Collin Bishop-Karney

Its fur was matted, hanging in clumps from its bony frame, and its legs seemed twisted, as if they had been broken and never healed properly. The creature's head turned slowly, and I saw its eyes, glowing a sickly orange-red, staring directly at me. A wave of nausea hit me. The malevolence in those eyes was palpable, like it was staring straight into my soul.

Its fur was matted, hanging in clumps from its bony frame, and its legs seemed twisted, as if they had been broken and never healed properly. The creature's head turned slowly, and I saw its eyes, glowing a sickly orange-red, staring directly at me. A wave of nausea hit me. The malevolence in those eyes was palpable, like it was staring straight into my soul.

I stumbled backward, my breath caught in my throat. I had to tell someone. I had to warn them. I rushed to my mother's room, shaking her awake. She groaned, annoyed, until she saw the look on my face. What is it? She whispered. Her voice filled with sleep. There's something outside, I managed to say, my voice trembling. She sat up, her expression shifting from irritation to concern.

I stumbled backward, my breath caught in my throat. I had to tell someone. I had to warn them. I rushed to my mother's room, shaking her awake. She groaned, annoyed, until she saw the look on my face. What is it? She whispered. Her voice filled with sleep. There's something outside, I managed to say, my voice trembling. She sat up, her expression shifting from irritation to concern.

I know this memory as the trip to Camp Woodruff. I'd never been a fan of the idea of a summer camp. Being sent away from my family to an unfamiliar location for an entire week had always unnerved me. Call me weird, but I didn't feel like being separated from all I knew to go sleep in the woods. It took a lot of convincing to get me to join my grandpa on the Scout summer camp trip to Camp Woodruff.

I know this memory as the trip to Camp Woodruff. I'd never been a fan of the idea of a summer camp. Being sent away from my family to an unfamiliar location for an entire week had always unnerved me. Call me weird, but I didn't feel like being separated from all I knew to go sleep in the woods. It took a lot of convincing to get me to join my grandpa on the Scout summer camp trip to Camp Woodruff.

It's probably just an animal, she said, but before she could say anything else, we both heard it, a distorted, unnatural scream that pierced the silence of the night. The sound was like nothing I had ever heard. Half human, half animal, filled with pain and rage. My mother's eyes widened, and I could see the fear settle in. She quickly got up, rushing to wake my father.

It's probably just an animal, she said, but before she could say anything else, we both heard it, a distorted, unnatural scream that pierced the silence of the night. The sound was like nothing I had ever heard. Half human, half animal, filled with pain and rage. My mother's eyes widened, and I could see the fear settle in. She quickly got up, rushing to wake my father.

The trailer was soon filled with hushed voices. Everyone gathered in the hallway, listening as the creature outside began to thrash against the ground. its guttural moans growing louder. My grandfather moved with a calmness that seemed almost unreal, retrieving his shotgun from a drawer and loading it with ash-coated bullets. He whispered prayers under his breath as he approached the door.

The trailer was soon filled with hushed voices. Everyone gathered in the hallway, listening as the creature outside began to thrash against the ground. its guttural moans growing louder. My grandfather moved with a calmness that seemed almost unreal, retrieving his shotgun from a drawer and loading it with ash-coated bullets. He whispered prayers under his breath as he approached the door.

I watched, frozen in place, as he swung the door open, the cold night air rushing in. The creature was there, standing at the edge of the porch light, its twisted form barely visible. My grandfather fired, the blasts echoing into the night, but the creature moved, faster than anything I had ever seen, disappearing into the darkness.

I watched, frozen in place, as he swung the door open, the cold night air rushing in. The creature was there, standing at the edge of the porch light, its twisted form barely visible. My grandfather fired, the blasts echoing into the night, but the creature moved, faster than anything I had ever seen, disappearing into the darkness.

We stood there in silence, the acrid smell of gunpowder hanging in the air. The creature was gone, but the sense of dread remained. My grandmother's trembling voice broke the silence, trying to comfort us, but the fear was still there, etched into each of our faces. My aunt whispered that it saw us, that it knew who we were now.

We stood there in silence, the acrid smell of gunpowder hanging in the air. The creature was gone, but the sense of dread remained. My grandmother's trembling voice broke the silence, trying to comfort us, but the fear was still there, etched into each of our faces. My aunt whispered that it saw us, that it knew who we were now.

The rest of the night passed in tense silence, each of us afraid of what might come next, our only hope lying in the first light of dawn. The air was heavy as dawn began to break, the first rays of sunlight filtering through the thin curtains, painting the room in soft, muted light. None of us had slept.

The rest of the night passed in tense silence, each of us afraid of what might come next, our only hope lying in the first light of dawn. The air was heavy as dawn began to break, the first rays of sunlight filtering through the thin curtains, painting the room in soft, muted light. None of us had slept.

we had stayed huddled together in the hallway each of us listening for any sign that the creature might return my grandfather sat near the door the shotgun across his knees his eyes fixed on the small window as if daring the thing to show itself again

we had stayed huddled together in the hallway each of us listening for any sign that the creature might return my grandfather sat near the door the shotgun across his knees his eyes fixed on the small window as if daring the thing to show itself again

my mother's arm was around my shoulders her presence the only thing keeping my fear from swallowing me whole when the sunlight finally broke through there was a collective sense of relief the darkness had retreated and with it some of the terror seemed to lift my grandfather stood his joints creaking as he rose and he opened the door

my mother's arm was around my shoulders her presence the only thing keeping my fear from swallowing me whole when the sunlight finally broke through there was a collective sense of relief the darkness had retreated and with it some of the terror seemed to lift my grandfather stood his joints creaking as he rose and he opened the door

The cold night air had left a bitter chill, but the warmth of the sun was beginning to melt it away. He stepped out onto the porch, his eyes scanning the horizon, the yard, and the space behind the parked vehicles. The ground was scuffed where the creature had stood, dark smears marking the spots where it had dragged its twisted limbs.

The cold night air had left a bitter chill, but the warmth of the sun was beginning to melt it away. He stepped out onto the porch, his eyes scanning the horizon, the yard, and the space behind the parked vehicles. The ground was scuffed where the creature had stood, dark smears marking the spots where it had dragged its twisted limbs.

My grandmother was the first to speak, her voice barely more than a whisper. We need help. There was no arguing with that. The events of the night had shaken us all, and none of us could pretend otherwise. My grandfather nodded, his expression grim, and after a few moments he stepped back inside, closing the door behind him.

My grandmother was the first to speak, her voice barely more than a whisper. We need help. There was no arguing with that. The events of the night had shaken us all, and none of us could pretend otherwise. My grandfather nodded, his expression grim, and after a few moments he stepped back inside, closing the door behind him.

He exchanged a few hushed words with my mother, and soon a decision was made. We would call on the neighbor, a medicine man known for his strength in such matters. My mother picked up the phone, her fingers trembling as she dialed the number. The hours that followed seemed to stretch on forever. Every small noise made me jump, every creak of the trailer sending my heart racing.

He exchanged a few hushed words with my mother, and soon a decision was made. We would call on the neighbor, a medicine man known for his strength in such matters. My mother picked up the phone, her fingers trembling as she dialed the number. The hours that followed seemed to stretch on forever. Every small noise made me jump, every creak of the trailer sending my heart racing.

It felt as if the malevolent presence of the night before still lingered, hidden just beyond the edges of the light, waiting for its chance to return. When the medicine man finally arrived, I felt a wave of relief wash over me.

It felt as if the malevolent presence of the night before still lingered, hidden just beyond the edges of the light, waiting for its chance to return. When the medicine man finally arrived, I felt a wave of relief wash over me.

My dad and stepmom told me I had to go to make sure nothing happened to him. and my mom told me she thought it was a good idea. So it was three against one, and the guilt trip worked. I told myself he needed me, and that it wouldn't be as bad since I'd have a family member with me. I know how this part is going to sound, but the night before we left, I had terrible nightmares.

My dad and stepmom told me I had to go to make sure nothing happened to him. and my mom told me she thought it was a good idea. So it was three against one, and the guilt trip worked. I told myself he needed me, and that it wouldn't be as bad since I'd have a family member with me. I know how this part is going to sound, but the night before we left, I had terrible nightmares.

he was an older man his face lined with age and wisdom he carried with him a small pouch filled with herbs and he moved with a quiet confidence that made me feel for the first time in hours that we might be safe he spoke little nodding respectfully to my grandparents before setting to work he sprinkled the herbs in a circle around the trailer chanting softly in navajo

he was an older man his face lined with age and wisdom he carried with him a small pouch filled with herbs and he moved with a quiet confidence that made me feel for the first time in hours that we might be safe he spoke little nodding respectfully to my grandparents before setting to work he sprinkled the herbs in a circle around the trailer chanting softly in navajo

the words were foreign to me but there was power in them i could feel it he moved from room to room marking the walls with symbols pausing now and then to murmur prayers the air seemed to grow lighter with each step he took the oppressive sense of dread slowly lifting replaced by something calmer something almost peaceful

the words were foreign to me but there was power in them i could feel it he moved from room to room marking the walls with symbols pausing now and then to murmur prayers the air seemed to grow lighter with each step he took the oppressive sense of dread slowly lifting replaced by something calmer something almost peaceful

when he finished he turned to us his eyes serious it may return he said but this will help keep it away be careful and do not speak of it again it feeds on fear on curiosity do not give it reason to return his gaze lingered on me for a moment and i nodded swallowing hard i understood now some things were not meant to be questioned not meant to be called upon

when he finished he turned to us his eyes serious it may return he said but this will help keep it away be careful and do not speak of it again it feeds on fear on curiosity do not give it reason to return his gaze lingered on me for a moment and i nodded swallowing hard i understood now some things were not meant to be questioned not meant to be called upon

I had opened a door that should have stayed shut, and now, all I wanted was to close it forever. The rest of the day passed in a blur. Exhaustion hit me like a wave, and I spent most of the afternoon dozing on the couch, the warmth of the sun streaming in through the window. My mother stayed close, her eyes watchful, her hand resting gently on my arm.

I had opened a door that should have stayed shut, and now, all I wanted was to close it forever. The rest of the day passed in a blur. Exhaustion hit me like a wave, and I spent most of the afternoon dozing on the couch, the warmth of the sun streaming in through the window. My mother stayed close, her eyes watchful, her hand resting gently on my arm.

There was still fear, still the knowledge that the creature might return, but there was also hope, hope that we had done enough, that the medicine man's blessings would hold, that we might find peace once more.

There was still fear, still the knowledge that the creature might return, but there was also hope, hope that we had done enough, that the medicine man's blessings would hold, that we might find peace once more.

as the sun set that evening my grandfather lit a fire outside the flames crackling and snapping as they cast flickering light across the yard we gathered around it the warmth of the fire warding off the chill of the desert night my grandmother led us in a prayer her voice strong despite the fear that still lingered And as I looked into the flames, I made a silent promise.

as the sun set that evening my grandfather lit a fire outside the flames crackling and snapping as they cast flickering light across the yard we gathered around it the warmth of the fire warding off the chill of the desert night my grandmother led us in a prayer her voice strong despite the fear that still lingered And as I looked into the flames, I made a silent promise.

I would never again speak of the things that lurked in the shadows, the things that waited for the curious and the careless. I would keep my eyes forward, my heart steady, and I would never forget the lesson I had learned that terrible night. We moved into the house when I was four. It was deep in the rural woods of Pennsylvania, and my parents had fallen in love with it at first sight.

I would never again speak of the things that lurked in the shadows, the things that waited for the curious and the careless. I would keep my eyes forward, my heart steady, and I would never forget the lesson I had learned that terrible night. We moved into the house when I was four. It was deep in the rural woods of Pennsylvania, and my parents had fallen in love with it at first sight.

A sprawling old house surrounded by endless fields and woods, it was like something out of a storybook. I remember being enchanted by it, especially the woods. To a child, those woods seemed magical, a place where anything was possible.

A sprawling old house surrounded by endless fields and woods, it was like something out of a storybook. I remember being enchanted by it, especially the woods. To a child, those woods seemed magical, a place where anything was possible.

but even then there was something else about them something dark just beneath the surface dash our sheep-dog was my best friend and my protector he was always there wagging his tail and bounding beside me his furry coat always brushing against my legs as we ran through the meadows

but even then there was something else about them something dark just beneath the surface dash our sheep-dog was my best friend and my protector he was always there wagging his tail and bounding beside me his furry coat always brushing against my legs as we ran through the meadows

i was never alone with dash around and he seemed to sense the things that i did from the very first day there were moments when the air felt heavier and even at four i knew something was different when the sun set behind the trees a chill would creep in and the whispering would begin The first time I heard it I was sitting on the porch steps.

i was never alone with dash around and he seemed to sense the things that i did from the very first day there were moments when the air felt heavier and even at four i knew something was different when the sun set behind the trees a chill would creep in and the whispering would begin The first time I heard it I was sitting on the porch steps.

It was a soft sound, almost like a breeze rustling through the leaves, but not quite. It was too rhythmic, too deliberate. I looked towards the woods, and Dash, who had been lying beside me, perked up his ears. He heard it too. His hackles rose, and a low growl rumbled in his chest.

It was a soft sound, almost like a breeze rustling through the leaves, but not quite. It was too rhythmic, too deliberate. I looked towards the woods, and Dash, who had been lying beside me, perked up his ears. He heard it too. His hackles rose, and a low growl rumbled in his chest.

i strained my ears trying to catch the words but they were elusive just out of reach as if the woods were talking amongst themselves but didn't want me to understand i told my parents about the whispers that night my mother laughed Said it must be the wind, and my father just smiled and ruffled my hair. It's just your imagination, sweetheart, they said. But I knew it wasn't. Dash knew it too.

i strained my ears trying to catch the words but they were elusive just out of reach as if the woods were talking amongst themselves but didn't want me to understand i told my parents about the whispers that night my mother laughed Said it must be the wind, and my father just smiled and ruffled my hair. It's just your imagination, sweetheart, they said. But I knew it wasn't. Dash knew it too.

I kept having very vivid dreams of myself dying in various ways, each more gruesome than the last. The final nightmare I had that night seemed more like a warning than anything else. There was a figure cloaked in a dark cloud of mist or fog, and they kept pointing to signs hanging on trees with either the word warning or a hazard symbol depicted on them.

I kept having very vivid dreams of myself dying in various ways, each more gruesome than the last. The final nightmare I had that night seemed more like a warning than anything else. There was a figure cloaked in a dark cloud of mist or fog, and they kept pointing to signs hanging on trees with either the word warning or a hazard symbol depicted on them.

He would stare into the dark corners of the house at times, his gaze following something invisible, something that moved in the shadows. I tried to ignore it, but the feeling of being watched never went away. As I got older, I spent more and more time in those woods. They were vast, stretching as far as I could see, a tangle of trees and underbrush that seemed to go on forever.

He would stare into the dark corners of the house at times, his gaze following something invisible, something that moved in the shadows. I tried to ignore it, but the feeling of being watched never went away. As I got older, I spent more and more time in those woods. They were vast, stretching as far as I could see, a tangle of trees and underbrush that seemed to go on forever.

During the day, they were beautiful, sunlight filtering through the leaves, the scent of pine and earth all around me. But there were places that felt wrong, places where the air was cold, even on the warmest days, where the birds didn't sing and the ground seemed to be still. Dash would always growl at those places, his ears flattening, and he would press close to me as if urging me to leave.

During the day, they were beautiful, sunlight filtering through the leaves, the scent of pine and earth all around me. But there were places that felt wrong, places where the air was cold, even on the warmest days, where the birds didn't sing and the ground seemed to be still. Dash would always growl at those places, his ears flattening, and he would press close to me as if urging me to leave.

The whispers grew louder as the years passed. By the time I was eight, I could hear them clearly, especially at night. They would rise and fall like a conversation, voices that seemed almost familiar but were twisted, wrong. I never told my parents again. I knew they wouldn't believe me. Instead, I tried to ignore them. Tried to convince myself it was just the wind, just my imagination.

The whispers grew louder as the years passed. By the time I was eight, I could hear them clearly, especially at night. They would rise and fall like a conversation, voices that seemed almost familiar but were twisted, wrong. I never told my parents again. I knew they wouldn't believe me. Instead, I tried to ignore them. Tried to convince myself it was just the wind, just my imagination.

But deep down I knew better. The woods were alive and something in them was watching me. Dash knew too. He would sit by my bed at night, his eyes fixed on the window, his body tense. Sometimes, I would wake up in the middle of the night and I would see him staring, his eyes following something I couldn't see, something just beyond the glass.

But deep down I knew better. The woods were alive and something in them was watching me. Dash knew too. He would sit by my bed at night, his eyes fixed on the window, his body tense. Sometimes, I would wake up in the middle of the night and I would see him staring, his eyes following something I couldn't see, something just beyond the glass.

And sometimes, just sometimes, I would hear my name whispered from the darkness outside. The air was different that day. It was the kind of day where the woods seemed darker, even with the sun hanging high in the sky. There was something heavy about it, an energy that clung to the air like the humid thickness before a storm.

And sometimes, just sometimes, I would hear my name whispered from the darkness outside. The air was different that day. It was the kind of day where the woods seemed darker, even with the sun hanging high in the sky. There was something heavy about it, an energy that clung to the air like the humid thickness before a storm.

I didn't want to admit it, but I felt it, gnawing at the edges of my mind. And from the way Dash kept pausing, his ears flicking and his nose twitching, I knew he felt it too. Dash and I had ventured deeper into the woods than usual. It had been my idea, something inside me telling me I needed to see more, push farther.

I didn't want to admit it, but I felt it, gnawing at the edges of my mind. And from the way Dash kept pausing, his ears flicking and his nose twitching, I knew he felt it too. Dash and I had ventured deeper into the woods than usual. It had been my idea, something inside me telling me I needed to see more, push farther.

It was as if the woods themselves had called me that day, and curiosity had gotten the better of my sense of caution. Dash ran ahead, his familiar silhouette weaving between the tree trunks. He always checked back, turning every few moments to make sure I was still there, a reassuring presence amid the wild tangle of branches and shadows. But that day, I let my attention wander.

It was as if the woods themselves had called me that day, and curiosity had gotten the better of my sense of caution. Dash ran ahead, his familiar silhouette weaving between the tree trunks. He always checked back, turning every few moments to make sure I was still there, a reassuring presence amid the wild tangle of branches and shadows. But that day, I let my attention wander.

I can't remember exactly what it was. A strange patch of mushrooms, a tree scarred with deep claw marks, that caught my focus, but I lingered for too long.

I can't remember exactly what it was. A strange patch of mushrooms, a tree scarred with deep claw marks, that caught my focus, but I lingered for too long.

suddenly i realized the forest was too quiet no rustle of leaves no distant calls of birds just an unnatural silence that wrapped around me my eyes darted up and dash was nowhere in sight dash i called my voice sounding too loud in the hushed woods

suddenly i realized the forest was too quiet no rustle of leaves no distant calls of birds just an unnatural silence that wrapped around me my eyes darted up and dash was nowhere in sight dash i called my voice sounding too loud in the hushed woods

a second later i heard it-a crashing sound frantic coming from deeper in the forest my heart skipped the kind of skip that feels like it's suspended in mid-air for just a beat too long it was followed by a bark dashes bark high-pitched and alarmed i ran branches clawing at my clothes and face the underbrush grabbing at my feet the sound of something tearing through the woods filled my ears something moving too fast

a second later i heard it-a crashing sound frantic coming from deeper in the forest my heart skipped the kind of skip that feels like it's suspended in mid-air for just a beat too long it was followed by a bark dashes bark high-pitched and alarmed i ran branches clawing at my clothes and face the underbrush grabbing at my feet the sound of something tearing through the woods filled my ears something moving too fast

I wish I had paid attention to the dream, because over the next week, I almost died or got seriously injured four times. When we arrived at the camp, we were assigned preset tents. I found a photo online of the tents, and I'll put that here. Most of the tents had huge spiders on, or in them, and as someone with arachnophobia, it did not help me get great sleep at night.

I wish I had paid attention to the dream, because over the next week, I almost died or got seriously injured four times. When we arrived at the camp, we were assigned preset tents. I found a photo online of the tents, and I'll put that here. Most of the tents had huge spiders on, or in them, and as someone with arachnophobia, it did not help me get great sleep at night.

i called for dash again and then he appeared bursting out of the underbrush covered in thorns his eyes wide with fear he came barreling towards me skidding to a stop his body tense and his teeth bared growling at something behind us i didn't look back i didn't want to see whatever it was

i called for dash again and then he appeared bursting out of the underbrush covered in thorns his eyes wide with fear he came barreling towards me skidding to a stop his body tense and his teeth bared growling at something behind us i didn't look back i didn't want to see whatever it was

my instincts screamed at me to run and i did with dash at my side when we broke through the edge of the woods into our yard i doubled over catching my breath the air felt lighter less oppressive and i almost convinced myself we were safe but then i looked up towards the neighbouring field and saw it-a shadow

my instincts screamed at me to run and i did with dash at my side when we broke through the edge of the woods into our yard i doubled over catching my breath the air felt lighter less oppressive and i almost convinced myself we were safe but then i looked up towards the neighbouring field and saw it-a shadow

standing at the edge of the grassy runway it wasn't human i knew that even from the distance there were no features just darkness a shifting smoke-like shape that seemed to waver at the edges i wanted to believe my eyes were playing tricks on me that it was just the fading light but then it moved It hunched over, slowly raising its head, and I heard my own voice echoing across the field. "'Dash.'

standing at the edge of the grassy runway it wasn't human i knew that even from the distance there were no features just darkness a shifting smoke-like shape that seemed to waver at the edges i wanted to believe my eyes were playing tricks on me that it was just the fading light but then it moved It hunched over, slowly raising its head, and I heard my own voice echoing across the field. "'Dash.'

It sounded exactly like me, perfect, down to the tone and pitch. But there was something wrong, something strained, like it was trying too hard, forcing itself to sound human.' Dash growled, a low rumble that vibrated through his entire body, and I felt him press against my leg, trembling. The figure called again, weaker this time, as if struggling to keep up the charade.

It sounded exactly like me, perfect, down to the tone and pitch. But there was something wrong, something strained, like it was trying too hard, forcing itself to sound human.' Dash growled, a low rumble that vibrated through his entire body, and I felt him press against my leg, trembling. The figure called again, weaker this time, as if struggling to keep up the charade.

Fear twisted my stomach, a cold, primal fear that made my skin crawl. I wanted to scream, to turn and run, but I couldn't move. My feet felt glued to the ground, my mind grasping for an explanation. Someone trying to steal my dog, someone playing a prank. But nothing made sense. I could feel the malevolence in the air, pressing against me like an invisible weight. It wasn't human.

Fear twisted my stomach, a cold, primal fear that made my skin crawl. I wanted to scream, to turn and run, but I couldn't move. My feet felt glued to the ground, my mind grasping for an explanation. Someone trying to steal my dog, someone playing a prank. But nothing made sense. I could feel the malevolence in the air, pressing against me like an invisible weight. It wasn't human.

I knew that deep down. I turned and ran, dash at my heels, my breath coming in short, panicked bursts. When I reached the door, I slammed it shut behind me, the echo reverberating through the house. I told my parents about it that night, but they dismissed it, said it was just my imagination.

I knew that deep down. I turned and ran, dash at my heels, my breath coming in short, panicked bursts. When I reached the door, I slammed it shut behind me, the echo reverberating through the house. I told my parents about it that night, but they dismissed it, said it was just my imagination.

But my mom's eyes lingered on the window for a moment too long, her face pale, her lips pressed into a tight line. That night I dreamed of the figure. It was closer, standing just outside my window, its head tilted, watching me. My name came from its hollow mouth, repeated over and over, each time more distorted, more wrong.

But my mom's eyes lingered on the window for a moment too long, her face pale, her lips pressed into a tight line. That night I dreamed of the figure. It was closer, standing just outside my window, its head tilted, watching me. My name came from its hollow mouth, repeated over and over, each time more distorted, more wrong.

The darkness outside seemed to pulse, creeping closer, until it pressed against the glass, seeping through the cracks. I woke up drenched in sweat, Dash at my side, whining softly, his eyes fixed on the window. The fear stayed with me, gnawing at the edges of my thoughts.

The darkness outside seemed to pulse, creeping closer, until it pressed against the glass, seeping through the cracks. I woke up drenched in sweat, Dash at my side, whining softly, his eyes fixed on the window. The fear stayed with me, gnawing at the edges of my thoughts.

The day after I saw the shadowy figure, I tried to convince myself it was all just a trick of the fading light, my imagination running wild. But even as I repeated that to myself, I knew it wasn't true. The fear clung to me like a second skin, making it impossible to shake the memory.

The day after I saw the shadowy figure, I tried to convince myself it was all just a trick of the fading light, my imagination running wild. But even as I repeated that to myself, I knew it wasn't true. The fear clung to me like a second skin, making it impossible to shake the memory.

dash was restless too he paced near the windows his ears pinned back and he refused to let me out of his sight i decided to visit my cousin's house a couple of miles away just to get away from the heaviness of the woods for a while My uncle, a man who rarely spoke of anything other than work and farming, greeted me with an unusual seriousness.

dash was restless too he paced near the windows his ears pinned back and he refused to let me out of his sight i decided to visit my cousin's house a couple of miles away just to get away from the heaviness of the woods for a while My uncle, a man who rarely spoke of anything other than work and farming, greeted me with an unusual seriousness.

This is a true story that happened to me when I was in middle school. My grandpa was an Eagle Scout when he was a young man, and after his stint with the Army during the Vietnam War, he became a Scoutmaster with Troop 210. He believed in helping young boys become young men and really connect with vintage skills and nature.

This is a true story that happened to me when I was in middle school. My grandpa was an Eagle Scout when he was a young man, and after his stint with the Army during the Vietnam War, he became a Scoutmaster with Troop 210. He believed in helping young boys become young men and really connect with vintage skills and nature.

Luckily, I brought a sort of bug net with me, and I could hang part of it above me, like a veil, while I slept so my face was protected from the spiders, and my sleeping bag protected the rest of me. However, I was still tired from staying awake, just because the thought of spiders being around terrified me. The first event happened pretty early on in the week.

Luckily, I brought a sort of bug net with me, and I could hang part of it above me, like a veil, while I slept so my face was protected from the spiders, and my sleeping bag protected the rest of me. However, I was still tired from staying awake, just because the thought of spiders being around terrified me. The first event happened pretty early on in the week.

He said he'd seen something strange the night before, a creature sprinting across the bridge near the creek. He said it looked like an emaciated cow, gaunt and hollow-eyed, and the description gave me chills. I knew deep down that it was connected to what I had seen. When I returned home, the air around the house felt thicker, heavier, as if the shadows were closing in.

He said he'd seen something strange the night before, a creature sprinting across the bridge near the creek. He said it looked like an emaciated cow, gaunt and hollow-eyed, and the description gave me chills. I knew deep down that it was connected to what I had seen. When I returned home, the air around the house felt thicker, heavier, as if the shadows were closing in.

My parents still didn't seem to notice it, but I did, and so did Dash. He wouldn't leave the yard, barking at the edge of the woods, his eyes fixed on something only he could see. As the sun fell, the unease became almost unbearable.

My parents still didn't seem to notice it, but I did, and so did Dash. He wouldn't leave the yard, barking at the edge of the woods, his eyes fixed on something only he could see. As the sun fell, the unease became almost unbearable.

i could feel the hairs on my arms standing on end the sensation of being watched pressing in on me from all directions that evening i heard it again my own voice calling from the woods it was coming from the edge of the back yard just beyond the tree line "'Dash! Come here, Dash!' The voice was cracked and strained, like it was trying too hard, and my stomach twisted into knots.

i could feel the hairs on my arms standing on end the sensation of being watched pressing in on me from all directions that evening i heard it again my own voice calling from the woods it was coming from the edge of the back yard just beyond the tree line "'Dash! Come here, Dash!' The voice was cracked and strained, like it was trying too hard, and my stomach twisted into knots.

Dash stood beside me, his entire body rigid, every hair on his back standing on end. His teeth were bared, a low growl rumbling in his throat as he stared into the darkening woods. The voice called again, more desperate this time, and I felt my blood run cold." I backed away, my heart pounding, and Dash stayed in front of me, his growl growing louder.

Dash stood beside me, his entire body rigid, every hair on his back standing on end. His teeth were bared, a low growl rumbling in his throat as he stared into the darkening woods. The voice called again, more desperate this time, and I felt my blood run cold." I backed away, my heart pounding, and Dash stayed in front of me, his growl growing louder.

My parents finally noticed my distress, their faces drawn with concern. My father grabbed his shotgun and stayed up that night, sitting by the window, watching the tree line. He didn't see anything, but I knew it was still out there, lurking just beyond the edge of the light, waiting for me. That night, sleep was impossible.

My parents finally noticed my distress, their faces drawn with concern. My father grabbed his shotgun and stayed up that night, sitting by the window, watching the tree line. He didn't see anything, but I knew it was still out there, lurking just beyond the edge of the light, waiting for me. That night, sleep was impossible.

Every time I closed my eyes, I saw the shadowy figure, standing closer and closer, its head tilted as if listening, watching. The darkness outside the windows seemed to pulse, and I could hear my name being whispered from the shadows.

Every time I closed my eyes, I saw the shadowy figure, standing closer and closer, its head tilted as if listening, watching. The darkness outside the windows seemed to pulse, and I could hear my name being whispered from the shadows.

it was a hollow twisted version of my own voice repeating my name over and over again each time more distorted dash stayed by my side whining softly his eyes locked on the window as if he could see something i couldn't the next morning i found the first carcass a goat ripped apart and left in the field near the creek the bones were arranged in strange deliberate patterns and the smell of decay hung heavy in the air refusing to dissipate

it was a hollow twisted version of my own voice repeating my name over and over again each time more distorted dash stayed by my side whining softly his eyes locked on the window as if he could see something i couldn't the next morning i found the first carcass a goat ripped apart and left in the field near the creek the bones were arranged in strange deliberate patterns and the smell of decay hung heavy in the air refusing to dissipate

my parents tried to explain it away a wild animal they said but i knew better the whispers in the woods were louder now more insistent and i could feel the darkness creeping closer pressing in on me from all sides i tried to avoid the woods after that but it didn't matter Whatever it was, it wasn't bound by the trees.

my parents tried to explain it away a wild animal they said but i knew better the whispers in the woods were louder now more insistent and i could feel the darkness creeping closer pressing in on me from all sides i tried to avoid the woods after that but it didn't matter Whatever it was, it wasn't bound by the trees.

It was in the air, in the shadows, in the silence that fell over the house as soon as the sun went down. It was watching, waiting, and I could feel it, a constant presence gnawing at the edges of my mind. Even now, years later, the memory of that shadowy figure and the voice that called my name in the dark still haunts me.

It was in the air, in the shadows, in the silence that fell over the house as soon as the sun went down. It was watching, waiting, and I could feel it, a constant presence gnawing at the edges of my mind. Even now, years later, the memory of that shadowy figure and the voice that called my name in the dark still haunts me.

i can't shake the feeling that it's still out there somewhere waiting for me to let my guard down and sometimes late at night i swear i can hear it my own voice calling from the darkness sounding through the trees The camp felt different that night. It was as if the woods themselves were pressing in closer, the shadows thicker, the silence heavier.

i can't shake the feeling that it's still out there somewhere waiting for me to let my guard down and sometimes late at night i swear i can hear it my own voice calling from the darkness sounding through the trees The camp felt different that night. It was as if the woods themselves were pressing in closer, the shadows thicker, the silence heavier.

The day after we arrived at the scout camp, it had been raining heavily that night, and the ground was soaked. But we went on a morning hike nonetheless. As we were walking on a trail near the top of a hill, the Georgian clay dirt gave way beneath my foot closest to the edge, and I slipped.

The day after we arrived at the scout camp, it had been raining heavily that night, and the ground was soaked. But we went on a morning hike nonetheless. As we were walking on a trail near the top of a hill, the Georgian clay dirt gave way beneath my foot closest to the edge, and I slipped.

I had grown up coming here, year after year, finding solace in the isolation of the main wilderness. but as i sat in the warm glow of the television with the rest of my family fast asleep a strange unease settled into my bones a noise came from the kitchen just a faint sound a subtle creak but it was enough to set me on edge

I had grown up coming here, year after year, finding solace in the isolation of the main wilderness. but as i sat in the warm glow of the television with the rest of my family fast asleep a strange unease settled into my bones a noise came from the kitchen just a faint sound a subtle creak but it was enough to set me on edge

I told myself it was just the house settling, maybe the wind playing tricks on me, but I couldn't shake the sense that something was... not right. The dogs stirred, and I figured they needed to go out. My brother's two pit bulls, Brutus and Max, were restless, and Alfie, my little black dog, looked up at me expectantly. With a sigh, I pushed myself up, grabbing the leashes and heading to the door.

I told myself it was just the house settling, maybe the wind playing tricks on me, but I couldn't shake the sense that something was... not right. The dogs stirred, and I figured they needed to go out. My brother's two pit bulls, Brutus and Max, were restless, and Alfie, my little black dog, looked up at me expectantly. With a sigh, I pushed myself up, grabbing the leashes and heading to the door.

the porch light flickered as i turned it on casting a weak yellow glow that barely made a dent in the darkness beyond the yard the main woods at night were a black void swallowing everything in their depths i tried to ignore the uneasy feeling that seemed to follow me as i stepped outside the cold night air prickling my skin.

the porch light flickered as i turned it on casting a weak yellow glow that barely made a dent in the darkness beyond the yard the main woods at night were a black void swallowing everything in their depths i tried to ignore the uneasy feeling that seemed to follow me as i stepped outside the cold night air prickling my skin.

The pit bulls pulled eagerly at their leashes, sniffing the ground, while Alfie stayed close to my feet. I tried to focus on them, to let their presence calm me. They were big, strong dogs, and nothing in these woods could hurt us with them here. But as I watched them wander, I couldn't shake the feeling that we were being watched in return.

The pit bulls pulled eagerly at their leashes, sniffing the ground, while Alfie stayed close to my feet. I tried to focus on them, to let their presence calm me. They were big, strong dogs, and nothing in these woods could hurt us with them here. But as I watched them wander, I couldn't shake the feeling that we were being watched in return.

the silence was too complete the kind that makes your ears ring even the usual rustle of the wind through the leaves seemed to have stilled then i saw it a bird perched on the fence post at the edge of the yard its eyes glinted in the dim light unblinking watching me For a moment I was transfixed, unable to look away from those glowing eyes.

the silence was too complete the kind that makes your ears ring even the usual rustle of the wind through the leaves seemed to have stilled then i saw it a bird perched on the fence post at the edge of the yard its eyes glinted in the dim light unblinking watching me For a moment I was transfixed, unable to look away from those glowing eyes.

And just as suddenly as it appeared, it was gone, wings flapping silently as it disappeared into the night. I shivered, turning my attention back to the dogs, and my heart skipped a beat. Brutus and Max were standing still, their bodies tense, ears perked, their eyes locked on something deep in the woods. I followed their gaze, squinting into the darkness, but saw nothing.

And just as suddenly as it appeared, it was gone, wings flapping silently as it disappeared into the night. I shivered, turning my attention back to the dogs, and my heart skipped a beat. Brutus and Max were standing still, their bodies tense, ears perked, their eyes locked on something deep in the woods. I followed their gaze, squinting into the darkness, but saw nothing.

A cold wave of fear washed over me as I realized that Alfie was no longer by my side. Panic flared in my chest, and I called out her name, my voice sounding too loud in the stillness. For a moment, there was nothing, just the pit bulls, standing guard, their growls low and threatening. Then, I heard it. A soft whimper, coming from the darkness.

A cold wave of fear washed over me as I realized that Alfie was no longer by my side. Panic flared in my chest, and I called out her name, my voice sounding too loud in the stillness. For a moment, there was nothing, just the pit bulls, standing guard, their growls low and threatening. Then, I heard it. A soft whimper, coming from the darkness.

i took a step forward my heart pounding in my ears alfie i called again my voice trembling the whimper came again closer this time and i took another step the pit bulls growled louder but they didn't move their eyes still fixed on whatever was out there

i took a step forward my heart pounding in my ears alfie i called again my voice trembling the whimper came again closer this time and i took another step the pit bulls growled louder but they didn't move their eyes still fixed on whatever was out there

I rolled a good twenty feet, sliding on the wet, orangish-brown clay until I managed to grab onto the base of a thin tree. It took a good few minutes for me to catch my breath while lying there, hanging onto this tree, and another few minutes for me to slowly make my way back to the path.

I rolled a good twenty feet, sliding on the wet, orangish-brown clay until I managed to grab onto the base of a thin tree. It took a good few minutes for me to catch my breath while lying there, hanging onto this tree, and another few minutes for me to slowly make my way back to the path.

my hands shook as i fumbled with the leash my eyes darting from the darkness to the dogs and back again suddenly i felt something brush against my leg i jumped a scream catching in my throat and looked down alfie she was there shivering her eyes wide with fear relief flooded through me but it was short-lived "'If Alfie was here, then what was making that noise in the woods?'

my hands shook as i fumbled with the leash my eyes darting from the darkness to the dogs and back again suddenly i felt something brush against my leg i jumped a scream catching in my throat and looked down alfie she was there shivering her eyes wide with fear relief flooded through me but it was short-lived "'If Alfie was here, then what was making that noise in the woods?'

A chill ran down my back as the realization sunk in. I looked back towards the woods, my eyes straining to see what the pit bulls were staring at. The growls coming from Brutus and Max were low and guttural, the kind of growl that made the hair on the back of my neck stand on end. They were warning me, warning me that something was out there, something I couldn't see.'

A chill ran down my back as the realization sunk in. I looked back towards the woods, my eyes straining to see what the pit bulls were staring at. The growls coming from Brutus and Max were low and guttural, the kind of growl that made the hair on the back of my neck stand on end. They were warning me, warning me that something was out there, something I couldn't see.'

I held Alfie close, backing up slowly, my eyes never leaving the tree line. The darkness seemed to move, to shift, as if something was out there, just beyond the reach of the light, watching us. The pit bulls took a step forward, their growls growing louder, and I knew I couldn't stay out here any longer. Whatever was out there, it wasn't something I wanted to face.

I held Alfie close, backing up slowly, my eyes never leaving the tree line. The darkness seemed to move, to shift, as if something was out there, just beyond the reach of the light, watching us. The pit bulls took a step forward, their growls growing louder, and I knew I couldn't stay out here any longer. Whatever was out there, it wasn't something I wanted to face.

I turned, pulling the dogs with me, and hurried back towards the porch. My heart was pounding, my breath coming in short, panicked gasps. I could feel the darkness at my back, pressing in, as if it was trying to pull me back. I stumbled up the steps, nearly dropping Alfie in my rush to get inside. I flung the door open, the pitbulls rushing in ahead of me, and slammed it shut behind us.

I turned, pulling the dogs with me, and hurried back towards the porch. My heart was pounding, my breath coming in short, panicked gasps. I could feel the darkness at my back, pressing in, as if it was trying to pull me back. I stumbled up the steps, nearly dropping Alfie in my rush to get inside. I flung the door open, the pitbulls rushing in ahead of me, and slammed it shut behind us.

I stood there, my back against the door, my hands shaking, my breath coming in ragged gasps. The pitbulls were still growling, their eyes fixed on the door, their bodies tense. I listened, straining to hear anything beyond the pounding of my heart. The silence outside was deafening, the kind of silence that seemed to swallow everything, even sound.

I stood there, my back against the door, my hands shaking, my breath coming in ragged gasps. The pitbulls were still growling, their eyes fixed on the door, their bodies tense. I listened, straining to hear anything beyond the pounding of my heart. The silence outside was deafening, the kind of silence that seemed to swallow everything, even sound.

And then, just as I started to relax, I heard it, a voice, drifting through the darkness. Alfie. It was my voice, but wrong, distorted, twisted, as if something was trying to mimic me but couldn't quite get it right. The sound sent a chill down my neck, my blood running cold. I clutched Alfie closer, my eyes wide with fear.

And then, just as I started to relax, I heard it, a voice, drifting through the darkness. Alfie. It was my voice, but wrong, distorted, twisted, as if something was trying to mimic me but couldn't quite get it right. The sound sent a chill down my neck, my blood running cold. I clutched Alfie closer, my eyes wide with fear.

Something was out there, something that knew my name, that wanted me to come back outside, and I knew deep down that if I did, I might not come back.

Something was out there, something that knew my name, that wanted me to come back outside, and I knew deep down that if I did, I might not come back.

the pitbulls were still growling their deep guttural warnings echoing through the room i backed away from the door my heart pounding every instinct screaming at me to get as far away from that voice as possible my hands were trembling as i held alfie close her tiny body shivering against mine the cabin which had always felt like a safe haven suddenly seemed too small, too fragile.

the pitbulls were still growling their deep guttural warnings echoing through the room i backed away from the door my heart pounding every instinct screaming at me to get as far away from that voice as possible my hands were trembling as i held alfie close her tiny body shivering against mine the cabin which had always felt like a safe haven suddenly seemed too small, too fragile.

I'll assume that you don't know much about that clay, but once it's wet, it sticks to your skin, your clothes, your shoes, and once it hardens, it takes a lot to get it off.

I'll assume that you don't know much about that clay, but once it's wet, it sticks to your skin, your clothes, your shoes, and once it hardens, it takes a lot to get it off.

The walls, once comforting, now felt paper thin, as if they could barely keep out whatever was out there. Brutus, Max, I whispered, my voice barely audible over their growls. They didn't turn, their eyes still fixed on the door, their bodies tense. I took another step back, my legs feeling like they might give out at any moment.

The walls, once comforting, now felt paper thin, as if they could barely keep out whatever was out there. Brutus, Max, I whispered, my voice barely audible over their growls. They didn't turn, their eyes still fixed on the door, their bodies tense. I took another step back, my legs feeling like they might give out at any moment.

I needed to move, to get to a place where I felt safer, but my feet felt rooted to the spot, fear holding me in place. The voice came again, this time louder, more insistent.

I needed to move, to get to a place where I felt safer, but my feet felt rooted to the spot, fear holding me in place. The voice came again, this time louder, more insistent.

alfie the sound was wrong twisted in a way that made my skin crawl it was my voice but not it was as if something was trying to mimic me but couldn't quite understand how to sound human the distortion the strange echo made it all the more terrifying It wasn't just calling for Alfie, it was beckoning, trying to lure us out. My breath hitched, and I felt my eyes sting with tears.

alfie the sound was wrong twisted in a way that made my skin crawl it was my voice but not it was as if something was trying to mimic me but couldn't quite understand how to sound human the distortion the strange echo made it all the more terrifying It wasn't just calling for Alfie, it was beckoning, trying to lure us out. My breath hitched, and I felt my eyes sting with tears.

Whatever was out there knew my name. It knew Alfie's name, and it wanted us. The pit bulls barked suddenly, loud and fierce, their barks reverberating through the cabin. I jumped, my pulse racing, and I took a shaky breath. I needed to stay calm, needed to think. I couldn't let fear take over, not now.

Whatever was out there knew my name. It knew Alfie's name, and it wanted us. The pit bulls barked suddenly, loud and fierce, their barks reverberating through the cabin. I jumped, my pulse racing, and I took a shaky breath. I needed to stay calm, needed to think. I couldn't let fear take over, not now.

I turned, moving towards the back of the cabin, away from the door, my steps slow and deliberate. I needed to put distance between us and whatever was outside. I made my way to my room, pushing the door open with my shoulder. It felt safer here, away from the front door, away from the darkness that seemed to press in from all sides.

I turned, moving towards the back of the cabin, away from the door, my steps slow and deliberate. I needed to put distance between us and whatever was outside. I made my way to my room, pushing the door open with my shoulder. It felt safer here, away from the front door, away from the darkness that seemed to press in from all sides.

i walked away from that hike with a few cuts and bruises mostly on my legs but i still walked away alive the second event happened the next morning i woke up with a cold all that tumbling in wet dirt and not drying off quickly enough is what i reckon caused it

i walked away from that hike with a few cuts and bruises mostly on my legs but i still walked away alive the second event happened the next morning i woke up with a cold all that tumbling in wet dirt and not drying off quickly enough is what i reckon caused it

i set alfie down on the bed her eyes wide and fearful as she looked up at me brutus and max followed their growls never ceasing their eyes darting between me and the door i closed the door behind us my hands shaking as i turned the lock it wasn't much but it made me feel a little better the voice came again muffled now by the walls of the cabin but still clear enough to give me chills

i set alfie down on the bed her eyes wide and fearful as she looked up at me brutus and max followed their growls never ceasing their eyes darting between me and the door i closed the door behind us my hands shaking as i turned the lock it wasn't much but it made me feel a little better the voice came again muffled now by the walls of the cabin but still clear enough to give me chills

Alfie, come. I swallowed hard, my mouth dry, and I backed up until I was sitting on the bed, Alfie crawling into my lap. I could feel her trembling, her small body pressed against me. I wrapped my arms around her, trying to steady my own breathing, trying to calm the frantic beating of my heart.

Alfie, come. I swallowed hard, my mouth dry, and I backed up until I was sitting on the bed, Alfie crawling into my lap. I could feel her trembling, her small body pressed against me. I wrapped my arms around her, trying to steady my own breathing, trying to calm the frantic beating of my heart.

Brutus and Max stood by the door, their bodies rigid, their growls a constant rumble in the background. I didn't know what to do. I didn't know what was out there or why it was calling my name. All I knew was that I couldn't go out there, not now, not ever. The fear was suffocating, pressing in from all sides, and I felt tears slip down my cheeks as I held Alfie close.

Brutus and Max stood by the door, their bodies rigid, their growls a constant rumble in the background. I didn't know what to do. I didn't know what was out there or why it was calling my name. All I knew was that I couldn't go out there, not now, not ever. The fear was suffocating, pressing in from all sides, and I felt tears slip down my cheeks as I held Alfie close.

i just had to make it until morning morning would come and whatever was out there would be gone it had to be the hours passed slowly each minute feeling like an eternity the voice kept calling each time more insistent more desperate as if it knew i was resisting and it was growing impatient

i just had to make it until morning morning would come and whatever was out there would be gone it had to be the hours passed slowly each minute feeling like an eternity the voice kept calling each time more insistent more desperate as if it knew i was resisting and it was growing impatient

I pressed my hands over Alfie's ears, trying to block out the sound, trying to keep her from hearing the thing that was calling her name. The pitbulls never wavered, their growls never ceasing, their eyes never leaving the door. And then, finally, the first light of dawn began to filter through the curtains. The voice faded, replaced by the normal sounds of the forest waking up.

I pressed my hands over Alfie's ears, trying to block out the sound, trying to keep her from hearing the thing that was calling her name. The pitbulls never wavered, their growls never ceasing, their eyes never leaving the door. And then, finally, the first light of dawn began to filter through the curtains. The voice faded, replaced by the normal sounds of the forest waking up.

The pit bulls relaxed, their growls subsiding into soft whimpers, and I let out a shaky breath, my body sagging with relief. We had made it. Whatever it was, it was gone. But the fear didn't leave me. It lingered, a cold, heavy weight in my chest. I knew, deep down, that this wasn't over. The woods weren't safe, not anymore. Something was out there, Something that knew my name, that wanted me.

The pit bulls relaxed, their growls subsiding into soft whimpers, and I let out a shaky breath, my body sagging with relief. We had made it. Whatever it was, it was gone. But the fear didn't leave me. It lingered, a cold, heavy weight in my chest. I knew, deep down, that this wasn't over. The woods weren't safe, not anymore. Something was out there, Something that knew my name, that wanted me.

And it wasn't going to stop. The morning light filtered in through the curtains, weak, but enough to remind me that we had survived the night. I sat up slowly, my muscles aching from the tension, the exhaustion heavy in my bones. Alfie was still in my lap, curled up tightly, her eyes half closed. Brutus and Max had finally stopped growling.

And it wasn't going to stop. The morning light filtered in through the curtains, weak, but enough to remind me that we had survived the night. I sat up slowly, my muscles aching from the tension, the exhaustion heavy in my bones. Alfie was still in my lap, curled up tightly, her eyes half closed. Brutus and Max had finally stopped growling.

i was stuck in my tent all day drinking disgusting tea a scoutmaster brought me and screaming whenever a spider shuffled into the tent and up onto my sleeping bag i stayed awake for the next hour making sure it didn't happen again before i passed out and let exhaustion take me into my dreams

i was stuck in my tent all day drinking disgusting tea a scoutmaster brought me and screaming whenever a spider shuffled into the tent and up onto my sleeping bag i stayed awake for the next hour making sure it didn't happen again before i passed out and let exhaustion take me into my dreams

Though they remained close to the door, their ears perked and alerted. I took a deep breath, the cold air filling my lungs. The sunlight brought a sense of relief, but it was a fragile one. I knew the danger wasn't over. The memory of that voice, calling my name in the dark, haunted me. Whatever it was, it knew me. It knew Alfie. And it wasn't going to stop.

Though they remained close to the door, their ears perked and alerted. I took a deep breath, the cold air filling my lungs. The sunlight brought a sense of relief, but it was a fragile one. I knew the danger wasn't over. The memory of that voice, calling my name in the dark, haunted me. Whatever it was, it knew me. It knew Alfie. And it wasn't going to stop.

i needed to see the woods in the daylight to convince myself that whatever was out there had truly gone slowly i stood placing alfie gently on the bed she whimpered softly her eyes following me as i moved towards the window I pulled the curtain aside, my eyes scanning the tree line. The woods looked so different in the morning, calm, quiet, as if nothing had happened. But I knew better.

i needed to see the woods in the daylight to convince myself that whatever was out there had truly gone slowly i stood placing alfie gently on the bed she whimpered softly her eyes following me as i moved towards the window I pulled the curtain aside, my eyes scanning the tree line. The woods looked so different in the morning, calm, quiet, as if nothing had happened. But I knew better.

I could still feel it, a sense of unease lingering in the air, like the woods were hiding something just out of sight. The pit bulls had followed me, their eyes fixed on the window as well. They could sense it too. I swallowed hard, trying to push down the fear that threatened to rise again. Come on, guys, I whispered, my voice hoarse from the night before.

I could still feel it, a sense of unease lingering in the air, like the woods were hiding something just out of sight. The pit bulls had followed me, their eyes fixed on the window as well. They could sense it too. I swallowed hard, trying to push down the fear that threatened to rise again. Come on, guys, I whispered, my voice hoarse from the night before.

I needed to get out of the cabin, to breathe, to feel the sun on my skin. I opened the door slowly, the pit bulls rushing out ahead of me, their noses to the ground, sniffing for any sign of what had been there. Alfie stayed close to my feet, her small body pressed against my leg as we stepped out onto the porch. The morning air was crisp, the sky a pale blue, but the woods felt different.

I needed to get out of the cabin, to breathe, to feel the sun on my skin. I opened the door slowly, the pit bulls rushing out ahead of me, their noses to the ground, sniffing for any sign of what had been there. Alfie stayed close to my feet, her small body pressed against my leg as we stepped out onto the porch. The morning air was crisp, the sky a pale blue, but the woods felt different.

There was no birdsong, no rustle of small animals in the underbrush. The forest was silent, waiting. I took a deep breath, trying to steady myself. I needed to be strong, for Alfie, for the dogs. We had made it through the night, and I wasn't going to let fear take that away from us. I walked slowly to the edge of the yard, the pit bulls flanking me on either side.

There was no birdsong, no rustle of small animals in the underbrush. The forest was silent, waiting. I took a deep breath, trying to steady myself. I needed to be strong, for Alfie, for the dogs. We had made it through the night, and I wasn't going to let fear take that away from us. I walked slowly to the edge of the yard, the pit bulls flanking me on either side.

The tree line loomed ahead, the shadows still deep beneath the canopy of trees. I stopped, staring into the darkness, my heart pounding. Whatever had been there was gone. It had to be. But as I stood there, I couldn't shake the feeling that something was still watching, still waiting. A rustle came from the woods, and I tensed, my breath catching in my throat.

The tree line loomed ahead, the shadows still deep beneath the canopy of trees. I stopped, staring into the darkness, my heart pounding. Whatever had been there was gone. It had to be. But as I stood there, I couldn't shake the feeling that something was still watching, still waiting. A rustle came from the woods, and I tensed, my breath catching in my throat.

The pit bulls growled softly, their eyes locked on the source of the sound. For a moment, everything was still, the world holding its breath. And then, a deer stepped out from the shadows, its eyes wide and startled. I let out a shaky breath, relief flooding through me. It was just an animal, just a deer.

The pit bulls growled softly, their eyes locked on the source of the sound. For a moment, everything was still, the world holding its breath. And then, a deer stepped out from the shadows, its eyes wide and startled. I let out a shaky breath, relief flooding through me. It was just an animal, just a deer.

But even as I watched it disappear into the woods, I couldn't shake the feeling that we weren't alone. The fear lingered, a heavy weight in my chest, and I knew that whatever had called my name in the darkness was still out there, somewhere. I turned back to the cabin, the pit bulls following close behind, Alfie at my heels. We had survived the night, but I knew this wasn't over.

But even as I watched it disappear into the woods, I couldn't shake the feeling that we weren't alone. The fear lingered, a heavy weight in my chest, and I knew that whatever had called my name in the darkness was still out there, somewhere. I turned back to the cabin, the pit bulls following close behind, Alfie at my heels. We had survived the night, but I knew this wasn't over.

the dreams i had that day were of something in the woods watching us campers as we did our activities it leered at us as we learned to make knots on ropes spied on us as we shot rifles at the shooting range and observed me as i lay in my tent

the dreams i had that day were of something in the woods watching us campers as we did our activities it leered at us as we learned to make knots on ropes spied on us as we shot rifles at the shooting range and observed me as i lay in my tent

The woods weren't safe, not anymore. And as I closed the door behind us, locking it tight, I couldn't help but wonder if they ever had been. Stay safe out there. You never know what you may encounter in the woods.

The woods weren't safe, not anymore. And as I closed the door behind us, locking it tight, I couldn't help but wonder if they ever had been. Stay safe out there. You never know what you may encounter in the woods.

i woke up in a sweat when my tent buddy got back from the day's events and was sent to fetch me for dinner in the main lodge i couldn't stomach the dinner they had that night which i believe was some type of sloppy joe but one of the cooks took pity on me and brought me a single serving of frosted flakes cereal and a carton of milk that night when i got up to use the restroom i felt like something was watching me as i walked to the bathroom station

i woke up in a sweat when my tent buddy got back from the day's events and was sent to fetch me for dinner in the main lodge i couldn't stomach the dinner they had that night which i believe was some type of sloppy joe but one of the cooks took pity on me and brought me a single serving of frosted flakes cereal and a carton of milk that night when i got up to use the restroom i felt like something was watching me as i walked to the bathroom station

While I was there doing my business, I swear I heard someone whispering to me. I stayed there for what felt like an hour, but was probably only a few minutes in reality. I only left when another camper entered the bathroom and I felt it was safe enough for me to leave. The third event was on day four.

While I was there doing my business, I swear I heard someone whispering to me. I stayed there for what felt like an hour, but was probably only a few minutes in reality. I only left when another camper entered the bathroom and I felt it was safe enough for me to leave. The third event was on day four.

On this day, it was our troop's turn to go to a nearby horse ranch, where we would pick a horse and go on a guided tour of a trail through the woods. I enjoyed getting to brush and feed the horse, but what happened on the trail has left me afraid of horses. The trail was about an hour-long loop through the woods, leading back to the ranch at the end.

On this day, it was our troop's turn to go to a nearby horse ranch, where we would pick a horse and go on a guided tour of a trail through the woods. I enjoyed getting to brush and feed the horse, but what happened on the trail has left me afraid of horses. The trail was about an hour-long loop through the woods, leading back to the ranch at the end.

We went in a single file line, and there was a horse rancher leading the front, and one leading the rear to make sure no one caused trouble, and that the horses stayed in line. For the most part, it was peaceful and relaxing. It was a bit hot, but there was a nice breeze keeping me cool, if not just a bit sweaty.

We went in a single file line, and there was a horse rancher leading the front, and one leading the rear to make sure no one caused trouble, and that the horses stayed in line. For the most part, it was peaceful and relaxing. It was a bit hot, but there was a nice breeze keeping me cool, if not just a bit sweaty.

At one point on the trail, we stopped to cross a stream, but not before our horses had a chance to stop and drink some water. Once we got to the stream, my horse started getting a little antsy. I should have known better and tightened my grip on the reins, but when a snake passed in front of us in the water, it was too late. My horse bucked and I fell off.

At one point on the trail, we stopped to cross a stream, but not before our horses had a chance to stop and drink some water. Once we got to the stream, my horse started getting a little antsy. I should have known better and tightened my grip on the reins, but when a snake passed in front of us in the water, it was too late. My horse bucked and I fell off.

Rope tying, camping, hiking, respecting nature, and most importantly, giving back to the community were the teachings he tried to instill in everyone under his tutelage. When my grandmother died suddenly, it hit my grandpa really hard. He didn't push his kids away, but my dad, my aunt, and my uncle were all very concerned for him.

Rope tying, camping, hiking, respecting nature, and most importantly, giving back to the community were the teachings he tried to instill in everyone under his tutelage. When my grandmother died suddenly, it hit my grandpa really hard. He didn't push his kids away, but my dad, my aunt, and my uncle were all very concerned for him.

The horse behind me got scared from that and bucked a bit as well. almost bringing his front hooves right down on me. I was lucky enough to roll to the side, right into a thorn bush. The rancher came up, calmed the horses down, and picked me up out of the thorn bush. I saw the red trickling down my arms, and dripping off my cheek.

The horse behind me got scared from that and bucked a bit as well. almost bringing his front hooves right down on me. I was lucky enough to roll to the side, right into a thorn bush. The rancher came up, calmed the horses down, and picked me up out of the thorn bush. I saw the red trickling down my arms, and dripping off my cheek.

I had been cut up pretty badly, but I'd rather have taken those cuts than died by horse trampling. It hurt so much after my adrenaline wore off, and I had the gauze taped on tightly. Thankfully, I slept pretty soundly that night. The fourth event, and quite possibly the scariest thing I had ever experienced, was the day I almost drowned in the lake.

I had been cut up pretty badly, but I'd rather have taken those cuts than died by horse trampling. It hurt so much after my adrenaline wore off, and I had the gauze taped on tightly. Thankfully, I slept pretty soundly that night. The fourth event, and quite possibly the scariest thing I had ever experienced, was the day I almost drowned in the lake.

During our second-to-last day at Camp Woodruff, I decided to spend my free time at the lake with some friends from my troop. But something felt different that day, almost as if I had to be at the lake. It felt like something was calling me to swim. I felt compelled to do so, and I didn't understand why at the time.

During our second-to-last day at Camp Woodruff, I decided to spend my free time at the lake with some friends from my troop. But something felt different that day, almost as if I had to be at the lake. It felt like something was calling me to swim. I felt compelled to do so, and I didn't understand why at the time.

After starting to swim for a few minutes, I heard my friend tell me he dared me to try and touch the bottom of the lake. I didn't know any better, and I didn't realize how deep lakes actually were. I took a deep breath and started to swim down. After seven seconds, I didn't feel the bottom, and I knew I had to swim back up. I felt disoriented for a second, unsure if I was swimming up or sideways.

After starting to swim for a few minutes, I heard my friend tell me he dared me to try and touch the bottom of the lake. I didn't know any better, and I didn't realize how deep lakes actually were. I took a deep breath and started to swim down. After seven seconds, I didn't feel the bottom, and I knew I had to swim back up. I felt disoriented for a second, unsure if I was swimming up or sideways.

But it was too late now. I just had to go for it. I felt that I had finally reached the surface, and my lungs were burning for a breath of fresh air. But as I went to take a breath, The only thing that filled my mouth and partially my throat was the disgusting taste of lake water. I thought to myself, this is it. My life literally flashed before my eyes.

But it was too late now. I just had to go for it. I felt that I had finally reached the surface, and my lungs were burning for a breath of fresh air. But as I went to take a breath, The only thing that filled my mouth and partially my throat was the disgusting taste of lake water. I thought to myself, this is it. My life literally flashed before my eyes.

As I thrashed and kicked, trying desperately to reach the surface, a miracle happened. My hand breached the water's surface, and a lifeguard on the floating platform in the lake grabbed my hand and pulled me out of the water. I coughed up the little water I swallowed and lay on that platform gasping for air for a good long while. He asked me if I was okay and what had happened.

As I thrashed and kicked, trying desperately to reach the surface, a miracle happened. My hand breached the water's surface, and a lifeguard on the floating platform in the lake grabbed my hand and pulled me out of the water. I coughed up the little water I swallowed and lay on that platform gasping for air for a good long while. He asked me if I was okay and what had happened.

I began to say my friend had dared me to swim to the bottom of the lake when my friend, whose voice I heard, said, I never dared you to do that. I've been on this platform the whole time talking with Garrett. At that moment, I knew everything had come full circle to this moment.

I began to say my friend had dared me to swim to the bottom of the lake when my friend, whose voice I heard, said, I never dared you to do that. I've been on this platform the whole time talking with Garrett. At that moment, I knew everything had come full circle to this moment.

The fall, the cold and nightmares, the whispering late at night from the woods, the snake coming down the river at just the right time, and now hearing voices after feeling pulled to the lake. I knew something was in these woods, and it wanted me dead. I stayed away from the water after that, and I made sure I was always with an adult or older scout.

The fall, the cold and nightmares, the whispering late at night from the woods, the snake coming down the river at just the right time, and now hearing voices after feeling pulled to the lake. I knew something was in these woods, and it wanted me dead. I stayed away from the water after that, and I made sure I was always with an adult or older scout.

On the seventh day, when we loaded our things onto our bus, I had never felt so relieved to be going home. After all that had happened to me, my mind might have been playing tricks on me, but while we were driving, I could swear I had seen that same mist-cloaked figure watching our bus drive away and back onto the highway, staring at me as if disappointed, angry, or hateful.

On the seventh day, when we loaded our things onto our bus, I had never felt so relieved to be going home. After all that had happened to me, my mind might have been playing tricks on me, but while we were driving, I could swear I had seen that same mist-cloaked figure watching our bus drive away and back onto the highway, staring at me as if disappointed, angry, or hateful.

This is when my dad and stepmom convinced me to join the scouts again to spend time with him and keep an eye on how he was doing. I had participated in Cub Scouts before, and it wasn't something I enjoyed. When I quit, I had no intention of going back, but how could I argue with this? I loved my grandpa more than I hated Scouts.

This is when my dad and stepmom convinced me to join the scouts again to spend time with him and keep an eye on how he was doing. I had participated in Cub Scouts before, and it wasn't something I enjoyed. When I quit, I had no intention of going back, but how could I argue with this? I loved my grandpa more than I hated Scouts.

i looked straight ahead and didn't look back out the window until i had woken up and we were in atlanta passing through you may not believe my story but i don't need you to camp woodruff is a real place and you can easily find it online and see pictures if you want to look it up

i looked straight ahead and didn't look back out the window until i had woken up and we were in atlanta passing through you may not believe my story but i don't need you to camp woodruff is a real place and you can easily find it online and see pictures if you want to look it up

I'm sharing this story now because, as an adult, I still refuse to go into the woods, and I just want to warn you that there are malevolent things that happen in the trees, far from the view of cameras. So if you do decide to go camping, just be safe and watch your back.

I'm sharing this story now because, as an adult, I still refuse to go into the woods, and I just want to warn you that there are malevolent things that happen in the trees, far from the view of cameras. So if you do decide to go camping, just be safe and watch your back.

The excitement of returning to Shiprock filled me as the car crested the last hill, revealing the familiar landscape that had always been a part of my childhood memories. The desert stretched endlessly, bathed in the deep golden light of the setting sun, and there, nestled against the dusty horizon, lay my grandparents' house.

The excitement of returning to Shiprock filled me as the car crested the last hill, revealing the familiar landscape that had always been a part of my childhood memories. The desert stretched endlessly, bathed in the deep golden light of the setting sun, and there, nestled against the dusty horizon, lay my grandparents' house.

It had been years since I last visited the reservation, and I felt a mix of nostalgia and curiosity as we pulled up the long dirt driveway. My mother smiled, but her eyes seemed to hold something deeper, something unspoken. I tried to ignore it, focusing instead on the warmth of the reunion ahead. The evening was everything I'd hoped for at first.

It had been years since I last visited the reservation, and I felt a mix of nostalgia and curiosity as we pulled up the long dirt driveway. My mother smiled, but her eyes seemed to hold something deeper, something unspoken. I tried to ignore it, focusing instead on the warmth of the reunion ahead. The evening was everything I'd hoped for at first.

Laughter, stories, and the comforting aroma of fry bread wafting through the old trailer. My grandparents greeted me with open arms, and my aunts and uncles arrived soon after, filling the small living room with the sounds of family. We shared stories from the past, tales of old mischief and local news.

Laughter, stories, and the comforting aroma of fry bread wafting through the old trailer. My grandparents greeted me with open arms, and my aunts and uncles arrived soon after, filling the small living room with the sounds of family. We shared stories from the past, tales of old mischief and local news.

The night was moving smoothly, but I couldn't shake a sense of unease that lurked beneath the surface, an energy that seemed almost tangible. And then, perhaps out of ignorance, I asked the question that changed everything. Hey, are skinwalkers real? I blurted out between bites of fry bread, a casual curiosity slipping out without a second thought. The room fell instantly silent.

The night was moving smoothly, but I couldn't shake a sense of unease that lurked beneath the surface, an energy that seemed almost tangible. And then, perhaps out of ignorance, I asked the question that changed everything. Hey, are skinwalkers real? I blurted out between bites of fry bread, a casual curiosity slipping out without a second thought. The room fell instantly silent.

It was as if I had opened a door no one wanted to look through. My grandmother's face seemed to age in that moment, her eyes growing dark, and she shook her head slowly. Her hands trembled as she placed her cup down on the table, her gaze meeting mine with an intensity that made my skin prickle.

It was as if I had opened a door no one wanted to look through. My grandmother's face seemed to age in that moment, her eyes growing dark, and she shook her head slowly. Her hands trembled as she placed her cup down on the table, her gaze meeting mine with an intensity that made my skin prickle.

you shouldn't speak of such things she said her voice almost a whisper the warning clear the mood in the trailer changed instantly the warmth vanishing as if someone had extinguished a fire my grandfather gave me a look a mix of disappointment and fear before standing up and quietly retreating to his room my aunts and uncles followed suit murmuring good-nights their faces tense my mother scolded me softly

you shouldn't speak of such things she said her voice almost a whisper the warning clear the mood in the trailer changed instantly the warmth vanishing as if someone had extinguished a fire my grandfather gave me a look a mix of disappointment and fear before standing up and quietly retreating to his room my aunts and uncles followed suit murmuring good-nights their faces tense my mother scolded me softly

telling me that there are things better left unsaid. I nodded, feeling an uncomfortable knot form in my stomach. The once lively trailer now seemed empty, and an unsettling quiet fell over the house. I tried to brush it off as just nerves, just the stories getting to me. But that night, lying on the couch, I couldn't sleep. The trailer felt too quiet, the air too thick,

telling me that there are things better left unsaid. I nodded, feeling an uncomfortable knot form in my stomach. The once lively trailer now seemed empty, and an unsettling quiet fell over the house. I tried to brush it off as just nerves, just the stories getting to me. But that night, lying on the couch, I couldn't sleep. The trailer felt too quiet, the air too thick,

I won't lie, I enjoyed getting to spend that time with my grandpa, and looking back, it is something I am grateful for. every extra moment i got to spend with him is a cherished memory however there was one experience i went through that lives in the dark parts of my memory something i've had nightmares about and still to this day get queasy thinking or talking about

I won't lie, I enjoyed getting to spend that time with my grandpa, and looking back, it is something I am grateful for. every extra moment i got to spend with him is a cherished memory however there was one experience i went through that lives in the dark parts of my memory something i've had nightmares about and still to this day get queasy thinking or talking about

the desert wind whispered outside its low moan seeping through the thin walls shadows stretched long and deep across the floor flickering in the dim glow of the hallway nightlight i couldn't shake the feeling that something was out there just beyond the thin curtains in the deep empty night of the desert

the desert wind whispered outside its low moan seeping through the thin walls shadows stretched long and deep across the floor flickering in the dim glow of the hallway nightlight i couldn't shake the feeling that something was out there just beyond the thin curtains in the deep empty night of the desert

i turned over trying to force myself to sleep but every creak every rustle seemed amplified my heart thudding in response i squeezed my eyes shut but my mind raced the stories my mother used to tell me came flooding back Stories of creatures that wore the skins of animals, that lurked at the edges of the light, waiting for the curious and the careless.

i turned over trying to force myself to sleep but every creak every rustle seemed amplified my heart thudding in response i squeezed my eyes shut but my mind raced the stories my mother used to tell me came flooding back Stories of creatures that wore the skins of animals, that lurked at the edges of the light, waiting for the curious and the careless.

Somewhere outside, a coyote howled, a long, mournful cry that made my skin crawl. I took a deep breath, trying to convince myself that it was nothing, just an animal calling into the night. But there was something in that howl, something that felt wrong.

Somewhere outside, a coyote howled, a long, mournful cry that made my skin crawl. I took a deep breath, trying to convince myself that it was nothing, just an animal calling into the night. But there was something in that howl, something that felt wrong.

I lay there, staring at the ceiling, the uneasy feeling growing stronger, as if something unseen was moving closer, slipping through the shadows, inching toward the old trailer. I pulled the blanket tighter around me, wishing desperately for sleep, for the comfort of daylight.

I lay there, staring at the ceiling, the uneasy feeling growing stronger, as if something unseen was moving closer, slipping through the shadows, inching toward the old trailer. I pulled the blanket tighter around me, wishing desperately for sleep, for the comfort of daylight.

The desert outside was silent, and I couldn't shake the sense that something was watching, something ancient, something malevolent.

The desert outside was silent, and I couldn't shake the sense that something was watching, something ancient, something malevolent.

just waiting for me to make the wrong move the night seemed endless every moment dragging by in a slow excruciating crawl the trailer was suffocatingly quiet with only the occasional creak of the old structure breaking the silence i kept my eyes shut willing myself to sleep but the uneasy feeling only grew stronger The stillness was suddenly broken by a sound that made my blood run cold.

just waiting for me to make the wrong move the night seemed endless every moment dragging by in a slow excruciating crawl the trailer was suffocatingly quiet with only the occasional creak of the old structure breaking the silence i kept my eyes shut willing myself to sleep but the uneasy feeling only grew stronger The stillness was suddenly broken by a sound that made my blood run cold.

A soft rustling, like something brushing against the side of the trailer. My heart pounded as I opened my eyes, straining to hear. The rustling grew louder, moving along the wall. And then came the unmistakable sound of footsteps, slow, deliberate, crunching across the dusty ground outside. Panic rose in my chest. I wanted to believe it was just an animal, but deep down, I knew better.

A soft rustling, like something brushing against the side of the trailer. My heart pounded as I opened my eyes, straining to hear. The rustling grew louder, moving along the wall. And then came the unmistakable sound of footsteps, slow, deliberate, crunching across the dusty ground outside. Panic rose in my chest. I wanted to believe it was just an animal, but deep down, I knew better.

There was something different about these sounds, something that spoke of intent. I forced myself off the couch, moving as quietly as I could toward the kitchen window. My legs felt weak, my body trembling as I reached the window and carefully pulled the curtain aside just enough to see outside.

There was something different about these sounds, something that spoke of intent. I forced myself off the couch, moving as quietly as I could toward the kitchen window. My legs felt weak, my body trembling as I reached the window and carefully pulled the curtain aside just enough to see outside.

the porch light cast a dim glow over the yard and for a moment i saw nothing just the empty dusty landscape the vehicles parked in the driveway and the old metal trash cans but then my eyes caught movement a dark gaunt figure standing just beyond the reach of the light It was coyote-like, but wrong in every conceivable way.

the porch light cast a dim glow over the yard and for a moment i saw nothing just the empty dusty landscape the vehicles parked in the driveway and the old metal trash cans but then my eyes caught movement a dark gaunt figure standing just beyond the reach of the light It was coyote-like, but wrong in every conceivable way.