing up my neck despite the bright Sunshine filtering through the leafy canopy

I appreciate the warning Bonnie I'll keep a close eye on the kids I promise and I did from that day forward I made sure my son and daughter never strayed out of shouting distance when they played among the hickories and Oaks of Cal's property still I often found my gaze drawn to the silent Sentinels of the forest's edge wondering what else might lurk Beyond sight in those green depths it was about a month after that first unsettling conversation with Bonnie that Cal and I decided to go deer hunting on his land our usual sitter had

the kids for the day and we were both thrumming with cabin fever after a long week of work we gathered up Cal's hunting rifles pulled on our Orange vests and caps and set off down the Winding Trail that led to the far corner of his acreage we walked in companionable silence for a while listening to the cheerful burble of the birds in the branches above and the skitter of squir SS in the underbrush the sun dappled piece of the forest settled over me like a mantle and I felt myself begin to relax for the first

time in days after about half an hour of strolling and seeing Nar a white tail Cal stopped in a small clearing and turned to me a boyish grin lighting up his Tann face hey Bri you want to see something real interesting I cocked an eyebrow at him I suppose that depends on what kind of interest in we're talking about Cal Hartwell if you're fixing to show me another dang deer scrape he laughed a warm Rich sound in the cathedral hush of the forest nah nothing like that I want to show you the old Indian burial

ground back here now that Piqued my interest right quick as a born and raised Carolina girl I'd grown up hearing tales of the Cherokee and Kataba tribes who once called these Hills and hollers home the idea of seeing one of their sacred spaces with my own two eyes sent a thrill through me well why didn't you say so lead the way Cal's grin widened and he took my hand guiding me off the beaten path into a section of woods I had never explored before the trees grew closer together here their Canopy blocking out the bright

blue bowl of the sky a strange linery silence settled over us as we walked the chatter of the birds fading away until all I could hear was the CR crch of our boots on the fallen leaves and the rasp of my own breath after a few minutes Cal stopped again his hand tightening on mine we're here he said something odd in his tone that I couldn't quite place I looked around puzzled at first glance this patch of forest seemed no different Than any other the same mix of hickories Oaks and Pines the same dappled Sunshine

filtering through the leaves to model the forest floor but as my my eyes adjusted to the Gloom I began to make out strange shapes half hidden in the carpet of leaves and pine needles they were Stones I realized with a jolt dozens of them some flat and half buried in the rich LOM others jutting up at awkward angles like broken teeth they were too regular in shape to be natural Formations their edges worn Smooth by centuries of rain and wind are these grave markers I asked my voice sounded small and thin in the pressing quiet

Cal nodded solemnly yep been here longer than anyone can remember my granddaddy used to tell me stories about this place when I was a boy said it was powerful old magic a chill whispered down my spine despite the balmy air I'd never put much stock in talk of magic and spirits being A good Christian woman but standing there among those ancient Moss eaten Stones I couldn't help feel a sense of presence as if the trees themselves were watching us with silent knowing eyes overhead a crow C harshly making me jump Cal squeezed my hand you

all right darling we can head back if you want I shook my head forcing a smile no I'm fine it's just a lot to take in is all I gazed around at the old Stones trying to imagine the lives and stories of the People laid to rest beneath them what had this place been like when they walked the Earth did their spirits still linger here watching over their descendants as if in answer to my unspoken question a sudden gust of wind rattled through the branches above us sending a shower of leaves cascading down around our

feet the hair on the back of my neck prickled and I had the uneasy Sensation that the wind carried Whispers just beyond the edge of hearing Cal cleared his throat breaking the spell I'm going to go check the creek see if that damn Beaver Dam is blocking the flow again you okay waiting here I nodded grateful for the distraction sure I'll just sit a spell catch my breath in truth the thought of being alone in this strange silent Place made my stomach flutter uneasily but I didn't want Cal to think I was some silly scaredy

cat all right I won't be long he squeezed my hand again then Ducked off into the underbrush his bright orange vest quickly swallowed up by the green and then I was alone surrounded by the watchful trees and the Restless Whispers of the wind for a few minutes I just stood there hardly daring to breathe my eyes darting from Stone to Stone as if expecting to see a ghostly figure materialize from behind one get it together Bri I muttered to myself at last blowing out a breath I was a grown woman for Pete's sake not some

jittery Tenderfoot spooked by a few old rocks deliberately I unslung my rifle and propped it against the nearest tree trunk then folded myself down to sit cross-legged on the soft carpet of leaves at first the piece of the forest settled over me like a calming balm I closed my eyes breathing in the lomy scent of Earth and decaying leaves letting the dappled sunlight warm my upturned face nearby a red tailed hawk screed the wild sound sending a pleasant Shiver through me this was the kind of moment I lived for the Deep abiding connection to the

land and its non-human residents but as the minutes ticked by marked by the distant talking of a woodpecker a strange unease began to creep over me it started as a prickling at the base of my skull a sense of being watched by unseen eyes I Shrugged it off at first telling myself it was just the remnants of my earlier spookiness but the feeling only grew until it felt Like cold worms writhing in my guts my eyes snapped open my breath coming faster the woods looked exactly the same the beams of sunshine spearing through the greenery

still and peaceful nothing moved among the grass and Stones surrounding me and yet free I jacked knife to my feet my heart slamming against my ribs The Voice had come from behind me as clear as if someone had whispered Direct directly into my ear but as I spun around my eyes darting Wildly I saw nothing but trees and drifting Moes of pollen Bri The cilent Whisper came again from the opposite direction this time I Whirled toward it my pulse thundering in my ears Cal I called out my voice cracking that you silence even the bird

song had ceased leaving only the rasp of my breathing and the panicked drumming of my heart breathe this time the voice came as a screech the sound slithering down my spine like A razor blade it sounded close too close as if the screamer was right behind me I spun back around and felt the bottom drop out of my stomach there standing not 6 ft away between two of the larger linery Stones was a figure it was humanoid in shape but far too tall and gaunt to be my cow or anything living tattered Rags the color

of old Moss hung from its elongated Limbs and its face dear God its face I couldn't make myself look directly at it my mind refusing to Process the Glimpse I'd gotten of writhing darkness in too many mouths a high thin Keening reached my ears and it took me a moment to realize it was coming from my own throat the thing whispered again and now there was a gloating note to its rasping voice a cruel amusement it took a slithering step toward me the rags that shrouded its form fluttering in a wind I couldn't feel I

didn't remember grabbing my rifle but suddenly it was in my hands My finger tightening on the trigger as I braced the stock against my shoulder the creature took another gliding step stick thin arms unfolding from its sides reaching bang the rifle's report cracked through the silent woods like a whip sending a flock of startled grackles bursting from the canopy in A Storm of black wings the bullet smacked into the center of the creature's chest and passed right through burying itself in the tree behind it with a splintering Thock the thing threw its head back unleashing

a gurgling burbling cry that daggered into my brain like an ice pick squinting through eyes a wash with tears of pain I saw the hole i' blown through its chest seal itself Inky smoke knitting the edges closed Bri Bri what happened you okay Cal's shout snapped me out of my paralysis he was crashing back through the underbrush toward me heedless of the branches that snagged at his clothes Cal run there's some thing Here I don't my voice broke on a sob as the creature whipped its head toward the sound of Cal's approach for a horrified

moment I was sure it would go for him but then quick as a blink it simply unfolded its spindly limbs collap collapsing in on themselves like a spider's legs the Moss colored Rags fluttered to the ground in a loose Heap as if they'd never been occupied at all and then Cal was there wrapping me in a tight hug stroking my hair as I Shuddered against his chest sh sh darling I got you what happened Bri I heard a shot you see a bear or something the genuine bewilderment in his tone made fresh tears spring to

my eyes he hadn't seen it the thing that had been mere moments before close enough to touch already the memory of its nightmarish face was beginning to fragment my mind shying away from The Impossible reality of what it had witnessed I I thought I did but I shook My head helplessly taking a shaky step back to sweep my gaze around the burial site the Moss colored Rags were gone not a trace remaining in the carpet of Dead Leaves even the presence I'd felt that skin crawling sense of being watched by eldrich eyes had vanished like

Dew under the morning sun if not for the burning afterimage of that final unraveling moment seared into my retinas I might have believed I'd imagined the whole thing tripped I finished lamely knowing Cal would never believe the truth hell I scarcely believed it myself and I'd seen it with my own fear widened eyes finger slipped on the trigger spooked myself good baby I tried for a shaky laugh but it came out brittle and false in the tomlike hush of the trees Jesus Bri you're shaking like a leaf Cal wrapped a steadying arm around my shoulders

his warmth seeping into my clammy skin let's get you back to the house yeah get some hot coffee in you maybe a nip of Something stronger that sounds mighty fine I said meaning it with every fiber of my being I wanted nothing more than to put this place and its Whispering Stones far behind me to surround myself with the comforting solidity of walls and honest Sunshine unfiltered by grasping branches we made our way back out of the woods in silence Cal supporting me with his solid bulk but even with his reassuring Presence at my side

I couldn't shake the Feeling that something was watching us go smthing old and impossibly Powerful amused by our pathetic human Frailty each skitter of dry leaves in the underbrush made me Flinch imagining skeletal fingers tipped with Jagged Nails crept after my heels it wasn't until Cal's house came into view through the screening Pines Bonnie's battered pickup in the neighboring drive that I finally allowed myself to Exhale the steel band constricting my lungs Loosening minutely Cal guided me up the porch steps and into the Blessed normaly of his kitchen sitting me down at the scarred oak

table and busying himself at at the ancient coffee pot that burbled on the counter The Familiar hearty scent of dark roast began to fill the small room chasing out the Dank rotting smell that seemed to have followed me from the woods he sat a steaming mug in front of me the heat welcome against my chilled Palms I took a sip scalding my tongue but the pain was grounding a tether to the physical world after my brush with the inexplicable you you want to talk about it Cal asked after a moment his hazel eyes worried in

his Sun browned face I shook my head trying to dredge up a reassuring smile no I I think maybe the heat just got to me out there low blood sugar or something the LIE tasted sour on my tongue but what else could I say That I just had a close encounter with some kind of spirit creature out of a nightmare Cal would think I'd gone round the bend for sure he didn't look entirely convinced but he Let It Drop reaching over to squeeze my hand well you just take it easy the rest of the day

you hear I'll go pick up the kids from the sitter give you some time to rest I nodded gratefully the thought of holding my babies close chasing away the last lingering tendrils of unease thanks Baby I don't know what I'd do without you Cal just grinned dropping a kiss on the top of my head as he grabbed his keys off the counter ain't never going to have to find out I'll be back before you know it the screen door bang shut behind him leaving me alone in the suddenly too quiet house I sat at the

table for a long moment staring into the depths of my coffee mug as if it might hold the answers to the questions whirling through my mind what in God's Name had I seen out there in those woods and more importantly what did it want the memory of that s ENT gloating whisper slithered through me like dirty ice making me shudder I was no expert in the Supernatural but I knew the old stories passed down through generations of mountain folk stories of dark things that lurked in the shadowed places of the world beings that hungered for

mortal flesh and Mortal fear the Cherokee called them Raven mockers the Nuni the ulun suti a branch wrapped against the kitchen window making me jump half out of my skin sloshing coffee over my white knuckled hands heart pounding I twisted to look but there was nothing there just the scraggly Dogwood Cal's mama had planted years ago its leaves gone russet with the season get a hold of yourself Brie I muttered getting up to dump my mug in the sink with shaking hands I couldn't let myself go spinning off into Flights Of Fancy seeing boogy men

in every shadow whatever I'd encountered in the burial ground it had let me go hadn't it maybe it had just been trying to scare me off protect its territory from fool hearty humans and yet as much as I tried to rationalize it away a small secret part of me knew the truth I had stood face to face with something old and evil and utterly inhuman something that had marked me in some indefinable way even now safe within the walls of Cal's house I could feel its presence lurking at the edges of my Consciousness patient and

ruthless as a spider in its web the crunch of tires on gravel shook me out of my dark thoughts I pasted on a bright smile as the front door banged open emitting Cal and the two brightest lights of my world in a gust of crisp autumn air mama mama look what we found my daughter Liza thrust a hand under my nose proudly displaying a hickory nut brown as an old saddle why that's right Pretty baby you find that all by yourself I swept her into a fierce hug breathing in her little kid smell of crayons

and peanut butter feeling her vital warmth against my chest nuh-uh Jake helped Liza squirmed free to point at her brother who was busy shedding his windbreaker in the middle of the living room floor only cuz you're too short to reach the good branches Jake said flashing me a gap toothed grin at 8 he considered himself quite the little man Always looking looking out for his sister well I'm sure proud of you both what do you say we take those Treasures out on the porch and see if we can find some more for dinner yeah they

chorused already racing each other to the door I followed more slowly Cal falling into step beside me feeling better he asked his eyes searching my face I summed up a smile hoping it reached my eyes right as rain now that I've got my babies home it wasn't the whole truth but it would Have to do the rest of the evening passed in a haze of fragrant chili on the stove the happy chatter of my children and the solid steadying presence of my husband at my side by the time I tuck the kids into the bed

they shared the horrors of the afternoon seemed distant like a scary story that had lost its power in the light of day but that night as I lay curled in Cal's arms in the bed that had once been his grandfather fathers I dreamed I dreamed Of a forest where the trees had eyes where the very Earth thirsted for blood I dreamed of a figure in rags the color of old Moss a figure with too many mouths and long grasping fingers it called to me in a voice like Dead Leaves urging me to come back come

back just a little closer I woke with a scream lodged in my throat my night gown plastered to my skin with icy sweat Cal slept on beside me snoring softly but I knew I wouldn't be so lucky resigned I Slipped out of bed wrapping my grandmother's quilt around my shoulders like a shield I padded Barefoot through the house the old floorboards creaking out a familiar lullabi in the kitchen I put on a pot of coffee knowing I'd need the fortification for the long night ahead while it brewed I stood at the window staring out into

the darkness where I knew the woods lay in weight maybe it was just a trick of the Moonlight but for a moment I could have Sworn I saw a figure standing at the tree line a figure in tattered Rags its face a writhing mass of Shadow it raised one stick thin arm beckoning beckoning I blinked and it was gone just a shadow a figment of my exhausted imagination but as I turned away from the window I couldn't shake the feeling that this was only the beginning that the thing in the woods was far from done

with me and God helped me but some small secret part of me yearned to answer its Call to plunge headlong into the Primal mystery of those ancient trees and the spirits that lurked within the rational part of my mind recoiled at the thought but deep in my bones I felt the pull of something older than reason older than fear I poured my coffee with an unsteady hand wrapping my fingers around the warm ceramic like a Talisman come what may I had to be strong for Cal and for my babies I couldn't let the darkness in

no matter how sweetly it called my name but As I sat there in the yellow pool of the kitchen light watching the night press against the Windows like a living thing I knew the truth the darkness was already inside me planted like a seed by the touch of a Nightmare made flesh all all I could do was hope I was strong enough to keep it at Bay for all our sakes