Narrator

Luke didn't move.

He was locked, like prey in headlights.

The thing across the creek shifted.

It didn't step out fully, it just watched.

Then it made a sound, not a whoop, not a growl.

A low, rumbling exhale that vibrated in my chest.

And then, from behind us, on our side of the creek, a human voice said, cheerful and close,

y'all seeing it too i spun so fast i almost fell two men stood at the edge of our clearing not hikers not backpackers the same two from the ridge glenn and the younger man rifles in hand casual like they'd always been there luke's head whipped around eyes wild

What?

How did you... Glenn smiled.

We walk, he said.

He lifted his rifle slightly, not aiming at us, but aiming past us, across the creek.

Ain't that something, he said, voice warm like he was admiring a sunset.

The creature across the creek shifted back behind the tree as if it recognized the men.

The younger man's eyes glittered.

There he is, he said softly, almost reverent.

Tessa's voice went flat with anger.

You followed us, Glenn shrugged.

We didn't want y'all wandering down where you shouldn't, he said.

We look out for folks.