i exited the dilapidated cabin with a swift yawn, the prickling of the grass on my feet encouraging a small wince. Noah hopped off of a rock ledge, his face painted with a buoyant smile. he waved, and i responded with no words, but rather an offset smile. Noah chirped, “

It's midnight in the forest. Darkness surrounds me. I hear twigs snapping, leaves rustling. Something is following me. Panic swells as I pick up the pace, I'm running away but from who or what? My foot snags on a tree root and I crash to the ground. Blood and dirt fill my mouth.