The path is dark. Patches of light scatter over the narrow path from the gaps in the leaves above. The light provided only makes the shadows look larger.
What is that? Is it a tree branch or a man? What about that one? Is it a monster or just conveniently placed shadows? Only one way to find out.
Closer. Another step. Another. One more.
It is only a tree branch.
Keep moving. The faster through, the sooner out.
Why do so many fairytales involve forests? Is it because they are scary like this? Is it because they have some mystery shrouded over them when someone is walking alone? Probably.
Have to keep moving. Just have to reach the other side. Then the sun will be shining down without anything to obstruct it, and nothing will be left to be frightened of. Just keep walking.
Don’t think about the various creatures that are probably watching right now. Probably wolves. If a growling sound is made? Run. Definitely. Wait! Don’t think about it! Don’t want to jinx it. Just keep walking.
Deep breath in. Deep breath out. Good. Just keep doing that. Don’t focus on anything else.
What was that? Something moved in the underbrush. It was right there. What was it? It was small, right? Had to be small. Maybe a squirrel. Yeah, that has to be it. Go with that.
Just keep walking. Good. Keep that up. Another deep breath… Very good.
Feel that? The fabric of the shirt. Yes, that one. It’s a nice shirt. Favorite shirt. Probably not the best to wear when hiking through the forest, but too late for that. Just wash it later. Just get to the cabin. Everyone will be waiting there. There will be food and water. A nice warm shower. Maybe the others will make a campfire. Smores would be a lovely way to end the day.
That’s right. Focus on that. Almost there.
What is that smell? What is it? Definitely familiar. Someone must have started up the barbecue. That’s got to be it. Barbecue. Smells good. Have that to look forward to. If I can smell it from here-must be close. Thought so. Thankfully did not wander too far. Good. Getting lost would have been bad.
The others better not bring up ghost stories tonight. Won’t sleep a wink if they do.
There’s the cabin! Almost there.
Wait… is that fire on the roof? Not just the roof! What happened here!?
That wasn’t barbecue.