Crow Lake

…Instead of the previous night's laughter, there was an expectant silence. I found myself looking across the lake every few minutes, half expecting to see that figure again. And then I did see it, standing at the edge of the trees barely visible in the fading light. Claire gasped, her eyes widening as she pointed. Look at that, she whispered, her voice shaki…

…Even now I remember the laughter, the figure, the feeling of being watched that haunted me. Sometimes, at night, when the world is still and the shadows reach out, I can still hear it. That soft, mirthless laughter just outside my window. And I think of what's still out there at Crow Lake, waiting for us to come back. I will never go into the woods again.…

…I told myself it was just the normal sounds of the forest, that there was nothing out there. Deep down, though, I knew something wasn't right. The following morning, we strolled down the trails around Crow Lake. The sun was shining brightly, yet that unexplainable sense of unease wouldn't leave me alone. Nate went first, his usual bright self.…