I spent a lot of time with one set of grandparents during my
youth. They watched me while my parents
worked all week and kept me all summer at a campground.
I had been coming there and staying every summer from the
ages of two to 13 and have many fond memories.
However, there is one memory that is stuck with me over the
years. On this particular occasion.
I was six years old and my best friend who was eight at the time
was spending a few days with us at the campground.
We only stayed there on weekdays since my grandmother worked
double shifts all weekend. Therefore the campground was
sparsely populated from Monday through Friday as many people
only had time off work for weekends or holidays.
So there were already Eerie Vibes there especially in the
darkness not to mention the ghost stories.
My dad had told us about the place.
Our neighbors in the immediate area were perfect despite barely
seeing them. They had a complete outdoor
kitchen that I loved playing pretend Chef in and they left it
open whenever I wanted and allowed me to play in it.
My grandparents were always lovely and easy-going and my nan
was mainly incredibly nurturing to your needs.
No matter who you were. But they also had their moments.
Have you ever seen that movie the visit?
It's kind of reminiscent of that or there would be a creepy
moment and then it would go back to normal.
My best friend's first day at the campground was one my pop
told us to watch out for Bears because he had seen one early
that day. We brushed that off since we had
heard things like this all the time and we were having too much
fun riding bikes and going into the creek to really care.
Night soon came and it got really dark really fast my best
friend and I were playing in the outdoor kitchen I mentioned
before when out of nowhere, we heard this low growling and
moaning sound which got much louder as something began
tearing at the tarp cover acting as if it were a kitchen wall.
We all know that reasoning shuts down the limbic system and is
overridden during threats of survival.
The fight or flight response takes over if you will.
It's seemingly happened in an instant.
We were running and immediately crying before we could even
process what was happening. If we ran a few feet to our
camper to get to my nan. I was expecting her to be
comforting as she always was but her reaction to us was somewhat
horrifying. She laughed wildly and
practically slapped her knees. Baffled and scared.
I had no idea how to react to this.
My papa emerged behind the camper next to ours and joined
the Mad laughter eyes bugging out.
So yeah, my pop pretended to be the bear, but he never really
admitted to it, you know. It was kind of weird.
So he made up that he had seen a bear early in the day to scare
us. And then I guess when we didn't
get scared by it he came and physically pretended to be the
bear at least that's my understanding all these years
later. We weren't amused and I don't
remember the rest of that week if I'm honest, but I recall
still being terrified and finding no relief in their
words. I was scared of them and didn't
understand why they did that and I still really don't.
I'm all for pranks and kidding around but I feel like this was
a bit beyond especially because they never said explicitly that
they pranked us. They just acted like it didn't
happen, but clearly laughed in our faces about it.
I don't know. Everything scared me at that age
as well. So I'm not acting like this is
some crazy dramatic thing, but they had never done anything
like this before or after and I just found it so weird.
They did get a kick out of us two kids running away crying and
screaming I can tell you that they were definitely holding
back tears from laughing so hard.
Looking back. I felt like it was alarming.
They never really apologized or even paid much mind to the rest
of my friends stay. But they would laugh heartily
whenever we brought this up, you know a likely never get any
further elaboration from them, but I thought this would be a
cool story to share. As all of you know life can be a
struggle. Sometimes making ends meet isn't
always as easy as just getting a job.
Several years back. I couldn't find a job.
It was rejection after rejection.
And at the time nobody was really hiring the few places
that were hiring were ultra-competitive.
I was barely making over minimum wage as a deli employee at a
grocery store. I remember one night while
working online for ways to make extra money.
I stumbled upon Craigslist. I'd heard of Craigslist but had
never really explored it myself. I found an ad on Craigslist for
a freelance job where I would be what's called a secret shopper.
For those of you who may not be familiar with what a secret
shopper is it's basically an anonymous customer who comes
into a store and asks, the employees a series of questions.
The employee is then graded on certain criteria for example,
does the employee make I contact greet you give a suggestion
offer to escort the customer and give a parting comment Etc.
It seems simple but a lot of companies specifically the store
I worked for will reprimand the employee for a bad secret
shopper score and even fire the employee if they receive more
than one bad score. Since I had experience in the
store and knew exactly what they were looking for.
I thought this would be an easy way to make some money on the
side. The first store I visited was a
local chain of grocery stores in my home town oddly enough.
It was the same company I worked for but not the same store.
I started making my rounds and noticed a man probably in his
20s stocking the shelves. He looked at me and immediately
put his head back down. He didn't greet me so he lost
points right away. I had to greet him and asked him
where the canned tuna was. He never lifted his head from
stocking the shelves and just sort of angrily said aisle 2
halfway down again. This guy lost points for not
making eye contact and offering to show me where it was located.
Also just for the record I know how ridiculous all of this is,
but these companies take this seriously, they don't care if
you're waiting on another customer or what the excuse is.
You get a bad score you're kind of screwed.
I was trying to pause and give the guy a chance to redeem
himself by telling me to have a good day, but he never did.
I have eventually had to initiate The Parting remark, and
that's when he finally looked up and said yeah you too.
I finally saw his name tag, which read Patrick and I smiled
and walked away. I noticed that Patrick kept his
eye on me. I felt his stare as I walked
away. I started to figure that he was
on to me that I was maybe a secret shopper.
I was going to ask a few more employees questions, but I
started to feel uncomfortable. Every time I looked up I could
see Patrick at the end of the aisles.
It almost seemed like he was following me.
I wasn't sure what the endgame was for this guy, but I didn't
want to find out I cashed out and the cashier passed her
secret shop with flying colors. After I cashed out I briskly
made my way to my car and just wanted to get out of the store
so badly and be done with this. Once I was in the car, I started
writing down the full report before I drove off.
I just wanted to get all the information down while it was
still fresh. But while I was riding, I looked
up and saw my buddy from the aisle intensely walking through
the parking lot Patrick. I ducked down a little but
thankfully it didn't appear like he had noticed me.
He just kept walking until he got to his car which was a dark
four-door sedan of some kind and he sped off.
I waited a few minutes before I Departed.
I don't know why but this guy just gave me the creeps.
Though I kept thinking to myself why he was following me around
the store like that. It truly did feel like he was
and it just felt so weird. I'm a textbook overthinker.
So I tried telling myself that maybe I was overthinking but
something about him was definitely off that night.
I went home and emailed my supervisor the report and life
went on it. Only took a day or two for me to
completely forget about that interaction.
A few nights after I turned in the report.
I was having a late night dinner with my boyfriend.
We were just hanging out enjoying each other's company.
The relaxing evening was interrupted by a loud and
consistent banging on the front door.
It wasn't just an aggressive knock either.
It sounded like someone was throwing their entire body
weight at the door. You have no idea how horrifying
it is to hear a knock at the door at that our let alone a
banging knock like this one. We looked out the window and I
was at a loss for words. It was Patrick the guy from the
grocery store, and he looked horrible.
His eyes looked like they were sunken in and he looks like he
hadn't slept in days. I called out telling him to
leave right now that I was calling the police and he didn't
even flinch. He just kept banging and
demanding that I let him enter the home repeatedly saying that
I ruined his life and that I needed to pay.
That there would be an eye for an eye.
I remember him saying I didn't even want to think about what he
meant by that while this interaction was happening.
My boyfriend had called the police though.
They must have been in the area because the first squad car
showed up in less than two minutes and it's a good thing
too. Because I don't know how much
longer my door was going to hold up.
Patrick was really throwing himself into the door.
And this whole site was nuts. A cop tackled Patrick right on
my front steps and handcuffed him and while they were
apprehending him. They ended up finding a knife
concealed in his waistband which for me was the most terrifying
information about this entire ordeal.
I still can't stop thinking about what he intended to do
with that knife if he had broken down the door.
After he was arrested I did get some closure on this whole
nightmare. It turns out it was just a
situation of being in the wrong place at the wrong time.
Apparently Patrick was at the end of his rope and my visit to
the store that day was what force him to fall completely
off. He was struggling to pay his
bills. And for what?
I was told his girlfriend had just broken up with him the day
of that secret shopping event. And when I approached him in the
store that day, he was only minutes away from the end of his
shift and was just mentally completely done at that point.
I get it. We've all been there well to a
degree and I happened to catch him on a bad day and asking for
a can of tuna was the last thing on his mind.
He ended up losing his job because he had another secret
shopper report a report that I sent in.
The part that I can't still figure out about this is I have
no idea how he found out where I lived.
I don't think he followed me that day after the store, but
there's no other way that he would know where I lived.
I stayed at my boyfriend's house after that at night and rarely
stayed at my old house alone. I don't know what happened to
this guy. But I genuinely hope that he
figured it out and more importantly.
I hope these stores get rid of the secret shopper program
because it's just horrible. When I turned 13 years old a few
years back I invited about eight friends to go camping with me.
The campsite was near a large forest with giant trees and many
bushes as you can probably guess the campsite was located by the
water. So we spent the two days there
swimming biking and exploring the nearby Woods on our first
day. We were biking around the other
campsites when we encountered a group of kids our age there were
about three of them. Instead of getting along we got
into a big argument which escalated into a war between our
two groups. At one point one of the kids in
their group threatened to hurt us with his dad's knife.
This deeply disturbed us and made us uncomfortable prompting
us to head back to our own camp. That night was pretty typical we
forgot all about those kids and roasted some s'mores my mom and
dad who were the only supervisors on this trip went to
bed at about 10 p.m. They told us not to stay up too
late make too much noise or leave the campground.
As we were messing around I saw something out of the corner of
my eye. It kind of looked like the shape
of a human at the tree line near our campsite.
I pointed it out to my friends and we decided to take a closer.
Look as we approached we could see it was indeed a person, but
they were not moving and were standing dead still.
My friend who Mall call Matt for this story said he was getting
uncomfortable. He wanted to get closer to the
figure because he was sure it was a man.
We were all perplexed in a bit scared.
So we didn't want him to confront the figure.
My first thought was honestly why would anyone put a man in
out here? I tried to find some sort of
rational explanation for why this figure would be standing so
still without making a single noise or movement.
As we tried to figure it out. We began to hear movement from
the nearby bushes. We decided to dash back to camp
and once we all made it, we got into our tent and kept watching
to see if anyone was coming. At one point my friend Brody saw
a figure moving in the tree line.
I caught a glimpse of it too, but I was unsure if it was a
person. We kept taking shifts sleeping
and watching throughout the night.
The following day. We were tired and decided to
check out the dummy. When we approached the area, it
was gone Without a Trace and it was only about 5:00 in the
morning meeting. Someone must have come and take
it very early. We went back to check on the
kids we had argued with and saw that they were still there when
they saw us coming. They quickly went into their
camper and hid we tried to wait for them, but they wouldn't come
out no matter what. Eventually we gave up and headed
back to our site. It was still relatively early.
So we decided to keep exploring where Brody might have seen a
person. What we found next made us all
want to leave and never return. In a bush right next to where
Brody saw the figure there was a hunting knife a pair of
binoculars and a hunting rifle. We assumed it was those kids but
how did they get those items if the oldest kid was maybe 11
years old. The night was pretty normal
again until about midnight. We saw more movement in the
trees and knew we had to be careful.
We all stayed up and watched as multiple figures made their way
through the trees. Eventually, assuming that Matt
got mad. He decided to open the tent
shine his flash light and start yelling at whoever was out
there. We followed him as he moved
closer to the trees and saw that there were two kids booking a
deeper into the woods carrying the items.
We had found in the bush. After we scared them off we
returned to the tent and the rest of the night was uneventful
although none of us could sleep. Nothing more happened.
And by the time we checked on the kids the next meta picks,
they had already left the campsite with their family.
That experience still haunts me and I often wonder what would
have happened if we had been vulnerable in those woods that
night. I mean they had a gun and we had
a tent. At the end of the day if they
really wanted to do something they could have and I think
that's what bothers me sometimes.
Not long ago. I decided to listen to a friend
of mine about picking up some babysitting jobs from
Craigslist. I know that seems weird, but I
was surprised at how many postings for that type of work
were there ordinarily I wouldn't have needed the job.
But at the time I had just broken up with my boyfriend and
I didn't think I would be able to pay my rent.
This seemed like the easiest way to make some money.
It helps that I used to babysit when I was a teenager and my
brother has two small kids. So I felt like an expert in the
field. after all how hard could looking after some children for
a few hours be I set up a job for early Saturday evening and
started messaging a woman named Chloe.
She said that she and her husband would be leaving the
house around 5:15 p.m. And they would be back sometime
after 10:00. She gave me the address and all
the information about the children.
I would be watching two boys one seven and the other nine.
I figured this was going to be easy money.
In my opinion boys that are easy to entertain and because they
were not babies. They wouldn't need my undivided
attention. After I talked to the lady I
told my friend about the job who was jealous of the money.
I was about to make she had been doing Craigslist babysitting
jobs for a few months now and had never come close to the
money. I was about to make or at least
that's what I was told. On Saturday evening.
I made my way to the address given to me by Chloe and right
away. I had some regrets.
The house was in a very sketchy neighborhood not necessarily
crime-ridden, but it was a poor rundown area.
When I knocked on the door, there was no answer.
I waited for several minutes and attempted several more Knocks.
Finally a strange and very rough-looking man answered the
door. He was tall and skinny with a
massive grey beard. I would say he was at least in
his 50s unless he just looked rough for his age in a very low
and Gruff voice. He said come on in sweet heart.
Sorry. I didn't hear the knock because
my ears ain't what they used to be.
I walked inside and the first thing I noticed was how not
child friendly. The house was a lot of trash in
general clutter was lying about I was just standing in front of
the door when the man said my wife should be back any minute
with the kids. Go and sit down and make
yourself at home. Sorry, I know the place ain't
the cleanest. I was trying not to be
judgmental. I know it sounds like I should
be running for the hills, but I didn't want to unfairly judge
this guy or is family the man pointed down the hall and told
me that the living room was at the back of the house.
I made my way back there in a bluish couch.
The amount of anxiety I felt at that moment was absolutely
crushing. I saw no pictures of children no
toys and no indication whatsoever that children even
lived there. While I was waiting on the
couch, I could hear the man walking back and forth in the
other room and I think he was mumbling to himself.
Every few minutes he would begin to shout.
Hey, sorry about this ma'am. My wife can be forgetful with
the time. I promise she'll be back soon.
A few minutes later. He ran into the room scratching
his head with a big smile. He said you know what?
I'm an idiot. I bet my wife came inside with
the kid through the basement entrance.
She's probably waiting for you down there.
Nobody uses the front door that you came in the basements right
over there. Why don't you go check it out
and I'll meet you all down there in a minute.
He stood there like some scarecrow pointing to adore on
the far side of the room. I didn't know what to do and
just not it and told him I would go check.
Truthfully I had had enough at this point.
Though he smiled in a very unsettling voice.
He said well, that's great. I'll see you in a second,
sweetie. Then he walked back into the
front room. I opened the door to the
basement out of curiosity and it was obvious that nobody was down
there. The lights were off and the
smell was just horrific when it hit my nose.
There was no chance. I was going to go down there.
While staring into the dark basement I heard that he was
still bumping around in the front room.
And without thinking I ran as fast as I could toward the front
door that I came from. Once I hit it the door was
locked. I quickly unlocked it and ran to
my car. As I opened the car door I could
hear him yelling from inside the house, but I didn't look back.
I started backing down the driveway and I could see him
running out of the house waving his hands back and forth.
Thankfully by the time he reached the driveway.
I was already flying down the road.
I almost didn't call the police because technically I was
physically fine and maybe even overreacting but after calling
my friend she convinced me to call the authorities just in
case. After the phone call.
I had no idea what it happened. The dispatcher on the phone told
me that they would take it from here.
And that was the end of it at least on my end.
Maybe there was a wife and kids. Maybe this was just a poor
family that I had very unfairly judged.
Maybe there really was an entrance to the basement that
his wife used instead of that front door.
But honestly, I'd rather look like some crazy jerk who judged
the family then potentially be the victim of something much
worse. The unnerving nature of the new
situation told me to run and I stand by that gut feeling which
very well could have been the best decision of my life.
To provide a bit of backstory. I generally keep to myself, but
I feel compelled to share this story because something out of
the ordinary is happening to me. I live in an area where it is
uncommon to see Wanderers or any sort of Travelers.
I barely see anyone except for the occasional funeral of an old
friend. I consider it a safe and
peaceful area to rest. however, some occurrences over the past
few weeks have made me think otherwise It all started about a
week ago on a warm evening as I was relaxing at home watching
the day go by and listening to the creatures sing their song of
nature in the beautiful wooded country.
I inhabit. Suddenly all went quiet.
There was not a single bird chirping or a frog croaking.
Something felt wrong. I strained my ears to see if I
could hear or see anything out of the ordinary but everything
looked and sounded normal. It was just quiet.
This might not sound off to some but for where I live there were
always noises of nature always something whether it be the wind
the bugs the dirt or even the grass.
A few days passed and all was normal until I had just finished
cooking dinner and went up to rest for the evening.
I was looking out and listening to the song of nature again when
suddenly everything went dead silent.
I almost brushed it off at that time again, but I started
considering the possibility of a predator since there can be
bears and such in the area from time to time.
Once again as I listened closely trying to tune into the nature
around me, it was eerily silent almost unbearable.
That was until I heard it a distant chattering sound.
I sat and focused for a minute trying to pinpoint where it was
coming from. Honestly, it sounded like it was
coming from everywhere. After a few more seconds of
Silence, I began to hear leaves crunching as if something
massive was moving. Living in the country, you can
tell the difference between humans animals and anything else
walking in the woods. This was definitely some sort of
human or at least a bipedal creature.
Fear struck me as I nestled down and tried to get out of sight.
My house is not very conspicuous.
It's built into the woods and can't really be noticed unless
you stumble upon it. After some time, I noticed that
someone approached my house wearing a strange outfit.
It honestly looked like a homemade ghillie suit as if he
was trying not to be heard. The chattering stopped and I
noticed that whatever this person was doing.
He was making the noise with his teeth by chattering them.
The Sounds were on honestly awful I then began to hear a
banging sound and wasn't really sure what they were doing.
But it looked like whatever they had in their hands.
They were banging against a tree.
I began to squeeze and slight fear.
As I have said, I'm pretty introverted.
I'm not really a tough guy. I can take care of myself and
survive off the land. But confrontation with people is
not something I've ever been good at.
Eventually, they got closer and I noticed what was in their hand
was actually some sort of Machete or spear like tool it
looked like he had a PVC pipe that he had spray painted and
somehow mounted a machete on it. It was pretty janky looking if
I'm honest. This guy noticed me and started
shouting at me while doing more of those loud Chatters with his
teeth. At this point I began to black
out absolutely terrified. I thought of all the funerals
I've attended all the Fallen friends and acquaintances that I
have. Unfortunately had to see over
the years the ones who didn't get to live the life that I got
to live. In that moment, I decided that
this was not going to be my fate and today was not going to be my
funeral. This guy started charging at me
chattering his teeth sounding like some sort of alien from a
movie. He swung his spear machete at me
and it grazed my leg slightly as I moved out of the way.
I was in shock. I had no idea why this person
would be charging at me or trying to take my life like
this. All I had was a small 22 caliber
rifle. I had a three 80 caliber guns
somewhere else in the house, but I believe it was broken or
jammed. There was something wrong with
it and I couldn't figure it out. But my 22 worked just fine.
It wasn't ideal. It wasn't going to pack the most
powerful punch, but if it bleeds it dies.
So I picked up my 22 which I had laying next to my chair outside
and I just unloaded. Luckily, it seemed like I scared
him more than I may have heard him because the moment he saw me
aiming a gun at him. He began to run.
I'm not the type of person that's just going to scatter
them with a bunch of bullets. I let off a couple of shots
intentionally missing him watching him run in Terror
making a more alarming and distressed chattering sound.
I'm sure we've all made some foolish mistakes in high school.
Sometimes it's not even you who makes the mistake.
Simply by joining in with your peers, you can find yourself in
a very bad situation. when I was in high school my friends and I
would visit Craig's List to mock the odd character's we found
their trust me when I say there are a lot of weirdos on Craig's
List. One night my friend group.
Let things go too far. We found an ad from a guy who
was looking for a woman to come over and massage his feet.
Yes. We are right from the start.
We all pretended to be a woman named Molly and began messaging
this guy from a fake email account.
We had created. This was before the whole
catfish phenomenon was talked about but we were essentially
doing the same thing. It just didn't have a mainstream
name yet. Even though this guy was creepy.
We were still in the wrong for leading him on and pretending to
be something. We were not my friend.
Dan was pushing the envelope flirting and saying things he
shouldn't have It was only a matter of time before this man
sent us his address. everyone started laughing and I also
laughed not really finding it funny but wanting to fit in I
just wanted this practical joke to end to be honest.
Dan wasn't ready to let the joke in just yet.
He wanted to visit the creeps house and actually try to get a
glimpse of the man. I very much voted against this
but Dan peer pressure the group and before I knew it we were in
the car and on our way to this weirdos house.
The car ride was mostly quiet other than Dan trying to get us
fired up for the occasion. It took us about 15 minutes to
get to the neighborhood of the man looking for his foot therapy
as he put it and it was a pretty rough part of town the kind.
You don't want to be wandering around in after Dark.
It was clear that everyone was now regretting this decision
except for Dan. We all thought that we were just
going to drive by the house and then head back, but he had other
plans. We stopped in front of the
house. And while we were stopped and
opened the door and started making his way to the guys front
door. We all started freaking out
trying to get him to come back into the car everyone except my
friend who was driving got out of the car and tried pleading
with Dan. I remember even forcibly trying
to hold him back, but he just pushed through we were arguing
really whisper arguing trying not to bring attention to
ourselves. Dan looked at us and said listen
guys. I need to see what this freak.
Looks like. I promise once I get a quick
Glimpse. I'll just leave.
What's the worst that can happen?
I was still against the idea, but I could tell that he had won
my friends over not wanting to be the coward that I always was
I joined in. As We snuck toward the house I
thought maybe Dan would just peer through the window or
something but this absolute Maniac went right to the front
door Without giving us any notice or any time to prepare or
hide he rang the doorbell. My heart was beating so fast.
I was convinced. I was going to have a heart
attack. Seconds later a very short, but
very overweight man wearing a bathrobe answered the door and
we all froze. In a squeaky and I admit pretty
comical voice. This guy asked what's the
meaning of this? Where is Molly?
Dan made a very inappropriate joke or comment called The Man a
freak and we all just started laughing and briskly walking to
the car. I was incredibly anxious but I
was trying to fit in hence why I was laughing with the group.
We couldn't have been more than 10 feet away from the front of
the house when this creepy man grabbed a rifle that he must
have had right next to the door and began pointing it in our
Direction. His face was all red and he
looked like he was shaking. At that moment.
We were all freaking out. Finally Dan realized that we may
have crossed a line. Obviously the creepy man did say
something but through all the paranoia.
None of us could hear what he said we all ran as fast as we
could dove into the car and I looked behind me as I closed the
car door. I could see the man starting to
give Chase with that rifle still aiming in our direction.
We drove off as fast as we could and when I looked behind he was
now standing in the middle of the road still staring down the
barrel of the rifle. I ducked down expecting to hear
the rear window glass shatter at any second.
But thank God it never did. We eventually made it back to
the house and we panicked for the entire night.
We actually ended up receiving an email from him not long after
we got home that said I will find you.
I saw your car and your license plate.
I will find where you live. At that moment we were beside
ourselves. We didn't know what to do.
We turned off all the lights and I'm not kidding.
We stared out that window the entire night holding our breath
every time a car drove by. I suggested maybe calling the
police but my friends talked me out of it.
They made me believe that we were the ones who would get in
trouble if we call them so we didn't.
And that was the longest night of my entire life.
The creep never showed up though, and we never heard from
him again. I tried convincing myself that
his threat was just some Bluff, but I still never felt safe.
It took months of not hearing from him for me to finally feel
like I was safe. All these years later.
I still haven't been down that street since that night.
And even though I'm older I still have an irrational fear
that he'll be outside waiting for me.
For that reason, I'll continue to avoid that area of town as
long as I can. I've always had a knack for
finding things people left behind.
Sometimes it's just old furniture or forgotten books.
But today it was a GoPro tucked in a Dusty corner of a rented
storage unit. That's how I found myself.
Hold up in my office watching the small screen as it flickered
to life. Casting Shadows across the
stacks of case files on my desk. The video began abruptly the
camera was shaky at first pointing at the ground then
lifted to strap onto someone's head marks.
I assumed since he was the one narrating the introduction his
voice uneasy but eager. How does it look?
He asked his voice capturing a mix of excitement and nervous
anticipation. He looks stupid came a response
followed by a collective chuckling from the group
gathered around that was Frank a man with a Gruff voice that
matched his no-nonsense demeanor.
Marx retort was cut short by Margaret who jumped in with a
voice smooth as River stones, but firm enough to quiet the
laughter. Frank please.
Try your best to be nice. Margaret then took the lead her
maternal tone Gathering. Everyone's attention like sheep
to a shepherd. Now that we are all settled in
and the fire is going how about we all give our names and why we
are here. Mark how about you go first and
we go right from you. She suggested sitting
cross-legged and looking up at mark expectantly. the
introductions that followed painted a vivid picture of a
group as varied as the landscape of Wyoming rugged raw and real
there was Daniel a young man with a warm smile known to
Margaret from past support groups.
His look was sincere his eyes scanning the circle a not of his
head as he took in every face then Emma a frail figure who
barely lifted her gaze from her worn out booths her voice Amir
Whisperer. I'm here to move on from the
last two years. I couldn't help but feel a
twinge of curiosity about what had brought each of them to this
remote patch of wilderness. Each story was a thread weaving
a tapestry of recovery and redemption or so it seemed As
the camera panned around the circle the light from the
campfire flickered across anxious and hopeful faces.
Alright Frank your turn Margaret coaxed her tones soft yet firm.
I'm here to deal with my anger Frank muttered almost to himself
staring into the fire as if trying to score his troubles in
the flames. The video captured more than
just faces. It caught the underlying tension
the weight of unspoken stories and unresolved struggles.
It was when Jacob an ex-alcoholic who had found
solace through Margaret's previous interventions
introduced himself that the mood briefly lifted.
Everyone clapped including Frank though his Applause seemed
reluctant his scarf a sharp note in the night are Margaret
suggested mingling, but Mark's GoPro caught none of that.
The camera went dark and for a moment there was nothing but the
crackling of the fire and the distant of an owl.
When the screen lit up again the calm had been shattered.
The introductions were over and survival was about to begin.
The shadows in the trees seem deeper more Sinister as Margaret
stood up announcing she'd be right back little did we know
the darkness was watching and it was hungry.
Sitting there in the dim light of my office.
I knew I was only scratching the surface of what it happened.
I was drawn in unable to look away a part of me dreading what
I knew was to come. The forest had a different feel
after dark as if the trees themselves absorbed the days
warmth and now exhaled a chilling presents.
It had only been a few minutes since Margaret vanished into the
darkness towards the van, but her absence felt much longer.
Mark's voice broke the silence a half-hearted attempt to keep
Spirits light anyone got any good scary stories to tell but
before Daniel could spin his yard a palpable tension sees the
are a feeling of being watched. That's when the Real Horror
began. The laughter and camaraderie
were swiftly cut off by the appearance of five figures cloth
sheathed over their bodies like Sinister Shadows faces obscured
by blank white masks. It wasn't just their sudden
appearance that froze the blood in my veins.
It was the Stark menacing contrast of their expensive
looking black suits against the Ragged wilderness.
Frank's voice shattered the silence his tone a mixture of
disbelief and challenge. What the hell do you all want?
Huh? But no one was prepared for the
Swift brutality that followed. The tall figure in the center a
beast of a man answered not with words, but with a vicious swipe
of a machete. Margaret didn't even have time
to scream before her head tumbled to the ground her body
crumpling as her head smoldered by the fire.
Panic erupted commands were shouted people scrambled the
forest around us became elaborate the trees morphing
into menacing figures as everyone fled into the dark.
My heart hammered against my ribs each beat allowed echo in
my ears. We regrouped out of breath and
shaking to our cores accusations flew wildly as the initial shock
faded into a cold creeping dread.
This has to be some six setup Liam gasped his voice tinged
with paranoia. Margaret's intention for a
therapeutic Escape seemed now a grotesque farce and mistrust
quickly wormed its way through the shaking group.
I felt it too. Annoying suspicion.
Was this a planned Massacre a psycho's game?
The video didn't Flinch as it captured every flicker of fear,
every whispered conspiracy. The forest was no longer just a
backdrop. It had become an active
participant in our nightmare Whispering Secrets.
I wasn't sure I wanted to hear our attempts to escape were
futile. The masked Figures were not just
Sinister apparitions. They were Hunters.
And we were the prey stumbling through the underbrush tripping
over roots that seem to Claw at our feet.
Emma the girl who had barely spoken a word since the fire
suddenly cried out. I can't do this as a branched
ominously closed behind us. The video captured at all the
fear the fights the fleeting moments of Courage.
Frank usually so imposing and sure his voice now trembled as
he tried to Rally us. We have to keep moving but every
rustle of leaves every snap of a twig tighten the Noose of Terror
around our necks. Then a thought struck me as cold
as the creek water running through these Woods if we were
the prey then this night was our trap and someone had lured us
here into the dark heart of the forest where the Shadows dance
danced with our fears as the camera lens fogged slightly with
the evening missed. So too did the lines between
victim and villain blur in to a harrowing Tablo of survival.
As the first light of dawn threatened The Horizon it did
little to lift the Shadows that clung to the forest floor or the
dread that settled in my stomach.
We were fewer now the night had claimed more than just our sense
of security. It had taken members of our
group their screams now just Echoes among the trees.
Frank's breathing was ragged beside me as we paused leaning
against a gnarled Pine that seemed as weary as we were.
We gotta keep moving he muttered.
But his eyes were haunted flickering back to the dark.
We had just run from Each of us carried the weight of the
night's Horrors our faces gone our eyes Hollow with the things
we'd seen. It was then amid the whispered
planning and quick frightened glances that we realized.
We had become part of something far beyond a simple Retreat gone
wrong. The remaining survivors myself
included were ragged edges of ourselves suspicion gnawing at
our frayed bonds Mia always the tough one had become a pillar of
cold Fury her arms crossed as she stared down the dim Trail
were not just running from them. She said her voice low and
steady. We're running from whatever sick
game. This is supposed to be The
conversation turned to Margaret could she really have been
behind this her gentle demeanor the encouraging words around the
campfire now seemed like a cruel mask.
Daniel his face pale with grief and loss shook his head slowly.
She wanted to help he insisted but his voice cracked betraying
his doubt. I proposed a final stand not out
of heroism, but out of sheer desperation.
If we keep running, they'll just pick us off one by one.
We need to face them. I declared my voice stronger
than I felt. It was a gamble but fear had
sharpened into resolve a hard cutting thing that left no room
for hesitation. We set up an ambush at a narrow
pass between two Rocky outcrops. A choke point that offered no
real Advantage other than necessity.
As the sky lightened the forest seemed to hold its breath.
And for a moment, the only sounds were the distant calls of
waking birds in our own labored breathing.
The attackers appeared with the sun silhouetted against the new
light their masks still in place their movements deliberate and
unhurried now, I whispered and the Eric exploded into chaos.
Mia charged first her anger a palpable force that seemed to
startle even our assailants. We fought with the desperation
of cornered animals and for a moment.
I believed we might prevail. But the forest had other ideas
and arrow whistled past narrowly missing Emma, but finding its
Mark and Jacob he fell with a grunt his body thudding against
The Damp Earth. The fight drained out of us then
replaced by a raw aching grief that spread like wildfire.
In the end it was not our plan that saved the remaining few.
It was the sheer unpredictability of human
desperation. Frank ever the fighter made a
last Reckless charge buying us precious seconds.
Run he bellowed and we did scattering into the woods
leaving behind the body's of friends and foes alike.
The camera still recording captured my last glance back a
tableau of violence and laws the ground muddy with red liquid and
trampled leaves. Iran until the forest gave way
to a clearing the Morning Light harsh and unforgiving.
And as I finally stopped my breath ragged and my body
aching. I knew the Wilderness wasn't
what we had to fear. It was what it brought out in us
what it always had. Growing up on a farm isn't like
the adventures in storybooks. It's not all about riding horses
through Open Fields or finding secret treasure in the barn.
It's hard work and for me, it was mostly just lonely.
Our farm was huge with Acres of field stretching out.
As far as the eye could see all the way to where the dense
forest marked the edge of our land.
I used to stand there on the brink looking into the tangle of
trees and shadows wondering what Secrets it held.
My parents had one rule stay out of the woods.
But rules like that are made for Curious boys with too much
imagination and not enough company.
I was 8 years old the first time I decided to Step Beyond the
Edge. It was early morning just after
I had finished my chores and the sun was barely peeking Over the
Horizon. The Dew was still fresh on the
grass making my boots wet and cold as I made my way to the
Forbidden line of trees. At first I kept close to the
farm darting in and out of the tree line my heart pounding with
the thrill of disobedience. The forest felt alive like it
was watching me testing me. With each step deeper the sounds
of the farm faded until all I could hear was the rustle of
leaves and distant calls of wild birds.
One morning feeling braver than usual.
I ventured farther than I ever had.
I counted my steps marking the time and after about 15 minutes,
I stumbled upon a clearing. It wasn't just any clearing.
It was perfectly round as if someone had drawn a giant Circle
in the middle of the Woods. The trees around it were
different too taller darker almost guarding it.
In the center of the clearing stood a figure my heart skipped
a beat. It was a man or so.
I thought standing perfectly still and facing right at me.
I ducked behind a tree my breath shallow watching him.
But he didn't move not an inch. Curiosity got the better of my
fear. I aged closer hiding behind
another tree then another until I could see him clearly.
He wasn't a man. He was a scarecrow.
Relief washed over me followed by a burst of laughter at my own
fright, but this scarecrow was different from any I'd seen
before he was dressed in a red checked shirt with a straw hat
perched jauntly on his head and he had a wide smile stitched
across his face from one ear to the other.
He looks so real so lifelike standing there.
I wondered why someone would put so much effort into making a
scarecrow look that good and then hide him away in a clearing
where no one could see him. Drawn by a mix of admiration and
curiosity. I stepped into the clearing the
ground felt softer here almost sacred as I approached.
I tried to convince myself that it was just a scarecrow but
something about the way his eyes seemed to follow me made my skin
crawl. I reached out a hesitant hand
and touched his arm. It was solid but strangely warm
not like straw should be. I pulled back quickly my mind
racing with questions who made him and why what was he guarding
in this Secret Circle the forest seemed to lean in listening to
my thoughts the leaves Whispering Secrets.
I couldn't quite catch. I knew I should head back that I
had been gone too long already, but the mystery of the Scarecrow
called to me promising answers and Adventures as I turned to
leave. I promised myself.
I'd return if only to prove that.
It was just a scarecrow nothing more but deep down I wasn't so
sure. Every chance I got I sneaked
back to the clearing the days turned into weeks and the weeks
into a month and every visit made the Scarecrow Peter.
I had named him seem more like a friend than just a bunch of
straw and old clothes. The clearing became my secret
place my escape from the loneliness that draped over the
farm like the endless Skies. I'd sit with Peter for hours
talking about everything and nothing.
I told him about school the books.
I was reading and even the Little Adventures I had on the
farm. It sounds silly talking to a
scarecrow, but Peter was a great listener.
He never interrupted never judged just stood there with his
stitched smile as if encouraging me to continue.
Peter I'd often start as if he could respond do you think it's
weird? I don't have real friends.
I'd wait half expecting him to nod or give some sign.
Of course. He never did but in my head, I
imagine him understanding offering silent solidarity.
As summer faded into Autumn the magic of the clearing seemed to
fade, too. The leaves turned golden and
fell carpeting the ground in a crunchy colorful Mosaic that
muted our footsteps. Peter began to change as well
his once vibrant shirt faded the colors dulling with the season
his smile seemed less welcoming more a Grimace stitched in place
and sometimes I could swear his once Lively eyes looked a bit
emptier. Despite these changes.
I can continue my visits. Each day.
I noticed something new about Peter that seemed different the
realistic. Look of his skin seemed to Sag
losing its lifelike luster and the illusion of his breathing
which I once swore I saw had stopped all together.
It was as if Peter was slowly turning back into what he really
was a scarecrow. One particularly chilly after
noon as I sat sketching Peter's fading form.
I couldn't shake off a feeling of sadness.
You're not the same anymore. I murmured more to myself than
to him. I guess nothing stays magical
forever, huh? It felt like our time together
was a kind of Summer that had passed leaving behind only
memories and a longing for something that could never be
recaptured. I started visiting less often
driven Away by the cold and the creeping realization that Peter
was just an object. My trips to the clearing became
weekly then monthly. Eventually the ground froze over
and snow covered the paths. I once walked so eagerly.
The barrier of winter made the woods seemed impenetrable a
world away from the warmth of my room in the crackling fire at
home. winter turned into spring and with the Melt came a new
beginning I decided to visit Peter again propelled by a mix
of nostalgia and the hope that maybe just maybe the magic had
returned with the new blooms. But as I approached the clearing
my heart sank, it wasn't just that Peter looked more worn than
ever. It was that he didn't give off
the same sense of companionship. He was truly just a scarecrow
now. In that moment.
I realized I had outgrown the clearing and Peter the
loneliness. I felled wasn't about not having
friends. It was about not letting myself
be part of the world beyond the farm.
I needed more than a silent friend.
I needed to find a place where I belonged with people who could
answer back when I spoke to them.
As I left the clearing that day. I knew it was probably for the
last time. Peter had been a good friend in
his way, but some friends I realized are just meant for a
season. It was surreal being back on the
farm after all these years. University had changed me I had
friends now real ones who laughed and talked back who
didn't have straw for brains or Smiles stitched into their
faces. But there I was back in my old
room. The walls echoing the silence I
had left behind. The lockdown had driven everyone
to their safe places. And ironically this was supposed
to be mine. One evening as the sun was
setting casting Long Shadows across the fields my mom and I
sat on the porch sipping tea. The conversation turned to the
neighbor's and she mentioned Linda the new lady living next
to Mr. Hitchcock's place. My heart skipped a beat at his
name. I hadn't thought about the
clearing or the scarecrows for years.
What happened to Mr. Hinchcliffe?
I asked trying to sound casual but my voice trembled slightly.
Mom's side looking down into her teeth.
Oh Charlie, it was awful. She began her voice low.
He died last year. They found him in the woods.
Not far from here. She paused her eyes meeting mine
filled with sadness. He wasn't alone.
A chill ran down my spine not alone.
My thoughts raced to Dark Places to possibilities.
I hadn't let myself consider before they found a woman with
him. Mom continued her voice barely a
whisper now. strapped to a pole dressed up like one of his
scarecrows the police said She choked up unable to finish.
My mind reeled the scarecrows the visits the talking it all
came crashing back a Title Wave of horror and disbelief.
What did they do to her I managed to ask my voice
strained. She survived barely they had to
hospitalize her immediately. Mom explained Tears In Her Eyes.
the police they found more Charlie dozens of bodies buried
on his land. Mr. Hinchcliffe had been using
people for his scarecrows. I felt sick the ground beneath
me seeming to shift all these years talking to what a person.
My silent companions were not just scarecrows.
They were victims their realities far more gruesome than
I could have imagined the nights that followed were restless.
I was haunted by memories of the clearing of Peter and the others
that came after him each visit each conversation now painted
with a Macabre brush. How could I not have known was
there ever a moment when the truth nearly revealed itself to
me, but I was too caught up in my own loneliness to see it.
Weeks passed and the green lushness of Summer enveloped the
farm. I decided to visit the clearing
once more compelled by a need for closure.
The walk was familiar yet everything felt different the
trees the path the very air seemed to hold a somber note.
The clearing was just as I remembered but it was empty now.
No scarecrows know Peter just a circle of grass and a sense of
loss. Standing there.
I realized how much I had changed the farm the woods the
clearing. They know longer felt like home.
They were just places tinged with memories two painful to
hold onto. As I turned to leave a small
hopeful part of me wished to remember the good. the Innocents
the solace but some stories don't get the endings.
We write for them in our heads they end with the harsh truth a
reminder of the world's complexity and the Shadows that
linger just beyond the tree line.
I used to be that guy who would do anything just for a buck.
Well, actually I still am that guy.
I'm also someone who is lucky enough to be able to fix just
about anything. You might refer to me as a
handyman of sorts. So anytime I could pick up some
side work for cash. I was totally in.
I'm not really sure exactly how long ago this happened, but I
was in my early twenties for sure.
I'm 33 now for a point of reference.
At the time I was struggling a bit to make ends meet.
My girlfriend at the time told me about Craig's List and
mentions that there was a chance to make some money there.
I'd heard about Craig's List but never really gave it a shot.
I didn't know that work was posted there though.
Once I started exploring Craigslist.
I found a lot of job offers people looking for painting yard
work and even Plumbing. I was weighing my options and
trying to find the best posting for me and I ended up answering
this post from a guy named Steve.
He was really weird. Just my straight up first.
Impression of the guy was not great.
He was middle-aged short and a little round.
He had these huge eyes that bulged out of his head and was
rocking that sort of horseshoe haircut, you know, the one on
the top and hair on the sides. But weird appearances aside.
He was going to pay me some pretty good money to basically
build him a little room in his basement.
Specifically he wanted to finish a small chunk of his basement
and make it into a sort of man cave.
We set up times where I could go and work for several hours at a
time and he would pay me after each session.
The house itself was weird. It was a big house in a nice
neighborhood. But the inside of the house was
kind of gross and basically empty.
It looked like a frat house even though the guy was middle-aged.
In the basement Steve at already bought a ton of supplies
everything I needed for the job. And then some he explained in
detail exactly how he wanted everything.
This guy had intricate Blueprints and everything and I
made sure that I constantly checked with him before I did
any more work just because I wanted to make sure that we were
always on the same page. Other than being weird Steve
wasn't a bad guy. We talked about the project a
bit and then he disappeared and I wouldn't see him again until I
left. After the first session, I
started bringing my brother with me from time to time.
The job was more ambitious than I had intended.
Whenever my brother came with me Steve would never come into the
basement. I had only see him when I was
alone. For the next few weeks.
We worked on the basement whenever we could find the time.
We thought it was weird that Steve only wanted to finish a
small portion of the basement and not the whole room.
He clearly had more than enough supplies.
So it just seemed weird to want to renovate a small little room
my brother and I would constantly talk about how he
could ever even turn this into a man cave.
It was going to be so small that you could barely fit a love seat
in the room. But ultimately the conversation
always led to us not caring because we were getting paid.
One late afternoon while we were there.
I was finishing putting up a door for the small room, and I
was proud of the little room that I had built.
The door was nearing the finishing touches.
My brother was out in the truck just grabbing some tools and
probably having a cigarette. Steve must have thought that I
was alone because he joined me in the basement.
He looked eager and excited as I was finishing putting up the
door. I made some comments about the
door being ready and without notice Steve kicked me in the
knee and pushed me into the room slamming the door behind me
while I was getting to my feet. I could hear him putting some
type of lock on the door at this point trying to process what was
happening. I tried to open the door, but
just as I expected Steve had locked it somehow I remember he
starts yelling something like your mind now you're staying
here and you're not leaving. He just kept repeating versions
of that same sentence repeatedly, I tried banging on
the door, but it wasn't doing anything.
I tried pleading with the guy, but he just kept screaming at
me. After only a few minutes of this
nonsense, I heard a loud thud loud enough that I could feel
the vibration through the door. In my confusion and panic State.
I had totally forgotten that my brother was still out.
He started making his way down stairs and witnessed everything
that had just happened. My brother wasted no time and
hits Steve in the head with a wrench and that apparently was
the loud thud that I had heard second's prior.
While Steve was unconscious on the ground, my brother was able
to find the key to the padlock in his pocket and also found two
different pocket knives on him. My brother got me out of that
room and we immediately called the police.
While we were waiting my brother pretty much stood over Steve and
made sure that he stayed unconscious.
When the police finally showed up Steve was arrested for
attempting to keep me as a prisoner or something like that.
I'm so thankful that my brother was there that day though.
I still get freaked out thinking about this Steve character and
what ever his intentions were that day?
If my brother wasn't there who knows how long I could have been
stuck there? I'm not sure what happened to
Steve after this ordeal. I tried to move on and forget
about it. And this is the first time I'm
even revisiting this memory since it happened.
It was probably the stupidest thing that guy could have done
but also the scariest. I'm a geologist by training but
my heart led me to become a ranger in the southeast United
States. The serenity of the Wilderness
the Whispering Pines and the untouched beauty of nature.
It was all I ever wanted but as time passed the isolation grew
on me. My only company was the
occasional visitor and the memories of my college days.
Of course, we all have the typical Ranger riffraff and I'd
be lying if I said I didn't make it at least a few friends.
I'm a bit of an introvert. So a majority of the Ranger
types. I met reminded me a little bit
of Frat Boys. However, I did find some folks.
I liked to hike and fish with but for the most part I did my
duty and spent a lot of time alone.
I worked in the fields for about 20 years in total.
One day about a decade ago an elderly couple caught my eye.
They were not your typical tourists.
There was a certain familiarity in their eyes a kind of longing.
They were from out west visiting the park.
They had gotten engaged in many moons ago.
They were searching for a particular spot a fragment of
their past and capsulated in a photograph but age and time had
reshaped the landscape. Moved by their story I offered
to help them. We poured over the photographs
their wrinkled hands pointing out landmarks their voices
trembling with anticipation. I escorted them in my vehicle
the silence punctuated by their soft Whispers in the crunching
of gravel underneath the tires. We hiked the last stretch the
forest echoing with the rustle of leaves underneath our feet.
When I say I escorted them, I mean they followed along in
their Toyota 4Runner. There was no way I was going to
help these City Slickers way out into the Wilderness only for
them to have no way of getting back.
They had boots and a Forex 4 enough to tell me they took off
road travel seriously, but I was still pretty cautious about how
far I would take them. It was still early in the
afternoon and my duties were finished for the day.
So I spent an hour or so bumping around the backside of a basin
along the river as I knew their location had to be near this
area. The rock the tree the way the
Earth dipped away in the photo. This area had all the stuff at
needed. It was a Dead Ringer.
Sure is sunrise I ended up being right.
We parked our rigs in hike down the short Ravine that took us
very near The Waters Edge and right down there in this earthy
little pocket looked exactly like what they showed me in the
photographs. I got down first helped out the
wife next and then the husband. They were over the moon.
We found the spot a picturesque Bend along the river bathed in
the soft glow of the Setting Sun.
I left them there Two Silhouettes against the dying
light a picture of Timeless love.
It's beautiful to me that they made such a trip not just the
miles over the land but through the very envelope of time
itself. They were out here to satisfy
their young girl devotions of love.
I know it all sounds silly. But this was the kind of
affection that sued me to be a ranger affection for the land
for man kind for every fleeting moment in between all that.
It's bleeding heart dribble, but it's how I feel.
As I returned to my station a strange unease griped me I
couldn't tell you why but something was just off.
They explained it clear as day. They wanted to share an
afternoon in that old area retakes some photos and all that
good stuff. for the most part pretty typical visitor activity
However, the vibe of that old couple just carried a different
energy by the time I got back to my post.
I had convinced myself that I had messed up.
As a park ranger, you can imagine that's a poor feeling to
have like you fail to do your job.
I decided to wait for them to ensure that they would leave
safely. Night fell and the park was
bathed in Eerie silence. The other day Trippers trickled
out like sand through an hourglass, but as the closing
hour approached all the traffic choked off into nothing not even
a stragglers headlight bumping along in the distance.
I called to the other check stations in the area and got
vague reports, but nobody could confirm that the elderly couple
had exited in a Toyota 4Runner. The couple had an left I could
feel it in my damn bones. Never since that day have I had
such a gut feeling like that anxiety knowing at me?
I left my assistant at the entrance station in retrace the
drive. I took back into the canyon.
There wasn't a soul save for a couple of overnight campers that
we already knew about as they had the proper permits and
paperwork. I bumped along until I got to
the dropdown and there I saw the Forerunner just sitting there in
the dark. It was eerie and made me start
to sweat. I actually remember my mouth
getting over salivated like my glands were about to go haywire,
and I was about to throw up. Fingers shaking beyond belief.
I shifted into park and killed the engine but left the
headlights on it was dark out there and I knew I was going to
need all the help I could get finding them.
I hiked down to the Ravine lost my nerve and just kind of waited
there for a minute. Their car was here.
So I knew what I was about to find probably something bad.
I called out a few times hoping maybe I would be wrong that they
just got a little off course or maybe couldn't make the short
climb back up to the car. Only silence answered me though.
So I manned up and finished The Descent down to the shore of the
river the sight that greeted me was as beautiful as it was
horrifying Moonlight helped me out of it.
I could see some form sprawled out in the dirt below a tree
legs pointed toward the water. It looked like I may be even
Disturbed them as if they were just bundled up cutting beneath
the endless Stars overhead. Hey ranger district here.
I called out softly. They didn't move.
I took a quaking breath and lit the scene up with my flashlight
there. They lay spooning on the
riverbank motionless their faces were Serene a sense of finality
hung in the air. They were both dead, but they
didn't look scary or miserable. It was the weirdest thing coming
up on them like that and having that premonition earlier.
Like this would be their fate. They clearly weren't murdered.
This was some kind of planned suicide by the look of it.
I seriously doubted they both dropped dead of Strokes or heart
attacks at the exact same time. I called the cops my mind in a
whirlwind of confusion and sorrow the following hours were
a blur of flashlights hushed conversations and deep
overwhelming sadness. The police disclosed their
identities but little else. It was only later on that.
I learned the heartbreaking truth of the matter.
The wife was terminally ill. Her life slowly being claimed by
cancer. They had chosen to end their
lives together in the place where their Journey had begun.
That news Hit me hard, but I found solace in the thought that
they were at peace together in death as they had been in life.
They hadn't asked for help because they didn't want to
implicate anyone else. Their final Act was a testament
to their love a love. So profound that they chose to
embrace Death at a place etched in their memory under the vast
in different sky. Their story though tragic
touched me deeply and was a stark reminder of the transients
of life and the enduring Power of Love.
As I walked the trails of the park under the Towering trees
and along the winding River. I'll always remember them.
Two souls who found their final resting place in the corner of
the world that they loved leaving behind a story that
Echoes In The Silence of that wilderness.
I've spent years working as a ranger in a desert Park growing
a custom to the harsh conditions and Eerie silence that comes
with patrolling this unforgiving landscape.
The park is a remote gem offering breathtaking views that
few other places can match, but it's not for the faint of heart.
Temperature soared during the summer months and the isolation
can be overwhelming. That's why during the offseason.
We only allow day visitors. It's just too dangerous for
anyone to venture in alone, especially when the Mercury
Rises. as a non-peaceful but one particular summer a few
years ago was very different. The heat was oppressive even for
a seasoned Ranger like myself. It beat down relentlessly making
every step feel like a chore. My colleagues and I were
restless searching for anything to break the monotony.
That's when we receive the reports multiple cars had been
spotted entering and exiting the south side of the park and some
visitors claim to be seeing masked individuals running along
the roads. At first we thought it was just
some college kids filming a project or a group of Thrill
Seekers looking for some kind of rush.
But as those sightings continued we couldn't shake the feeling
that something was off. Our supervisor a grizzled old
Ranger named Alan called a meeting to discuss the
situation. We Gather it around the map
table sipping coffee and swapping theories some thought
it might be a group of poachers others believed.
It was just a prank on wrong. But Alan had a hunch that it was
something more sinister. He proposed that we break into
patrols and conduct a full survey of the park covering
every Trail and road to get to the bottom of this mystery.
There were a lot of us that offseason.
So we had the manpower to conduct a thorough top to bottom
investigation of the park. We couldn't check every little
back road, but we covered all the main drags intersections
parking lots and campgrounds the places that would be able to
house a lot of traffic cars and people I was paired with my
colleague Rachel a new Ranger with a keen eye for detail.
We set out in our truck armed with water snacks and a healthy
dose of skepticism the sun beat down on us as we drove the radio
crackling with static as we venture deeper into the park
Rachel and I had our own theories.
I was convinced it was some kind of poaching scenario the masks
that were reported were just an image in my head guys and trucks
tailgates down ready to load up their kill.
As we patrolled the silence was eerie.
No birds seemed to be chirping. No insects were buzzing just the
hum of our engine and the soft crunch of gravel beneath our
tires. We saw no other signs of life.
No indication of what we were searching for just the endless
expanse of the deserts stretching out like an oven
baked canvas. We stopped at each Trailhead
scanning The Horizon for any sign of activity.
Rachel checked the maps keeping an eye out for anything that
might attract the riffraff. I searched for any sign of
recent human activity Footprints tire tracks anything that might
give us a lead. Between the map and Landscape we
were coming up dry. That being said there were 20
teams looking over the lowlands. We were only searching one
little part. Just because we didn't find
anything didn't mean the same for the others.
The hours ticked by the sun climbing higher in the sky.
We still found nothing no signs of life.
No signs of trouble just the desert waiting patiently for us
to uncover. Whatever was going on out there.
After a while though Rachel and I ran out of things to do we
were looping through the same trailheads checking the same
back ways. There wasn't a sign of anything
out there. We were starting to get hungry
and low on fuel. We decided to buzz back to base
refuel ourselves in the truck and then maybe get orders for a
different area. As we drove back to the station
the radio crackled alive. Allen's voice came through his
tone very serious. All patrols be advised.
We received another report of a masked individual this time near
the old mine shaft proceed with caution.
Rachel and I exchanged a look this was getting serious.
We hit the gas our truck now speeding towards The Mineshaft
ready to face, whatever lay ahead.
Allen sounded Dreadful over the radio.
So we really didn't know what to expect or what to think as we
arrived at The Mineshaft. The other Rangers were already
scouring the area their trucks parked haphazardly around the
entrance. We joined the search our eyes
scanning the dusty terrain for any sign of these masked
individuals. There was nothing.
No sign of them no sign of any recent human activity just the
remnants of past visitors cigarette butts spent shell
casing and all kinds of various litter.
Still it was creepy. The mine was this old derelict
thing dropped right into the top of the hillside.
There was a wooden frame and a portion of a ladder that fed you
straight into darkness, but beyond that it was just
collapsed. There might be little offshoots
a person could hide in but there was no way we were going down
there to look for anybody. That didn't need help.
Rachel and I exchanged a look our initial excitement
dwindling. Now it seemed our theory about
college kids was correct some artistic project or prank
whatever the kid's do. We were about to pack up and
head back to the station When Alan called out.
Hold up folks. Let's leave a pair of Rangers
behind to keep an eye on the place just for a few hours just
in case. Two Rangers volunteered to stay
behind the rest of us loaded into our trucks and headed back
to the main base. As we came around a bend a voice
crackled over the radio. We got a vehicle parked behind
some rocks at the dog Campground looks suspicious.
We were coming down from the steep slope Hill that the mine
was on. We had a great vantage point of
the area on the south side of the park including a couple of
the outlying campgrounds. One of the rear Rangers while
looking down off the cliff just happened to spot a vehicle
hiding at one of these campgrounds.
Our Convoy quickly reoriented beginning the long slow descent
down the hillside towards that campsite.
This area was Notorious for attracting undesirables riffraff
and troublemakers who thought they could escape the law by
venturing into the parks furthest reaches.
The campground was a hotspot for illegal activity.
We approached it with caution. It's why we dubbed it the dog
Campground. There was always something dodgy
going on out there. It was usually harmless, but
still you can never be too sure. There were stories of tweakers
and all manner of whack jobs squatting on those fringes.
As we entered the campsite our eyes scan the area taking in the
scattered trash and abandoned gear.
The car was parked behind a cluster of rocks partially
hidden from view. We spread out our boots
crunching on the gravel as we began to investigate.
The first thing that we noticed the car was inoperable it was
white and black burned out so bad that nothing remained.
None of us wanted to approach. Obviously something seriously
illegal was going on Allen immediately called in the local
sheriff's department requesting deputies on the scene right
away. Then he sent a pair of us back
to the district building so they could lead the lawmen back to
the scene of whatever crime that we just discovered.
The air was Heavy with its ominous silence the only sound
of creaking trees and the distant home of a fly buzzing
around our heads. Rachel and I walked the
perimeter our eyes scanning the ground for any sign of activity.
The sun continued to be down on us casting Long Shadows across
the dusty Terrain. Again, nobody wanted to approach
that car. So we just milled around looking
for any other Clues. There were more casings and a
big chopping log that had some Cuts in it as well as some dark
staining. We really didn't know what to
make of that every step just seemed like a slow motion
nightmare as if we were being watched by unseen eyes, the
trees loomed over us their branches like skeletal fingers
reaching out to snatch us. I just couldn't shake that
feeling that we were walking into some kind of trap that
something or someone was waiting for us.
Just out of sight. As we approached the car, I
noticed it was old rusted and covered with a thick layer of
dust. The windows were blown out
leaving Long Jagged shards like teeth in the frame.
I tried the door handle melted in place.
Rachel and I exchanged another look our instincts screaming at
each other that something was off.
We began to circle the car searching for any signs of
forced entry or exit. And that's when I saw it what
looked like a head resting in the front seat.
I froze in place. Just kind of hollered for
everyone to freeze. Everyone did and Alan slowly
crept up to my side. My heart began to race as I
called out to the others. We got something here.
What is it man? Quit screaming Alan instructed
me. I pointed down to what I was
looking at. Alan peeked over my shoulder and
sucked in a breath then took a few steps back.
He could see a little more than I could just one more step was
all it took. I could see the corpse for what
it was. Not just burned to a crisp but
methodically dissected like a frog on a sixth grade science
lab table. It was hard to tell what was
what but it looked like someone had chopped the guy apart.
We all retreated from the car and tried to call himself down.
But at this point we were desperate for the sheriff to
arrive. That was at least an hour out.
I wish I could say that we got the answers and relief that we
desired when the law got there. They taped it off and started
taking photos, but when we explained the body and when they
saw it their entire demeanor seemed to change.
They dismissed us said they would reach out if they had any
further questions. When we came back to check on
the scene the next day that vehicle was gone as well as all
the trash from the area. We got the official report a few
weeks later. All of us were stunned.
The conclusion was suicide the man had been seat belted into
the vehicle and then set it on fire.
But before that someone had laid him out and removed his arms and
legs with a wood chopping axe probably The Chopping log that
we saw with those dark stains on top.
So how did he cut his own limbs off climb into the car put a
seatbelt on then lighted on fire.
Allen the lead for the district said there was a lot of illegal
drug trafficking in the area. It had to be related.
No other scenario made sense. It also made sense why the
sheriff's weren't too Keen to investigate there wasn't going
to be any leads or break throughs in a case like this.
This was a make or break experience for our department
that year. a lot of people moved on to different Parks different
occupations altogether murder at the edge of the world wasn't in
the job description and a lot of us felt like we were moments
away from walking into our own deaths that day.
Not me though. I stuck with the district and
still work in that unforgiving desert to this day.
I have a lot of cool weird stories, but this is definitely
the darkest thing to ever happen on the job.
I thought I had hit the lottery when I met my boyfriend's
family. His mother was so nice and
welcoming from day one. She immediately wanted to
include me in family traditions, even though I was just a
girlfriend back then. My boyfriend's father was a
little quiet and a typically manly man, but he was nice
enough to everyone. It felt beautiful and things
only got better when my boyfriend proposed.
I invited my mother in law along with my mother and sisters to
almost every event that I was having as the bride.
She cried when she saw me in my dress at the fitting and I can't
describe the kind of speech that she made at the wedding.
Those were some of the most beautiful words anyone has ever
said to me in my entire life. My own mother told me that I was
the luckiest girl alive to find such wonderful in-laws.
Because my paternal grandmother was I guess a raging lunatic in
short. She was never our grandmother
because she hated my mother so much.
But as it stood my future children if and when I decided
to have them would have both sets of grandparents.
So my mother was excited for me. I should probably give everyone
some fake names to make things a little clearer here and keep
things relatively anonymous. I'll call my mother-in-law Laura
and my husband Ron. You should also understand that.
We're a Caucasian American family and this happened this
century. Obviously, no one was really
religious. My husband's family were
protesting Catholics, but not really churchgoers and my family
only attended church for weddings really in short.
There were no special clashes or really any signs of what would
come next. I can't say that there was any
evident flip of the switch because it all happened.
So gradually I was the literal frog in a pot of slowly boiling
water as I like to say. Ron and I went on our honeymoon
to the Bahamas and had a wonderful time.
We talked about nothing and everything at the same time.
One thing I made clear is that I was considering graduate school.
So I wanted to wait a few years before we started having any
children. We had only discussed these
things in general terms, but after marriage, you have to set
a few ground rules to really let each other know which direction
you're going in. Ron was completely supportive.
He said it was a wonderful idea to wait and we could save money
for the future get a better house Etc. amazing I thought
When we got back from our trip we settled into our daily
routines as a married couple I should have noticed at that
point what I didn't when we were dating or you could say that it
started at that time, but I began cooking all the meals and
Ron got sloppier than ever. We only lived together for a
year before we were married and he was never really that sloppy.
He liked cooking for me. But in this sort of New Normal
he was leaving things around not washing dishes telling me when
he needed laundry done and what I needed to make him for dinner.
I know that was a red flag right away, but you don't notice this
stuff when you're still riding the high of a wedding and
honeymoon. I was working too and
researching how and where to apply to graduate school how
much money we would have to spend and if I could juggle it
with my job. By the end of that first week
back. I was completely exhausted on
Sunday. I was looking forward to
sleeping in just sort of rotting in bed all day.
Instead Ron dropped the bomb on me that his parents were coming
for lunch. So I needed to get the house
ready. I asked him why he didn't tell
me sooner and he replied that he thought he did.
And anyway, this would be our weekly routine now.
He said Excuse me. I asked what he meant by that
and he said that his mother had decided that we needed to have a
weekly lunch or dinner because she didn't want us to lose touch
with daily life. I told him I would have been
fine with that. If only he had discussed it with
me earlier and I'm tired from that crazy week previously.
Ron said that if I didn't want to do it, I should be the one to
call his mother and tell her I was so angry and honestly, I
loved Laura so much that I wouldn't dare do such a thing.
I got up from bed and told Ron that if we were working so hard
on a Sunday. He had to help and he agreed.
Laura and her husband who will call Anthony arrived after I
spent the entire morning making a nice lunch.
And what did Ron do he mowed the lawn?
I guess that was something but anyway, we sat down to lunch.
Laura wanted to know all about our honeymoon and we laughed
telling her stories and such. After lunch, Ron and his father
went to the back patio to drink and talk.
I didn't like that because it left me with all the dishes.
Luckily. I had Laura who volunteered to
help and I thanked her gladly. I felt comfortable enough to
talk to her about the few things that I was currently dealing
with. I told her that her son was
becoming sloppier than he'd ever been and she just sort of
laughed and said something along the lines of that always happens
to men when they get married. I asked her what she did to
change that and she looked at me funny.
She didn't understand why I wanted to change that.
She told me I simply had to follow along because I was
married. And becoming a wife meant taking
care of my husband. I laughed I honestly and truly
thought that she was kidding in that moment.
And there was no way this amazing woman was telling me
something so 1950s. She had to be joking.
When I looked at her again, she wasn't laughing with me.
Laura was staring me dead in the face and I kind of lost my
breath for a second from how creepy it was.
I'm not kidding. She said and showed only a
little annoyance as she continued.
She said it was her job for years to take care of her
husband, and she also asked if I was looking down on her.
I immediately shook my head. I couldn't believe that she
would interpret my laughter that way but I also explained that I
was working just as hard as him. And that we should be sharing
the household responsibilities and everything that entails.
Laura grabbed my arm and squeezed a little too hard for
comfort. but not enough for me to complain in the moment and
she says This marriage and when you have kids it'll be harder
and you have to prepare for that.
I want my grandkids to grow up in a good home.
I tried to loosen her fingers and said that was fine, but Ron
and I had discussed kids and we wouldn't be having them anytime
soon the arms squeezing got painful this time.
She asked what I was talking about and I told her that Ron
and I had agreed to wait because I was going to grad school.
Finally, she let my arm go in through the dish plate that she
had been helping me dry onto the sink.
I actually jumped at the noise. She told me I couldn't wait to
have children. I was getting too old I guess.
28 is old and I needed to start having children immediately or
they would come out and I won't write this but she used the
r-word and other not so nice terms then she went into a
lecture about women prioritizing the wrong things according to
her a career wasn't important for a woman.
What mattered was family only besides I already had a college
degree in a good job. Why would I need anything else?
I had accomplished everything and it was time to focus on the
future. Now don't get me wrong.
I wasn't being persuaded by this very Antiquated rant, but I was
in such shock that she would say these kinds of things to me one
reason. I mentioned our country race and
religion and more is that I understand people in other
places still have these sorts of expectations in their society,
but not in modern America. I thought not the one I grew up
in or the one I thought I was marrying into yet.
I was so stunned that I just sort of took it.
When Laura finished her rant she went to grab the dish plate
again, but I lowered my voice to something very soothing and
asked her to sit down. I served her some tea and got
back to work to finish the dishes.
When I picked up her empty cup, she gently took my arm again and
said don't tell Ron any of this. These are wife worries.
He doesn't need to know. Screw that I thought.
I sat Ron down that night as soon as his parents left which
took way longer than I expected and launched almost turned into
a nightmare. I was worried about having to
make them dinner, but I also told my husband that I wasn't
going to put up with any of this attitude and I didn't sign up to
be a housewife. I was going to advance my career
and he was going to be my partner not a child that I had
to take care of. If he couldn't do that, I
thought that we might have to get divorced and he panicked and
he apologized and said that he hadn't noticed what he was doing
and he was sorry. Well good.
I thought but I needed more than just apologies.
I wanted a real change in him. And this did work.
Following that conversation Ron went back to being the partner
that he had been before marriage.
The problem was of course Laura my mother-in-law whom I really
couldn't talk to like I did with my husband.
I agreed to Sunday lunch every week just to keep the peace, but
Laura began to show up more often.
It was always after I had arrived from work on the first
surprise visit. She knocked and I opened and let
her in not so gladly but what could I really do?
She came to show me something under the guise of welcoming me
more into the family. It was a cookbook a copy of the
one all the women in their family had at home.
It was very nice. But she made me cook one of the
recipes that night and she stayed and she didn't help at
all. Laura said that I had to learn
on my own because she wouldn't be there forever.
Ron arrived and we sat down and she left without helping to
clean up. Another day, she showed up with
my father-in-law's shirts to teach me how to sew buttons.
Another time her lesson was a special way to do laundry that
left things softer and better. And I was kind of losing my
patience with her. I told Ron and he said he would
have a talk with her later. She wanted me to come over and
at first it was different because she was buttering me up.
She fed me cookies and showed me old photo albums of Ron as a
child. I knew this was a sort of
persuade me to have kids type of day and I just sort of nodded
and smiled. But one night was terrible for
me. I don't remember if I had a bad
day at work or if I was just feeling awful.
But when I saw that Laura was waiting for me, I just knew that
something would happen. I tried to hold it in and let
her inside the house listening to her.
Happy chatter about some friend of hers who had just become a
grandma. She looked at my house and told
me that I needed to start vacuuming more often because it
was getting too Dusty. And I said that I would soon.
She started making sniffing noises and said that I needed to
do more cleaning too because the house smelled musty.
I stepped into the kitchen for some water and she followed.
There were honestly like two dishes in the sink that I hadn't
cleaned that morning because I was running a little late and
Laura started clicking her tongue and shaking her head.
She said something like deer it's your responsibility to keep
the house in shape. I'm coming here more often.
I need to train you. And that was it.
I spit out the gulp of water that I had just taken and
coughed for a while before I could start speaking or really
shouting but I did and I told her there was no training me.
I wasn't a dog I wasn't a maid. Two dishes and a little dust
doesn't matter and her son didn't marry me to get live in
help that he could sleep with. I admit that I was very rude and
kind of hysterical and to be honest.
I expected a little push back. Laura should have gotten just as
crazy with me, and I thought that she would scold me for
raising my voice and go into another 19th. but she didn't I
saw her face become completely stoic and her mouth was tightly
shut and her nostrils were flaring only a little Then she
left the kitchen and got out of my house.
I would have followed in apologize, but I was too tired.
I was sure that I would see her later obviously and we could
just have that conversation. I considered that Ron probably
never spoke to her about our agreement.
Perhaps Laura would call him crying about the way that I
spoke to her. I look forward to that to this
open communication, you know. But my husband got home kissed
me and we went about our night as normal as ever he was tired,
but he helped me with the dishes was affectionate, and we went to
bed on great terms. all right, I thought Laura wanted to keep
these things between us and maybe that's why she had asked
me not to tell Ron about these wife worries.
But the next morning I decided to apologize when she came over
and we could sit down and talk. Laura didn't come and she didn't
answer any of my calls. I asked Ron if everything was
all right with her and he said that he talked to her and
everything seemed fine. I gave her a few days before I
decided to go to her house my father in law answered the door
and said Laura wasn't feeling too well.
So I left and then I have to admit that I didn't try harder.
I got busy at work and with the upcoming deadlines for grad
school, Ron and I were happy at home.
So Laura kind of just slipped into the back of my mind.
Also, my boss was supervising everything.
I did more than usual for some reason.
Months passed and things were a little sad for me because none
of the schools that I had applied to accepted me.
And I was pretty bummed out. Around that time Ron got busy at
work too life, you know and before I knew it it was now
Thanksgiving and we were going to Laura's house.
She was hosting the extended family and I hadn't seen most of
them since the wedding. And so to be nice and a little
kiss ass. I cooked an apple pie from the
recipe book that Laura gave me I brought it in and she wrinkled
her nose and said something snarky like she didn't think
that I wanted to be a maid in a cook.
I let it go because she obviously was still angry at me.
The issue later was that almost everyone at the party of avoided
me. At first I thought that I was
just imagining things but people stealthily left rooms whenever I
was around. A few conversations stopped when
I stepped out of the kitchen onto the back porch.
Throughout the evening. Ron didn't even notice but I was
getting more concerned after dinner while everyone was still
outside. I managed to Corner Laura in the
Kitchen. I apologize for yelling at her
and went through my list of excuses and justifications and I
blame myself entirely just to get on her good side.
Laura put down a tray of empty drinking glasses on her kitchen
counter and turned to me and she started thanking me for the
apology, but it was too late. I had shown her that I wasn't
good enough for her son, but she was going to make sure that I
changed that soon. She said I asked her what she
was talking about. Laura crossed her arms and
insisted that I would be arranging my attitude soon.
Laura was never a scary person. But the way she looked at me.
She wasn't the woman who had cried at seeing my wedding
dress. I held my ground though.
I said that I wasn't going to change and what's more Ron loved
me the way I was? She smiled and chuckled all very
condescendingly. Laura said that he didn't love
me fully right now because he needed a real wife just like his
mother. I had a chance to become that
type of wife with her help, but I had squandered it which gave
her no other choice but to intervene what intervene how and
Laura came out with the entire truth.
She said that she had called all my schools because my husband
told her which ones I had applied to and made sure to
speak very badly about me. She also found out my boss was
married to her aunt's friend called him too.
She said soon I won't have school or work.
So you only will focus on Ron that's your purpose.
And I really couldn't believe it.
Our thing happened months ago and never in my wildest dreams.
Would I have suspected anything like this?
I asked her why she was telling me because I could easily expose
her wrongdoings to the family and she laughed at me again the
sort of little Huff sound and asked who would believe me.
And I knew this was the reason people were avoiding me that
day. She had said something to turn
the family against me and they were only being polite for Ron's
sake. Except it was obviously more
than that as she smuggling started telling me Laura told
everyone that I was alienating her from her son.
She told me that Ron barely visited her because I didn't
allow it. And that I wanted to make him
have a vasectomy so we would never have kids.
It was insane. It was diabolical really.
And nothing like the woman I had known.
I think Laura had been waiting to tell me her planes like a
villain in a movie who details his entire plot right before
killing the hero because she just sighed happily after she
was done. It was insane though.
I was barely breathing thinking what would be her final blow and
what I even survived all of this.
But I guess I did. But Ron and I didn't as soon as
we got home, I just broke down. I was sobbing and snot was
coming out of my nose in a disgusting display.
And after a while I realized that Ron wasn't very comforting
to me. He had sat on our couch and
crossed his arms, and he looked so much like Laura and his next
words were in Echo of what she said and I didn't want to hear
it, but I did. Ron told me that I should have
listened to his mother and he thought that I would be a great
housewife just like her and that it was my duty to become what I
was meant to be and that meant that he had wanted all of this.
Although he hadn't said a thing and had supported me before.
When he was done practically scolding me I asked why he had
taken my side the times that I had talked to him and Ron
thought that I would come around to what really mattered.
He said. Also, he hoped that getting me
pregnant might help. But he shut up and just stood.
I don't think he meant to tell me that part though.
But he did and I don't know precisely what he was doing
about my birth control, but I believed him capable of anything
at this point. Either way.
I knew things at that moment were over but I had one final
question for him. Did you and Laura plan for all
of this together? And Ron didn't answer but he got
that same stoic look just like his mothers.
I can't describe it very well, but his silence just made me
violent. I lunged at him slapped him as
hard as I could. Now I know I was wrong.
I know I shouldn't have laid hands on him, but I told him to
get that look off of his face immediately.
I was repeating myself, but I told him more like screamed at
him in no uncertain terms that I was not some perfect housewife
to be bullied around and that's not what we had planned and out
of nowhere a slap came back at me.
Logically, I knew it was payback because I had done it first but
the pain that radiated from my cheekbone all the way down to my
toes was nothing like I had ever felt before.
I wanted to fall back down on my butt and saw some more but the
look of hatred in Ron's eyes stopped me in my place.
I wondered if he would hit me more but he shook his head and
just left for the night. I don't know whether I had been
stupid not to leave early or as soon as his mother started
acting weird, but I wasn't going to be an idiot any longer.
I came from a family full of strong women who would tell me
to walk away, but it was just so Bittersweet the entire last year
of my life the dream wedding honeymoon and family that I had
started to make was over. I packed my bags and was ready
to go in less than an hour. Ron returned as I was readying
my car and I braced for something but we only stared at
each other before he gave me a parting shots saying you'll
never find anyone like me and of course he was right.
I found someone even better. As time went on I ironically I
am a stay at home mom, but I have a real partner who wants me
to be a real parent and husband once he gets off of work.
I did go to graduate Dell and I hope to get back to my career.
Once the kids are older. Oh and I quit that job almost
immediately and I am sad to report that I do believe Ron and
Laura found themselves a little Cinderella to exploit.
But to make a long story short, they're not my circus not my
monkeys anymore. This story happened in the early
2000s at my grandparents place in Ohio.
It was early summer July. Every summer my sister Emily and
I spent two weeks at our grandparents old farmhouse
nestled deep in the woods. It was a cherished tradition
filled with laughter games and the comforting scent of
Grandma's homemade pies. The sprawling fields and dense
forest were our playground a stark contrast to our Suburban
life. This was where our fondest
childhood memories were made. The days were idyllic.
We'd help Grandpa 10 to the cows milking them in the early
morning. Mist and feeding the chickens as
the sun rose. Grandma's Garden was a colorful
Patchwork of flowers and vegetables and we spent hours
weeding watering and picking the rapist produce for dinner.
The evenings were spent around a bonfire roasting marshmallows
and listening to Grandpa's stories about the old days.
We would fall asleep to the sound of crickets feeling safe
and loved. But as We Grew Older subtle
Oddities began to surface. The first time we noticed
something strange was during the summer when I was 14 and Emily
was 10. It started with sounds soft
rustling outside our room at night.
At first we dismissed it as the creaking of an old house or the
natural sounds of the Woods. But as the knights wore on the
noises became impossible to ignore.
One evening after an especially. Joyful day spent playing hide
and seek in the forest Emily and I lay in bed Whispering about
the Curious sounds. Do you think it's just the house
settling Emily asked her voice trembling slightly?
I don't know. I replied trying to sound braver
than I felt. Maybe it's just the wind.
But deep down we both knew something wasn't right the next
night as the house grew quiet and the familiar rustling began.
We heard something new hurried footsteps echoing through the
Halls. At first they seemed to stop
outside our room but soon they traveled throughout the entire
house. We clung to each other our
hearts pounding. The sound was too deliberate Too
Human to be the wind or settling would.
One night the footsteps grew louder sounding almost like
someone was sprinting through the house.
Terrified, but curious Emily and I decided to investigate we
crept out of our room the floorboards creaking under our
weight as we move down the hall way the sounds grew more intense
echoing off the walls. Maybe we should ask Grandma and
Grandpa Emily whispered clutching my arm.
They'll know what's going on. We hesitated outside our
grandparents bedroom door the footsteps seeming to come from
all around us. Gathering my courage I knocked
Softly. There was no response.
I turned the doorknob slowly pushing the door open a crack.
Suddenly a voice behind us made us jump.
What do you two doing up so late?
Grandpa's voice was gentle but it startled us.
We spun around to see our grandparents standing behind us
in the dim Hall way. Their faces were shadowed making
their expressions hard to read. We heard noises.
I stammered it sounded like someone running through the
house. Grandma smiled but it didn't
reach her eyes. You shouldn't worry about that.
It's just the house settling U2 should be asleep.
They ushered us back to our room their presence both comforting
and unsettling. As they took us in we tried to
shake off the fear, but the look in their eyes lingered in my
mind. The next morning everything
seemed normal again. Our grandparents were their
usual loving selves but Emily and I couldn't forget the events
of the night before. Determined to uncover the truth.
We decided to stay up late again and see if we could figure out
what was causing the noises. That night Emily and I crept
into our grandparents room while they were still in the garden we
hid in their cupboard leaving the door open just a crack to
peek out. We waited Hearts pounding in our
chests as night fell and the house grew silent.
The footsteps started again the sound of hurried almost frantic
movements through the house. Then with an unnerving
suddenness our grandparents stood up from their bed and
sprinted out of the room. Their movements were so rapid
and on natural that Emily and I could hardly believe our eyes.
We sat in the cupboard barely daring to breathe.
After what felt like an eternity they returned to the room their
faces blank and expressionless. They moved around the room with
Erie speed and then to our horror grandma stopped directly
in front of the cupboard. She bent down peeking through
the small Gap in the door her eyes locking onto hours.
She began to laugh. It started as a low chuckle but
soon grew louder more Manic and it went on for hours her eyes.
Never left the small opening where we hid she didn't move
didn't blink just laughed that terrible endless laugh.
We were paralyzed with fear unable to move or make a sound.
As Dawn broke Grandma suddenly stopped laughing.
She straightened up and walked to the kitchen as if nothing had
happened. A few minutes later.
We heard her calling us down for breakfast.
Kids. Come on down pancakes are ready.
Emily and I stumbled out of the cupboard our legs numb from
Crouching all night. We glanced at each other fear
etched into our faces. How could she act so normal
after what we had just witnessed?
The day after our chilling encounter with Grandma's
laughter Emily and I were on edge.
The events of the previous night played over and over in our
minds determined to find answers we decided to search their room
while they were in the garden. We scoured every inch until
Emily found something strange. A slight draft coming from
behind the cupboard. We pushed it aside revealing a
hidden door. Our hearts raced as we opened it
and saw a dark staircase leading down to an underground room.
That night the house was eerily quiet the usual sounds of
hurried footsteps and rustling were absent it was as if the
house was holding its breath. Emily and I crept out of our
room drawn to the unsettling silence We tiptoed to our
grandparents room finding the cupboard moved to the side and
the secret door ajar. We descended the narrow
staircase our steps slow and deliberate the air grew colder
with each step and a faint acrid smell filled our nostrils.
At the bottom we found ourselves in a dimly lit room candles
flickering on the walls casting Eerie Shadows.
In the center of the room our grandparents were performing a
grotesque ritual. They were making cuts on each
other's arms with Rusty knives then licking the blood off each
other's wounds. The site was horrifying we stood
Frozen in the doorway unable to comprehend what we were seeing.
Suddenly our grandparents stopped and turned their heads
towards us their eyes locking onto hours the shock and
confusion on their faces quickly shifted to an unsettling
calmness. I quickly closed the door and
locked it with a rusty key hanging on the wall.
Kids grandpa said in a voice that sent chills down my spine.
It's just us your grandparents. You should be asleep. run I
whispered to Emily and we sprinted up the stairs and
through the house. We could hear rapid footsteps
behind us, but we didn't dare look back.
We burst out of the front door and kept running until we
reached the edge of the property when we finally turned around.
We saw our grandparents standing in the doorway waving their
hands in a grotesque parody of a cheerful.
Goodbye. We didn't stop running until we
reached the nearest bus stop Emily was in tears, and I did my
best to comfort her. It's going to be okay.
I whispered even though I wasn't sure I believed it myself.
When the bus finally arrived I let her fall asleep in my arms
while I stayed awake watching the road my mind racing with
unanswered questions. 20 years have passed since that
terrifying summer Emily who was only 10 at the time has
struggled with trauma ever since she refuses to speak about it
and avoids any contact with our grandparents.
As for me I meet them occasionally, but only in broad
daylight and never at their house.
The fear and confusion from that night still linger and I often
wonder what dark secrets are Grandparents were hiding.
Sometimes I lie awake at night replaying the events in my mind
trying to make sense of it all. But no matter how much time
passes One Thing Remains clear that summer changed everything
the memory of that Sinister ritual will forever haunt our
dreams. If your local I'm sure you've
noticed the old yellow gas station has been closed for a
long while. They say it was because of low
revenue and vandalism, but that's a lie.
I was there the last night it was open.
I know what happened. I know why the doors are changed
shut. If you have driven the Mountain
Loop Highway then without a doubt you've seen the rundown
little station on the corner of 20 and 50030 and if you stopped
by on a weekday between 5:00 and midnight you would have been
served by either myself or Iris. I was 16 at the time
technically. I couldn't work the hours that I
was but the owners were pretty relaxed when it came to certain
things. Iris was two years older and in
my teenage opinion Simply Beautiful she stood equal to my
five foot eight had long dark brown hair that she kept in a
ponytail while working and the most mesmerizing blue eyes
imaginable. It was the winter season the
Passover. The mountain was closed due to
snow. this meant we went from being nearly overrun by
customers to seeing one or two people in our the later hours
were even slower. Sometimes we would go the entire
shift only getting a single customer.
During these times. I would wander around bored out
of my mind or watch movies that I had downloaded at home.
There was no cell service or Wi-Fi.
So scrolling social media wasn't an option.
Iris preferred to lean back in her chair behind the register
and read books. I would try and make
conversation occasionally, but it would always die quickly.
The night of the incident was like all the rest the sun had
set depressingly early. We hadn't seen a soul in hours.
I pulled my phone out of my pocket out of habit realizing
they're still wasn't any service.
I put it away. What time is it?
I nearly jumped at the sound of her voice.
What I asked in confusion. She took her feet off the
register and placed her book on it instead raising an eyebrow.
She repeated. What time is it?
Oh, it's I had to pull my phone out again.
It's 9:45. She sighed we still got another
two hours until closing. I just nodded dumbly.
An awkward silence hung in the air for a minute Iris picked up
her book and continued reading. Feeling the moment slipping away
I blurted out. Hey you want to do something?
Like what she asked without looking up from her book.
I don't know something to help pass the time.
As in I just Shrugged. She sighed and put her book
down. Listen Clyde were paid to keep
an eye on things and help people buy stuff not to goof off or
socialize. her rebuke stung a bit and it must have shown
somewhat because she quickly followed with Tell you what, go
take the trash out and I'll check once again if the
bathrooms are clean. Then we can inventory the beer
cave together. I hated taking out the trash,
but if it meant we could do something together afterwards.
It was worth it. Carrying the large black bag
over my shoulder. I used my free hand to Fumble
with the bolt on the rear door. The door knob never properly
latched. So the owners had installed a
large gate style locking Bolt. It usually required two hands
one to pull the door closer and the other to rotate then slide
the bolt back. Finally working it free.
I push the heavy metal door open.
In front of me stretched a gravel driveway that led to the
highway at the end of the driveway was a worn green
dumpster. Iris hated taking the trash out
for the same reason I did. At night there was a single
light above the door. The rest of the Walk was in near
blackness. One night.
I had stupidly bragged about how I didn't mind taking the trash
out how I kind of liked the fresh air.
From then on Iris had let me take it out every night.
Willing myself forward I walked out into the all absorbing
Darkness. I felt eyes on me despite
knowing it was just my imagination.
I couldn't hold back a shiver. I lifted the dumpster lid and
swung the Baggins inside the lid slammed shut echoing through the
night. I almost didn't notice the
rustling bushes just off the path.
I froze the sound grew closer. I nearly screamed as a figure
stood from the blackberry bushes leaves and twigs sticking out of
their hair and clothes. They took a step closer.
I let out the breath. I was holding.
I knew that face. Geez, Iris, you nearly scared me
to death. Why are you in the bushes?
She stared at me without blinking.
Her eyes were completely void of emotion.
She slowly opened her mouth. To death she whispered in a
voice. That was not her own.
Instinctively. I took a step back.
She matched it with a step forward.
Iris She took another step closer Iris, she whispered
despite her mouth being open too wide to be whispering anything.
Fear, of course through my veins her Annunciation was wrong.
But he even worse it wasn't her voice.
It was mine. My legs were beginning to shake
there was something wrong with her Not only was it the way she
sounded that freaked me out, but she looked incorrect.
The color of her hair and skin was just a little off her
Dimensions were not quite right. It hadn't been enough to notice
at first, but the more I looked the more she felt. she spoke
again drawing closer with each word Iris to death Iris why to
death Iris the words were flat and emotionless each time.
She spoke she sounded more and more like me a car happened to
drive down the highway her right?
I jerked to the side watching it pass as her left State focused
on me. I snapped I turned tail and
sprinted for the building. Bursting through the back door.
I slammed it shut behind myself and barred it.
I slid to the floor with my back planted firmly against the door.
I waited for something to happen, but the only sound was
my ragged breath. Regaining my composure.
I started to doubt what I had just seen.
I don't know how she did it, but Iris had pulled one hell of a
prank. I started to get pissed off.
She had made a total fool of me. I could just imagine her out
there doubled over in laughter. She probably even had a camera
setup. I stood up ready to throw open
the door and give her a piece of my mind when I heard her in the
main room. About time you finished what
we're doing out there this whole time she asked.
Confused. I stood up she couldn't see me
in the back room. How did she know I was back
inside? She spoke again.
Are you going to come in or just stand outside?
It was then that I heard my voice come from the room.
She was in. Iris stand outside Iris Are you
okay Clyde? She asked with obvious concern.
I heard her walk towards the front door the voice that
sounded like me encouraged her come out side, Iris.
The inflection was still wrong, but it sounded so much like me
realizing what was happening. I ran out of the back room Iris
wait, I yelled. She jumped in Surprise spinning
around. She looked at me and confusion
then back to the empty front door.
How did you she'd off? There's something outside.
I don't know what it is, but there's something out there.
She looked quite annoyed with me.
Clyde work isn't the place for pranks.
You got me now stop goofing off before we get in trouble.
I glared right back. Listen, Iris, I'm not doing
anything and unless you were crawling around in the bushes a
few minutes ago. There's someone out there
messing with both of us. She didn't look entirely
convinced but apologized anyways.
Sorry, I just assumed since it sounded and looked like you that
you were behind it. You saw it I asked.
Yeah, well, you know as best as I could these windows are so old
they distort everything. We agreed to hang out together
so long as we could see each other.
Nobody could pull any more pranks.
I was actually starting to enjoy the evening for the first time
Iris and I were having actual conversations.
Eileen she was paying her way through Community College and
was an only child. I told her about myself and my
plans for after I graduated. We talked about dream vacations
and what plans we had for next summer.
It wasn't long before we had both forgotten about the knights
previous incidents Iris stood I gotta use the bathroom.
I'll be right back. While she was gone.
I went over to the soft drink fountain and filled up a cup.
Iris walked behind the register picking up her book.
She began to read. You want something I asked
holding up my cup. Before she could reply something
metallic clattered in the back room.
Iris jumped to her feet we both looked at the door marked
employees only with apprehension stay here.
She commanded before I could protest Iris Ran through the
door into the dark room a panic to cry came from the dark Clyde
just as I was about to rush through the doorway a toilet
flushed. I froze behind me the bathroom
door opened and Iris walked out. I felt sick in the darkness of
the back room. I could make out a figure
standing just a few feet away. Iris noticed something was up.
What's wrong Clyde? I didn't take my eyes off the
figure in front of me. There's someone in the back
room. She ran up to me what she
demanded who looking through the doorway.
She gasped. You better leave.
We're calling the cops. She yelled the figure stepped
farther into the dark disappearing from sight. to
death Iris came my voice followed by irises voice Come
here Clyde. There was a pounding of
footsteps as the figure charged us.
I slammed the door shut just in time and inhuman scream rang out
as the creature slammed into the door Iris and I held it closed
as the door was assaulted over and over again.
We didn't relax until we heard the back door slam shut.
What the hell was that Iris asked?
I didn't know what to say. This was too much.
Iris jumped to her feet. I'm calling the police.
I don't care who or what is out there.
It just tried to attack us. I nodded yeah, that's a good
idea. Iris went to the Payphone behind
the counter. She punched in 911 that held the
phone to her ear. She hung up and tried again.
dammit She muttered trying a third time without luck.
She slammed the phone back into the receiver.
Clenching her fists Iris groaned and frustration the phones dead
Clyde. I felt a knot form in my
stomach. This wasn't uncommon.
The phone was just as often as it was working, but it was
really bad timing. Now what I asked stupidly.
Iris threw her hands up. How should I know Clyde?
This isn't exactly in the employee handbook.
She slumped down and defeat. Hey, Iris, yes Clyde.
We don't have an employee handbook a small smirk played
across her lips. I know we don't smart ass.
With the mood successfully lifted.
We went back to our original plan.
We would stick together until sunrise.
Then we would drive to town and Report.
What happened? That was until a tattered soft
top fox body Mustang pulled up to the pump.
Oh crap muttered Iris, we both cautiously peeked out the
window. Do you think their part of the
prank? I asked Iris bitter lip
nervously. I don't know.
I'm not even sure it is a prank. An old man slowly climbed out of
the car. He was balding and worth thin
rimmed glasses. He reminded me of a short portly
teacher I had in Middle School. The man fumbled with his wallet
completely unaware of us after swiping his card the man
stiffened. He looked over his shoulder at
something we couldn't see. Iris is doppelganger came
striding into the light behind me the real Iris LED out a soft
gasp. I was frozen in place.
I stood there as that thing approached the man.
Suddenly the doppelganger jumped impossibly high and landed on
the man's shoulders. He collapsed to the ground under
its weight Iris rushed from behind me to the automatic
doors. Her movement snapped me out of
my days and I chased after her with the opening of the doors.
We could hear the man yelling out in pain the doppelganger had
long black fingernails that it was using to try and gouge out
the Man's eyes before we had even made it out the door the
second doppelganger rushed from the dark.
It still looked like me but more battered and dirty.
It held a large Rock above its head as it ran towards the man.
Raising the rock higher at brought it down on the man's
skull Iris turned and blocked my view, but I still heard the
crunch. It sounded like a watermelon
landing on a sidewalk from a great height.
Irish shoved me back inside once the doors closed.
She locked them. High chance to peek outside the
car stood abandoned in the yellow light all that remained
of its owner was a thick red puddle leading into the dark
surrounding bushes. Iris looked at me with
tear-filled eyes. Clyde I don't know if we're
getting out of here. I didn't know what to say.
We just watched someone die. My thoughts were a mess.
I hugged her we stood there holding each other scared to
death. Iris angrily wiped her tears.
Come on Clyde. We need to lock this place down.
We pulled down the security gate and locked it in place.
Hopefully sealing off the front door.
Not that it would do much good if something really wanted to
get in the windows on either side of the door were plenty big
enough for someone to crawl through the back door was
locked, but for good measure we pushed the baked goods display
in front of it. We both froze at the sounds of
footsteps above us Iris covered her mouth to hold in a gasp.
There on the roof she whisper shouted we both looked to access
hatch that led to the roof. It was locked.
But how sturdy was it? My heart lurched in a scream
slipped out of me at the front window was my face.
Blackened and grinning with its eyes open far too wide know it
wasn't black. From the nose down.
The face was stained with blood. It had been feasting.
Iris jumped when I screamed seeing the face, she turned me
and pulled me into a hug. Wrapping her arms around my
head. She pulled it against her chest
blocking out my view of the thing outside.
Just don't look at it. She whispered don't acknowledge
its existence. That didn't last the creature
wearing my image started tapping the glass.
At first lightly but with each tap the forcing crease.
Soon the old glass pane was flexing under the force.
I looked up at Iris. I saw her eyes that she knew as
well as I thought that the glass wouldn't hold. the second
creature dropped from above to join the first cracks began to
appear I was frozen in place, but Iris sprang into action.
She managed to move the display blocking the rear exit all by
herself. The window shattered the
creatures stood there seemingly surprised by the sudden
destruction. Iris came from the Supply Closet
in her hand was the broom. We used to sweep the floors at
the end of the shift. snapped the head off leaving a sharp
point Iris had a look to her it was as if time itself slowed and
respect. She took my numb hand and put
her car keys in it. She shoved me towards the back
door. I stumbled into the back room.
I looked over my shoulder to see her charging across the store
improvised spear held out in front of her.
The creatures were coming through the window their faces
Twisted with hatred and hunger in their eyes.
I made it out the back door. I made it to her car.
I made it home that night as soon as I had service.
I called 911. I balled my eyes out as I tried
to tell the operator what happened?
They heard enough. Someone had died at the gas
station and someone else was in danger.
The next morning the police came to my door.
They cuffed me and drugged me out of the house.
I spent hours getting brutally interrogated.
Finally I was able to go from what I picked up the officers
arrived to the scene. The body of the Mustang owner
was mostly consumed in laying next to the store.
Inside there was bloodied hand and Footprints everywhere.
Iris was nowhere to be found. If it wasn't for the fact that
there was no DNA evidence pointing towards me.
I would probably have taken the blame.
We moved within a week despite the charges being dropped within
a 48 Hours. The court of public opinion had
determined I was guilty of murder.
And probably worse when it came to Iris.
It's been seven years now, since they closed that station I drove
past it yesterday. I had to take that route for my
job. The windows are boarded up and
the blackberries have taken over half the building but it didn't
feel empty as I drove past. Thank you, Iris you were braver
than I could ever. Hope to be.
I hope you can see what I did with my life in our proud.
I miss you. I'll be taking the Long Way
Home. The extra four hours of driving
is worth not having to go past that station again.
I'm part of a volunteer search and rescue organization and
every year our group takes part in a late summer Retreat filled
with team building and bonding exercises.
One of these exercises involves night training which as you can
probably imagine involves practicing our search and rescue
skills after dark. My specific job title is snrk 9
Handler which sort of encompasses why I joined in the
first place. I always wanted to work with
animals, but never had the greats to study to be a vet.
Joining as a dog handler meant the best of both worlds.
I could do something constructive and contributive
with my spare time while playing with dogs.
I use the word play very Loosely here, but you get the idea.
Anyway, we were out on Knight exercises when my dog trained to
find human remains started to alert us to Ascent.
I was partnered with a more senior member of the team at the
time, but when I looked to them for some guidance, she basically
said, let's just go with it. Now, I'm sure a lot of you are
thinking your dog picked up the scent of human remains.
Why aren't you freaking out? Well the answer to that is
simple. Even the most highly trained
cadaver dogs get things wrong sometimes.
In a place like Washington where we get California's annual
rainfall on a Tuesday dance can often confuse hrd or human
remained detection dogs. So when my dog started to alert
our policy was basically just to let him do his thing because the
best case scenario is a false positive and the very worst case
scenario. We find some previously
Unearthed human remains which as horrifying as that may be was
obviously a major part of our job.
So the senior team member and I agreed to part ways temporarily.
She'd wait on the trail while my dog and I went off to follow the
scent. He'd picked up.
Since we both figured it was just a false positive.
It would only be a matter of minutes before my dog lost the
scent and then we'd be back on the trail and on our planned
route before we knew it. But then a few minutes turned
into like 10 minutes of walking through the dark woods and after
my dog started to lead me down a fairly steep slope.
I lost my footing and took a really nasty fall.
The next thing I know my chest is on fire probably from the two
broken ribs. I just sustained and I could
feel blood oozing from where I bashed my head on a rock on the
way down. The first thing I did was press
the emergency alert on my GPS which signals the base camp that
one of the team needs assistance.
The second thing I did was start calling out for my dog because I
had lost control of his leash during the fall which I think
scared him so badly that he ran off.
Or he just mindlessly followed the Centrale thinking that I was
still following close behind. Now as you can probably figure I
was not feeling like my best self.
I was in agony confused and having dropped my flashlight as
well as the leash during the fall down the slope.
I couldn't see very well either. I just lay there calling out for
Brody hoping that base camp had someone closing in on my
position so I could get to the damn hospital already.
I don't know exactly how long I was lying there before someone
showed up. But when I heard footsteps
getting closer and closer, I felt this wave of relief washing
over me. I started to call out something
like I'm here. I think I broke something
assuming it was a fellow SNR volunteer.
But the second I heard their voice I knew that they were not
with our group. Like I said, we do all kinds of
icebreakers and bonding exercises every year there tends
to be a couple of new volunteers, but the voice I
heard that night didn't belong to a long-term team member and
it didn't belong to the new girl or new guy either as we only had
two new faces on the team that year.
It was a man's voice and when they started talking instead of
directly helping me. I swear it sent this chill of
fright running right through me. The Voice most definitely
belonged to a man and they started talking about how I was
in a dry creek bed one that doesn't have people fall into
every year He went on to say that at least one person dies
there every year thanks to the flash floods the place seized
during the rainy season someone Falls they get stuck and then
they drown I went from asking for help to literally begging
for it. But the guy just completely
ignored my requests and carried on giving his little speech
about how often folks go missing or lose their lives out in that
area of the Woods I remember losing my temper and asking what
the hell is wrong with you? When he replied with something
like you're not in the position to talk to me like that.
I started to scream not wild screams of fright, but help
somebody help over and over while I try to fail to reach for
my flashlight. I also cannot overstate how God
damn painful that was having to scream when doing so made the
burning pain in my chest feel so much worse.
And around about that time. I started to hear my dog Brody
calling out for me. He's part of Australian Shepherd
in a very vocal dog. So I started to hear a series of
aloes and trills and rolled barks all of which tended to
mean. Hurry your butt up human.
As soon as Brody started making those noises the shadowy figures
stopped talking and then as we both started to hear the sound
of Brody getting closer and closer.
I heard that guy's footsteps as he made a hasty Retreat, I think
maybe a minute or two later. I started hearing more footsteps
only they were from multiple people this time and they came
with flash lights. I called out for help one more
time. And the next thing I know two of
my fellow volunteers are walking up the creek bed and one shines
their flashlight right on me. My first thought was to tell
them about the guy that had just been talking to me.
The one that had talked about The Accidental deaths in a way
that made me think that they weren't so accidental.
I know that might sound kind of crazy but the way he talked
about them like those deaths made him happy was one of the
creepiest Encounters of my entire life.
So yeah, I told my two Rescuers about the stranger and one of
the first things they did before administering first aid was to
make sure that he was actually gone one guy showing his flash
light all around while the other started asking me.
Were you pushed and both later said that they were scared that
that creepy guy had been the cause of my injuries.
Hence one asked if I was pushed or not and then asked if I was
sure about that when I said no. Don't get me wrong.
I was terrified that he was about to do something especially
since I was basically incapable of getting away from him, but he
didn't cause me to slip. He was just there to see it or
maybe hear it. But that obviously raises the
question of what the hell he was doing out there in the first
place. My two teammates then kept me
company until the Medics showed up with an ATV and a backboard
that they could attach a stretcher to.
I was then slowly driven back to Basecamp given a quick look over
and then we headed over to a very rural Medical Clinic.
Once we figured out my ribs were broken.
Once I had been given some pain medication and the doctors told
my team leaders. I was stable everyone breathed a
sigh of relief and a bunch of my fellow volunteers came to visit
me in the morning to see how I was doing.
And that's when I finally got a chance to tell everyone about
the guy that had showed up in the minutes after my fall and
how his warning sounded an awful lot.
Like thinly veiled threats. About a week later after I had
been discharged from the hospital when I was safely back
at home. I got a call from that same
Senior Team Member. I had been with before my fall.
She asked how I was doing how my recovery was progressing and
stuff like that. And she then told me that the
team leaders were discussing a change of locations for the
following years retreat. A couple of other team members
had reported someone walking around in the dark someone who
definitely wasn't a volunteer and that after talking it over
they decided that safety was Paramount and that they'd be
looking at alternative locations.
In the words of one team leader a second run-in with that creepy
shadowy stranger was not something they were willing to
risk. For winter break one year we
packed up and headed to my hometown a small island in West
Asia. That is not very well known.
There I met my uncle. In fact, this is his encounter.
Not mine. He'd been at Sea ever since he
was about 18 and was 35 when he first told me this.
He seen many things out there and please keep in mind that
these are his words translated into English.
The story is told from his perspective.
Winter might be the worst time to be at Sea, even though it is
much warmer here than in other places.
It still gets quite bad, especially for first-time
fisherman, but the worst part is that it was squid season and the
deck smells terrible no matter how much you clean it.
Unlike Chinese vessels, we only stay at sea for 45 days, but
that doesn't make it any better. Your position changes each time
you sign up with the fishing company, but if you're new your
most likely to work as a cook or just cut squid.
Regardless of all that there was always one unsolicited rule if
you see anything say nothing that goes for anything out of
the ordinary because Legend has it there are things in the sea
that love to be talked about. Of course when I was new I
didn't know that but I wish I did.
Beyond the deck being stinky as usual when you get homesick as a
newbie trying to spot land makes you feel better somewhat.
At least that was my case. It was near Sunset that day as I
recall, but it was already very dark.
The sun was completely gone and it was a little Misty.
I was kind of frustrated with it all to be honest.
I just wanted to make some cash. At the start.
I thought it would be easy just cook some food and cut some
squid. Can't be that hard.
That's what I always told myself before signing up.
But there I was. I could only sigh and turn away
to keep myself from puking from the smell.
Then I heard something. I paused for a second.
Not sure of what I actually heard.
It was like some kind of knocking the kind of knock you'd
hear when someone's in a hurry. I brushed it off as a crewman
knocking on the door, even though I knew that knocking on
metal doors sounded way different.
It clearly sounded like hurried wooden Knocks The Knocks made me
feel a little scrupulous because each time I would hear five
knocks and when it finished I thought it would be leaving or
gone only to start again five distinct knocks.
The last one always being the strongest.
I was curious at the time to see what caused this strange noise.
I feared it might be an issue with the vessel, but I wasn't
really familiar with the mechanism and structure of it.
I was careful not to get too close to the railing just in
case I inched closer trying to peek over the edge carefully.
Then I saw something in my peripheral vision.
It didn't look exactly like a fish but it did look fishy at
the same time if that makes sense.
It had no scales, but somehow it looked like it reflected light.
It was visible in the barely lit water a distinct silver color
and its body was about 8 feet long.
I thought it might have been a big fish of some sort.
Maybe a shark but I was proven wrong when I saw what was
supposed to be its head. Its head was like a foxes with
no fur and its limbs they weren't tentacles or anything
like that. They were human like four of
them. The thing gave off a smell like
rusty iron somehow worse than the smell of the deck itself,
and I wanted to puke again and this time there was no holding
it back. I grabbed the iron railing as
tightly as I could and let it all out.
The heaving made the walls of my stomach burn.
I then heard a ringing in my ear.
I don't remember what happened after that.
But I do remember that the thing was gone next I looked.
Now I wasn't aware of the unspoken rules of these vessels.
So as soon as I saw another crewman, I knew I had to pull
him to the side and say something.
He was an old man and had plenty of years of experience out at
Sea. I'll call him Ivan.
Ivan was usually the captain during the squid fishing season,
but he had recently had a head injury and could no longer do
that anymore, but he still insisted that he accompanied The
Vessel this season as well. The Fishing Company knew him
well and out of respect they fulfilled his request Hey, man,
I think I saw something I said. He must have seen how pale I
looked he looked even more concerned.
What's up, you look like you're going to wet your sheets
tonight. Yvonne was the kind to always
joke even in the most serious of moments, even if his jokes
weren't funny at all. Well, I saw something in the
water. It was silvery and was huge at
least eight feet. I told him and he stopped
laughing. I saw Ivan's expression Harden.
He was no longer smiling no longer revealing his few missing
teeth. He looked serious.
It's probably because you're new Young Ones especially tend to
imagine things the first time. Just say your prayers and sleep
for the night. But before that find someone
who's willing to do cooking duty instead of you.
I wasn't imagining things Ivan and I have already set a prayer.
I'm sure that I saw something in the water something that wasn't
normal. I tried to defend my claims
against Ivan. I felt irritable for some reason
my stomach was hurting and growling now that it was empty
which made me even more annoyed. Listen, I'm not saying you're
lying. It's just you look tired as
heck. Ivan's usually friendly tone
took a more deep turn then his expression looked as if he was
scolding me. That night I didn't feel like
myself. All I could think about was that
weird silvery thing in the water.
No matter how much I tossed and turned in the bed.
It didn't work. I just kept thinking about it
over and over and I was irritated at Ivonne a feeling of
betrayal of sorts, even though Ivan didn't really do anything
wrong. Now in that vessel, we had no
actual beds just a couple of sheets under our bags a sheet
over us and an old pillow. Each room was filled with six to
eight people and to my bad luck. Most of them were on duty that
night and had come back smelling like squids which basically
smells like urine. The feeling of unease combined
with that stench in the room made me get up from my sheets at
last and walked towards the door careful not to step on someone's
arms or legs by accident and wake them up.
I successfully made my way to the deck.
There I found Ivan standing by the railing of the vessel
mumbling something that I could not hear.
I didn't get too close to him, but he did stop and he looked at
me. He continued to mumble as he did
so I could hear it better now. It was some sort of prayer I
think. Ivan looked fairly tired.
His eyes were red as if he hadn't slept for days.
I checked the water myself for the strange thing.
I saw earlier as if I was eager or longing to see it again.
Are you looking for it? Ivan stopped praying and looked
at me, but his eyes were unexplainable as if he were
looking for something behind me not looking at me.
It felt as if I was dreaming Ivan's bloodshot eyes snapped me
awake. Then I didn't say anything.
I remember feeling a bit embarrassed.
Actually, I quickly ran back to the squid smelling room.
Something didn't feel right. It was as if everyone knew
something and kept me in the dark.
Hopefully it was the last days of the squid season.
So I wouldn't have to spend too much time with Ivan on the same
vessel even during cooking duty or any duty at all.
I figured that I would no longer talk to Ivan at least until we
got back to land. But when we did I was far too
tired to do that. I tried not to think about the
incident for a week or so. However the day I needed to
confront him and ask him about that night was the day my mom
shook me awake and said that old Ivan had died of a heart attack.
Now our Island isn't too big. It doesn't have too many towns.
It was only natural for people to know each other quite well.
The old man Ivan was the first person to introduce me to the
fishing vessel company telling me it was the best way to get
started with making money. And now he was dead before he
could ever teach me much about the sea.
On occasion, I think about the thing I saw back in the sea, but
that wasn't the last time I saw it.
Sometimes I still need money here and there and I sign up for
the same company and every now and then I do see that thing in
the land again. Even if you see things that are
unexplainable, it's important that you act like you never did
and continue on with your duties.
I finally then knew the spoken rule of the vessel if you see
anything say nothing. It was early October when Dad
decided that a trip Into the Wilderness might finally get us
back on the same page. Fresh air will do us both some
good. He'd said a hopeful glint in his
eye that I hadn't seen in years. Mom had been the architect of
this plant her worry Line's deepening every time Dad and I
clashed over dinner or a passing comment that neither of us could
let slide. I packed my gear into the back
of Dad's old Chevy the truck still holding remnants of our
past trips fishing hooks a stained map of the Big Horn
mountains and a dog-eared Wildlife guide that I remembered
pouring over as a kid. The drive was supposed to take
five hours, but with Dad it always took longer.
He liked to take the scenic routes claiming that the
highways robbed a man of good views and better reflections.
The road snaked through Rising Foothills and expansive planes
that stretched out like a canvas.
Dad didn't talk much during the drive his eyes fixed on the road
only breaking the silence to point out a hawk circling above
or a herd of deer that watched us from a safe distance.
I tried to appreciate the piece the way the golden Autumn light
filtered through the Aspen's turning their leaves into flames
against the crisp Blue Sky. But there was a tension between
us palpable and heavy like the clouds that rolled over the
mountains ahead promising storms.
When we finally turned off the main road onto a gravel track
that crunched under the Chevys tires.
The scenery shifted the trees crowded closer their branches
arching over us like a welcome or a warning.
Dad's expression softened as he rolled down his window letting
in the cool pine-scented air. Smell that Nate that's the smell
of no cell service and no distractions just us and nature.
We reach the lake just past noon the water a perfect mirror
reflecting the rugged Peaks that surrounded us it was
breathtaking untouched and wild just like the postcards that
used to make me dream of Adventures.
We unloaded our gear and set up camp in a clearing the grass
soft and thick underfoot a perfect cushion for our tent.
Fishing was up first. We grabbed our rods and headed
to the Lakes Edge. The calmness of the water was a
stark contrast to the usual turbulence between us.
Dad showed me how to tie the fly his hands steady and sure.
Remember, it's all in the wrist. He instructed his voice more
patient than I had heard in years.
We didn't talk much as we cast our lines the silence between us
now comfortable filled only with the rhythmic sound of our reels
and the occasional call of in the distance.
When I finally fell to strong tug dad was beside me in an
instant guiding advising and when I reeled in a hefty
thrashing base his laughter echoed around the lake genuine
and joyful. We'll eat well tonight.
He said clapping me on the back as we walk to our campsite with
our prize. We set the fish aside and got a
fire going the crackle and pop of the Flames a soundtrack to
our quiet camaraderie as the Shadows grew longer and merged
into dusk dad started to talk about his childhood stories.
I had heard fragments of but never fully pieced together.
There was a softness to him that evening.
Stalgia that made him seem less like the stern father.
I battled daily and more like a man who had dreams and
disappointments just like anyone else.
As the first Stars appeared I realized that maybe this trip
wasn't just about fishing or escaping mom's worried glances.
It was about understanding maybe forgiving.
And as we sat by the fire the Wilderness not just around us,
but somehow between us. It felt like we might actually
get there. The morning sun filtered through
the dense canopy as Dad and I packed up our rifles and gear
for a day of deer hunting the forest seemed to wake up with us
a chorus of birds singing from the trees a stark contrast to
the Eerie Silence of the night before.
Dad seemed more relaxed almost cheerful as we Trek deeper into
the woods to a spot he'd scouted on our last trip.
Dear like to graze along the ridge in the morning.
We'll have a good chance. If we're quiet.
He whispered his voice blending with the rustle of leaves
underfoot. I nodded following his lead
appreciating the expertise. He brought to these moments.
It was a skill honed before I was born a connection to the
land that he was passing down to me.
Despite our usual Discord. The ridge gave us a perfect
vantage point and soon enough a group of deer appeared
cautiously stepping into the clearing below.
We watched breaths held as Dad lined up a shot his rifle steady
and practiced hands the crack of the rifle the morning Stillness
and one of the deer fell. We tracked a second one for a
few hours before Dad took another clean shot adding to our
provisions. By the time we returned to Camp
loaded down with our Bounty the woods were alive with sounds and
Orchestra of nature that seemed to play Just For Us.
We were tired but exhilarated sharing a sense of
accomplishment as we prepared the deer the camp filled with
the rich earthy of cooking meat. As dusk approached the forests
Ambience shifted the Lively chatter of daytime creatures
gave way to an unsettling quiet. And a prickling sense of being
watched crawled up my spine. Dad noticed it, too.
His eyes narrowed scanning the tree line as we ate.
This is different. He muttered his voice low.
I could only nod feeling the weight of the silence that
settled over us dense and foreboding.
The darkness deepened and we retreated to our tent the days
fatigue pulling us towards sleep.
Yet just as I began to drift off the crunch of footsteps near our
tent jerked me away. Dad was already up his hand on
his rifle Eyes Wide in the dim light.
Something's out there. He whispered.
He moved quietly cautiously unzipping the tent to peer Into
the Night. The beam of our flashlights cut
through the Blackness revealing nothing at first.
Then something massive shifted in the shadows.
It was a creature. I couldn't have imagined in my
wildest fears a beast covered in patchy fur, its eyes reflecting
our lights with a menacing red and yellow glow.
It stood improbably on two legs towering over the underbrush its
howl ripped through the silence a sound so alien and terrifying
it froze my blood without thinking dad and I fired the
shots echoed deafening in the enclosed space of the forest.
The creature staggered but didn't fall instead howling
again a sound that made every Instinct scream to flee.
Dad grabbed my arm pulling me back as the creature charged.
We ran stumbling through the dark to the truck the beasts
heavy steps thundering behind us.
Dad shoved me into the passenger seat slamming the door just as a
massive Rock crashed against the truck nearly shattering the
window. He started the engine and we
tore out of there the trucks headlights bobbing wildly as we
bounced over the rough track. We didn't stop until we reached
the safety of a hotel miles away where we collapsed into a room.
The adrenaline slowly ebbing from our veins.
That night neither of us spoke of what we saw the unspoken
agreement heavy between us As We Lay awake listening to the
sounds of a normal World outside a world that now Fells
infinitely safer than the one we had escaped.
My name is Chris. I'm a longtime fan from
Melbourne Australia and the story I've got for you actually
involves your YouTube channel. Just creepy in a sort of
roundabout way. I met my girlfriend in May of
2019 and it was she who introduced me to your videos.
I'm not going to lie. At first I did think it was a
bit weird that scary stories seemed to help her fall asleep.
But after a while I started to see the appeal and we'd often
put on a video while doing the dishes after dinner this became
something of a long time ritual for us.
Then sometime in late februari the following year.
We were listening to some of your camping stories when my
girlfriend suggested that we pay a visit to the one in God of
Ali. God of Ali is about a four-hour
drive out of Melbourne and it's a fairly popular destination for
hikers and campers. I know it probably makes a sound
a bit mental to listen to a lot of scary camping stories and
then be like well, that sounds like a good time sign me up.
But we're actually aware of how rare any kind of rural crime is
we didn't feel like we would be in any danger and we weren't in
all fairness. But then at the same time that
makes what I'm about to tell you pretty bloody ironic.
So we drove out to Juanita and I remember the exact date being
the 21st of March 2020. We bought a load of camping gear
online and were looking for a good spot to pitch our tents
when we came across a couple of other campers.
They were standing just off the trail and about 10 to 15 metres
away was a burned-out utility vehicle and what looked like the
charred remains of a tent. There was a man and a woman
there fairly young looking and the man was pacing back and
forth with his phone to his ear looking majorly concerned.
My first thought was that these guys had accidentally set their
tent or Ute on fire which had then caused the other to catch
fire. God knows how they might have
managed that but figuring out exactly what it happened wasn't
the first thing on our minds. We just wanted to make sure that
the couple was all right. As we were walking up the trail
the guy thanked, whoever he was talking to on his phone and then
just hung up just in time to greet us as we got closer.
It turns it wasn't their campsite.
They had just come across at the same time as we did and figured
they'd reported since it was obviously fresh.
We could smell that charred kind of burn smell from all the way
over on the trail. So he was right when he said
that it must have been fresh, but the guy said that there was
some untouched food lying around too recently purchased stuff,
which made him think that it wasn't just some teenagers
looking to destroy the evidence of their last night's Joyride
the bloke had actually been on the phone to the coppers, right
as we turned up which was obviously the right thing to do
but since someone was already dealing with it my girl and I
just kept on walking after wishing the other couple.
Good luck. It sounds crazy looking back on
it. But at the time we didn't think
there was anything Sinister going on.
What it looked like was that there had been some kind of
horrible accident and someone was potentially hurt.
There were no signs of a struggle no blood or any other
sort of human remains. It didn't look like what it was.
Not long after we got back my girlfriend sent me a link on
Facebook to a local news story. The burned out Ute and tent that
we'd come across belong to an elderly couple who had been out
camping just like we had but in getting the help they needed
they hadn't shown up anywhere at all and they were still
considered missing people. There was a big appeal for
information. So obviously my girlfriend and I
got in touch to offer our services, but to be honest, I'm
not sure that we were of much help at all.
We'd been in the valley for two nights.
But aside from the run-in with the couple in the burnt tents.
We hadn't heard or seen anything even remotely suspicious.
For a while we started to worry that the couple that we'd seen
might have been involved in some way.
I mean, we just rocked up and asked if they needed any help
and then walked off after a quick chat.
The bloke told me that he'd been on the phone with the emergency
services, but I had no way of knowing that for certain.
We'd mentioned them to the police when we call them and
they told us they'd already talked extensively to the person
who made the call, but they didn't tell us exactly when the
call was made nor. Did they give us any details
about the person who had made it?
Spoilers, but we really were just being a bit overly paranoid
because the couple we bumped into had nothing to do with the
missing people and we found that out for certain about 18 months
later when the bodies of the missing couple finally showed
up. It was sad and I hate to sound
harsh here or whatever, but it wasn't really a surprise to me
or my girlfriend. This poor old couple had gone
missing after some kind of Accidental Fire had inflicted.
God knows what kind of injuries to them?
It seemed like they'd gotten lost gotten hurt or even worse
than sadly. They succumb to the elements and
passed away. I remember my girlfriend saying
that like say they'd been in the tent while it was on fire.
They could have inhaled all kinds of nasty Smoke on the way
out not to mention getting burned and then those Burns
getting infected or something. It was just an all-around
horrible tragic way to go out. And we really felt for the
couple. But then the news broke that it
hadn't been any kind of accident at all.
The elderly couple had been murdered and their Ute intent
had been burned to get rid of any physical evidence there
killer might have left behind. Knowing we'd come across the
scene of a murder like that and in complete ignorance too.
Was chilling. According to things we read
online The Murder had taken place not even 24 hours before
we arrived. If we'd left the day before we
might have even seen them hanging around their little
campsite. We might have even swapped a
good day or two going past or at the very best maybe the trail
being a bit busier might have saved their lives.
We felt terrible for their families for their friends.
But at the same time we couldn't help but wonder about the Gory
details. Call it morbid curiosity, but my
girl and I were pretty desperate to know what had happened to
that poor old couple. I mean we spent two nights in
the valley after they were killed.
So were we in any danger at all? Was someone just hunting people
at random? Or had it been some kind of
personal thing. As it turns out it was neither
of those things. It wasn't some psycho serial
killer stalking the valley for victims nor had the killer in
his victims ever laid eyes on each other before the murders
happened because of an argument that started over a bloody drone
the whole thing is going through the courts now, or at least it
was when I had the idea to write this all up and send it over to
you. I tell you to look it up for
yourself, but it's as confusing as it is depressing.
The Killers defense lawyers are saying that his victim pointed a
gun at him and that he somehow managed to rush the guy grabbed
the gun and then killed the elderly couple both man and wife
before he burned all the evidence.
He even burned their bodies too. And there's Court testimony of
him saying how he felt terrible for doing it how he vomited from
the smell all this stuff trying to make him seem like a victim
of the whole thing too. It's just growth man.
But anyways, all the best with your channel and all that and
best of luck in the future. I don't know when this bloke's
going to be sentenced or whatever, but I hope it's for a
bloody long time. fancy killing someone over a drone it hardly
Bears thinking about it was another scorching summer day in
northeast, Pennsylvania. The kind of heat that clung to
you like a second skin making every task feel like a marathon.
I sat slumped in my chair a fan buzzing uselessly in the corner
of the room and tried to muster the energy to do something
anything other than Wilt but as the sunlight poured in
Relentless and unyielding I knew the outdoors beckoned.
After all today was my day off and despite the heat the lake
was calling. I live about an hour and a
half's drive from narrowsburg New York where my favorite
fishing spot a weighted me. On any normal day I'd be out
there by Dawn rod in hand ready to wrestle with the days catch.
But today had been different today.
The air was so thick and hot it felt like moving through soup.
I waited hoping for a reprieve. As the sun began to dip slightly
in the sky a plan formed in my mind.
Maybe it'll cool off by evening. I am used allowed speaking to no
one in particular. My fishing gear was already
packed and ready a constant in the trunk of my car.
Decision made I felt a spark of excitement phishing in the
evening wasn't my usual routine, but perhaps the change would do
me good. I dressed quickly grabbing my
kayaks keys in a cooler the drive to the lake was quiet and
contemplative. The roads were familiar.
Each turned bringing me closer to My Sanctuary.
The Setting Sun painted the sky in shades of orange and pink a
beautiful backdrop to my growing anticipation.
Arriving at the lake. I unloaded my kayak with
practice D's. The air was cooler now a gentle
breeze replacing the stifling heat of the day.
It was perfect. Pushing off from the shore.
I paddled out into the calm Waters the surface reflecting
the Twilight like a mirror. For the first hour.
I was in my element casting my line with hopeful Precision, but
as the sky darkened further a creeping disappointment settled
over me. The fish were proving elusive
likely hiding deeper where the water remained cool and
undisturbed. Cast After cast came back empty
no tug on the line. No battle to be had.
With a sigh I considered Calling it Quits.
Maybe it's just not my day. I thought feeling the weight of
the days Heat and the evenings fruitless efforts.
But as I prepared to reel in my line for the last time a sudden
movement caught the corner of my eye something was out there
disturbing the Peaceful Waters curiosity piqued.
I paused straining to see through the dimming light.
Was it just a log or perhaps one of the Lakes giant snapping
turtles know this seemed different bigger and with a
purposeful Glide that sent a shiver down my spine.
The realization that it might not be something so benign Dawn
slowly chillingly. With a mix of fear and
Fascination. I watched the mysterious shape
move closer my heart starting to race.
What was lurking in my peaceful Lake?
Could the evening's Adventure take a turn towards the truly
unexpected. As the shadow Drew nearer my
initial thrill of curiosity turned to alarm.
Whatever was out there. It wasn't supposed to be The
water usually my Ally and Escape now felt like unknown territory
vast and possibly dangerous. What had I gotten myself into?
As I sat in my kayak floating on the glassy surface of the lake
the last Light of Day Fading Into Twilight my initial
curiosity about the mysterious shape in the water turned into a
cold knot of fear. What I had hoped was just a
trick of the Shadows now seemed far more ominous.
The creature moved with a purpose.
It's formed sleek and Powerful under the water's surface.
My heart pounded as I realized this was no law or Turtle.
It was something much bigger. The creatures presence turned
the peaceful evening into a scene straight out of a horror
movie as it drew closer. I could make out more details
its body was long and covered in scales that gleamed faintly in
the Dying Light. Can't be I whispered to myself
but a distant part of my brain was putting the piece of
together remembering images from Nature Documentaries.
An alligator here the very thoughts seemed absurd yet
there. It was undeniable and
approaching panics surged through me all thoughts of
fishing forgotten. I grabbed my paddle with
Trembling Hands. My first instinct was to get
away as fast as I could the safety of the shore which had
seemed so close moments ago now felt miles away.
I paddled furiously the splash of my paddle loud in the silent
evening. Every stroke was frantic fueled
by adrenaline. The kayak cut through the water
its speed a testament to my desperation.
Behind me the water stirred ominously.
I dared not look back afraid that seeing the alligator would
only heighten my panic. I imagined it gaining on me.
Its powerful body propelling it effortlessly my mind raced with
horrifying possibilities. What if it attacked?
What if it overturned the kayak? The water around me suddenly
felt hostile a hidden world of danger lurking below the
surface. As the shoreline approached
never had I felt so relieved to feel the scrape of sand beneath
my kayak. I leaped out my legs unsteady
and weak from fear and dragged the kayak up onto the bank only
then did I dare to glance back at the water?
The surface was calm again as if nothing had Disturbed it had I
imagined it all. No, the terror was too real two
visceral to be a figment of my imagination Breathing.
Heavily. I made my way to my car throwing
the kayak and my gear inside more hastily than I ever had
before. The drive home was a blur of
streetlights and shadowy trees my mind replaying the Knights of
events over and over. When I finally reached home, I
was still shaking. I recounted the encounter to my
ex-wife over the phone who was less than thrilled to hear of my
brush with Danger. Promise me.
You won't go back there. She pleaded.
I could only agree the fear still too fresh too raw.
The next day I called an old friend who worked in the fish
and game department. He confirmed my fears weren't
unfounded. Two alligators had been removed
from that Lake and another nearby over the past Summer's
they were likely illegal pets released into the wild.
The news was both a relief and a worry it was an explanation.
Yes, but it meant the danger was real.
That night changed my view of the lake forever.
What had once been a refuge now seemed like a hidden pool of
threats. My love for fishing would
continue but perhaps I thought it was time to find a new spot a
place with such chilling surprises lurking beneath its
Serene surface. Patapsco State Park used to be
one of my favorite places in the entire world.
I grew up just outside of Baltimore in a place called
Woodlawn. Some of you might recognize that
name, but probably not for the best of reasons.
I went to Woodlawn High School the same one that Adnan Syed and
Haman Lee attended and the same one made Infamous by the podcast
serial, for those of you not in the know cereal was probably the
first big True Crime podcast and it told the story of how Adnan
supposedly murdered High men who was his girlfriend at the time.
She was killed. It cast a long Shadow over
Woodlawn and Baltimore's reputation had been in the
toilet ever since the wire came out during my final year of
Middle School I used to love both places and I spent what's
probably an embarrassing amount of time defending both in
various online game lobbies. But then came the day when I was
no longer able to defend Baltimore or the white or County
and that just so happened to be the day that I decided.
Never to visit Patapsco State Park ever again.
My girlfriend and I decided to visit during the summer of 2014
as Patapsco has a ton of different places to camp that
came with their own table and fire ring.
I'd spent almost my entire life hiking and camping around that
Park. Hence why it was one of my
favorite places and that all meant that I knew the place like
the back of my hand. I knew one of the most secluded
and picturesque places to hike was between the river and the
train tracks. It had a stretch of barely
trodden Trail right there next to the a river.
And provided a train didn't roll past every so often you might
think it was a scene from a fairy story or something, which
is obviously why I was so excited to show my girlfriend at
the time because I figured if I thought it was pretty she would
go absolutely nuts over it. Anyway, we drove out to Patapsco
found ourselves a free campsite then once we were all set up we
crossed the train tracks and started heading for the river.
We were about 10 to 15 minutes into the hike my girlfriend was
absolutely loving the river and was taking all kinds of pictures
on our phone. When suddenly we heard voices
from somewhere on the other side of the water.
The river isn't all that wide, but since it was summer and all
the trees and bushes were in bloom.
We couldn't see who it was until someone suddenly burst out from
the bushes and ran into the river.
They look scared and as they were running their foot must
have caught on a rock or something because they suddenly
just splashed down into the water and what looked like a
pretty nasty fall. I was about ready to jog up the
bank a little to see if the guy was okay and if he wanted any
help, but then right as I was about to take off he stood up
turned around and yelled out. No, please no.
The next thing we heard was Bang Bang Bang three gunshots.
Then the guy fell backwards into the river again.
It was all over in a matter of seconds.
We heard the voices saw the guy fall then he stood up and he was
dead. But I swear I don't think his
back had even touched the water before my girlfriend and I took
off running. It was just a complete 180 not
in terms of the direction we ran either.
Everything was turned on its head.
One minute. I was the happiest I'd been for
many months and the next we were quite literally running for our
lives. I mean, I know it wasn't us
getting shot at but I figured if someone was willing to do that.
They probably didn't want any Witnesses either.
I think that the thing that really sticks with me was how I
didn't run as fast as I could have the whole time my
girlfriend and I were running I was trying to keep my body
between her in the shooter thinking something like if
anyone was going to get hit I wanted it to be me and not her.
I'm not saying that to sound heroic.
It was purely out of instinct. I just remembered the skin
crawling Sensation that came with it, though.
Slowing myself down when I wanted to Sprint off through the
trees all while hoping that I didn't get shot and then hoping
that if I did get shot the bullet wooden go through me and
hit my girlfriend, too. She was amazing.
By the way. She ran like the wind and stayed
as quiet as possible and didn't even start to slow down until we
were safely back across the tracks.
Without a shadow of a doubt those were the most terrifying
few minutes of my entire life. If it was just me on my own or
maybe me with like a guy friend, it would have been scary all the
same. But with it being my girlfriend
with me for some reason that made it all the more terrifying.
I guess there was just that natural instinct to protect her.
But at the same time I knew that if push came to shove.
I wouldn't be able to protect her from a guy with a gun,
especially if that person wanted to do us harm.
The best I could do was try to Shield her and I'm proud of
myself for doing that but it's still made for a terrifying few
minutes. We ended up getting out of their
safely and we called the cops as soon as we were able but I don't
know anything about the person who got shot.
And as far as I know, they're killer has never been caught.
It was just another regular day in our little Florida
neighborhood, except my best friend, and I had planned an
exciting evening. We were going to the creek
behind our neighborhood to catch some fish.
The creek was hidden in the woods, which had a pretty creepy
reputation. People said it was a spot for
devil worshiping and mysterious happenings a long time ago.
But we weren't scared. We had played and fished there
since we were little kids. We knew those woods like the
back of our hands. We grabbed our fishing poles and
packed some snacks. My friend brought his machete
just in case we needed to cut through thick bushes or you
know, defend ourselves against something.
I laughed off the idea though. The woods had always give me the
chills when it started getting dark.
As we walked towards the creek the sun was just beginning to
dip below the Treetops casting Long Shadows that made our
familiar path look a bit strange.
You ever wonder if the story is true.
My friend asked swinging his machete casually by his side.
Nah, I replied trying to sound braver than I felled.
It's just stuffed. The older kids say to scare us.
We reached our favorite fishing spot and settled down.
The water was calm and the sounds of nature were all around
us birds chirping leaves rustling and the occasional fish
jumping. It was peaceful and for a while
we forgot all about the spooky stories, but as it got darker
the woods seemed to close in around us.
The noises of the day gave way to the erior sounds of the
night. Crickets chirped loudly and an
owl hooted somewhere in the distance.
Then something else joined the nighttime symphony sounds that
didn't belong. A rustling not caused by the
wind a faint Whispering that seemed to come from all around
us. Did you hear that I whispered to
my friend? He nodded gripping his machete
tighter. We listened and the whispering
grew louder, but we couldn't make out any words.
It was like the trees themselves were talking.
Suddenly allowed Crash from the Treetops nearly made me jump out
of my skin. We looked up and saw something
that made our hearts stop a dark human-like shape swinging from
Branch to Branch heading right towards us.
It wasn't any animal. We knew the thing was big and
moved too fast. The next sound we heard was like
nothing I'd ever heard before. a mix between pigs squealing and
women's screaming It was the most bone-chilling thing I had
ever heard. Without thinking we grabbed our
stuff and ran as fast as our legs could carry us behind us
the crashing in the horrible screams followed.
I didn't dare look back. My friend was ahead of me
slicing at the bushes that blocked our path.
My chest burned with each breath and my legs felt like jelly, but
fear pushed me forward. We were about halfway through
the field of tall grass when the creature hit the ground with a
heavy thud. It was now chasing us on foot.
I could see the grass parting behind us as if something
invisible was moving through it. Just when I thought it would
grab us the creature vanished. But we didn't stop running until
we reached the safety of the hole in the fence.
Crawling through I felt a mix of relief and Terror.
We had escaped but what was that thing?
And what it come after us again? As we ran all the way back to my
house. All I knew was that those woods
were no longer just our playground.
They were something else something sinister.
My heart was pounding so hard. I thought it might burst through
my chest my friend and I had just squeezed through the hole
in the tall chain-link fence and I could hear that thing crashing
towards a from behind it slammed into the fence with such force
that the whole section shook. Thankfully we were already on
the other side running as fast as our legs could carry us.
We didn't stop running until we reached my backyard.
Once inside we slam the door shut and leaned against it
trying to catch our breath. My mom came rushing into the
room a worried look on her face. What's wrong?
You boys look like you've seen a ghost.
She said her voice full of concern.
I tried to explain the words tumbling out in a rush.
There's something in the woods mom.
It chased us. It was screaming like nothing
I've ever heard before. I expected her to say she
believed us to comfort us like she always did when we were
scared. But this time she didn't.
Boys, you're just letting your imaginations run wild.
It was probably just an animal. You know your minds can play
tricks on you when it gets dark. She said rushing It Off.
My friend and I exchanged glances.
We knew what we heard. We knew what we saw it wasn't
our imagination. That night neither of us could
sleep. Every little sound made me jump
and I kept staring at my window half expecting to see that
shadowy figure appearing in. The next night the entire
neighborhood was awakened by the same terrifying screams.
We had heard in the woods. Lights flicked on in houses up
and down our street and soon people were gathering outside
talking in hushed frightened voices.
What does that sound someone asked?
It sounds like it's coming from the woods another neighbor
replied. The next morning a group of
adults including my dad and some neighbors decided to go into the
woods to see if they could figure out what was going on.
My friend and I insisted on going with them.
We LED them to the spot where we had been fishing as we walked.
I noticed something new something terrifying.
On the path to our usual fishing spot.
Someone had drawn pentagrams on six trees each symbol was part
of a bigger pentagram that had been drawn on the ground.
We had walked right through at the previous day and had an even
notice. The adults muttered to each
other looking worried. The atmosphere was tense and
nobody ventured too far from the group.
After a thorough look around we found nothing else out of the
ordinary, but the symbols were enough to make everyone uneasy.
Word spread quickly through our neighborhood about what we had
found the stories about the woods grew darker and soon
nobody dared to go near them after Sunset the house nearest
to the woods, which always had a creepy Vibe now stood completely
empty. People said it was haunted and
after what we experienced I believed them those woods had
changed. They were not our playground
anymore. They were a place of mystery and
danger. And what ever lived there was
best left alone. We never went fishing there
again. And I always felt a chill when I
passed by the path that led into those dark Whispering trees.
Back in 2011. I tried to organize a camping
trip for myself in a few friends.
They had been talking all spring about how awesome it would be if
we all went camping together. Just a bunch of dudes.
No phones. Just living in the moment and
all that kind of stuff. However, as the date approached
each of the four Dudes dropped out one by one sighting various
reasons for their inability to attend.
Obviously, it's sucked. I was super stoked for some kind
of crazy adventure and I had also invested a significant
amount of money in all the clothing and gear.
I thought I needed I was heartbroken that the trip was
basically set to be canceled. But then it occurred to me why
not just go on my own we had planned the trip for mid-july,
which is easily the best time to camp in the far Northeast
meaning. It was very much a case of
sticking to the date or possibly waiting a whole year for the
opportunity to resurface. So I packed my stuff and on the
day. We were due to depart off.
I went on my lonesome for a few days camping in Acadia National
Park. For the three days that I was
there I Had the Time of My Life. I actually figured that I might
regret going solo that I would be bored out of my skull for the
duration, but I couldn't have been more wrong.
First off I barely had a moment to myself between making Camp
collecting enough firewood setting up the barrel alarms and
getting the fire going. I literally did not have a spare
moment until sundown then when it finally did go down.
I was in no mood to relax. Night time in the woods is
freaking scary dude. And since it was my first night
in the woods in probably 10 years and I was on my own.
It was just a lot to get used to in a very short space of time.
At least if I wanted any sleep anyway.
I got used to the night sounds in the end and there's only so
many times that you can play that scene from The Blair Witch
Project in your head before it just gets kind of old, you know.
After that the second and third Knights were way easier and I
managed to actually get some decent bouts of sleep then on
the third and final night of my trip.
I woke up in the middle of the night in some serious
discomfort. There's no delicate way to put
this so I'll just be blunt about it.
I didn't poop for three whole days while I was out there.
Every time I even thought about it, I'd picture a snake
slithering up to me having to abort and either getting poop
all over me or getting my butt bitten by a garter snake or
something. There aren't any venomous snakes
up here in Maine, but they'll still bite you if the mood takes
them. So the idea of dropping trial
and squatting somewhere wasn't in the least bit of healing to
me. But I could only put it off for
so long. I was almost constantly busy or
on the move at least during daylight hours.
And that meant that I needed to eat a lot.
But then the more I ate the more I needed to take a dump until I
finally reached the point where I couldn't hold it in anymore.
I got up put my headlamp on the Tactical settings so that it
emitted just a little blue light it's harder to spot and then
walked off into the woods with my wet wipes.
I didn't walk far but I didn't exactly want to poop right next
to where I was planting on eating breakfast the next
morning either. So I must have walked for at
least a minute or two trying to find the perfect spot before
finally leaning up against a tree and dropping my pants.
I promise that is enough poop talk for the remainder of the
story. Just know that everything went
smoothly maybe not the best choice of words and I managed to
wipe and pull my pants up before starting on the walk back to my
camp. But literally just as I'm about
I don't know 80 to 90 feet away. I see another person's flash
light shining up near my camp. The sudden appearance of this
other person in the middle of the night obviously sent major
alarm bells ringing in my head and obviously there were a
handful of innocent explanations.
But there were way more not so innocent ones too.
So in just walking back up to my Camp to see what this mysterious
stranger wanted. I switched off my headlamp real
quick and then crept over to a tree trunk in the darkness and
watched from behind it. Some of you might be thinking
why the dim blue light. Well, if you've given yourself
night blindness by using a big bright flashlight, like my
visitor was it's almost impossible to detect that real
dim shade of blue and that's why I was able to turn my headlamp
off real quick without being seen anyway, so I duck behind a
tree watching as this guy's flashlight beam is just sort of
moving around my camp. I can't see the guy holding it
not in any sort of great detail anyway, but I could see that he
was shining his flash light on different stuff.
Like he was inspecting my camp or looking for something.
Second's later. I see a second flash light
appear meaning two people were now walking around my campsite
the second flash light seemed to follow the same pattern as the
first for a minute before the two strangers stopped in my camp
and started talking to each other now, I couldn't hear every
word but I heard enough to know that they were looking for me
specifically. One guy asked the other a
question and his reply was just a little louder when he said he
was just here now. Hearing those words made for one
of the creepiest moments of my entire life.
I get the two guys might just randomly stumble across the
campsite after dark that's not entirely out of the question,
but then to know that at least one of them had been watching
me. Somehow made me feel sick to my
stomach. I felt perfectly capable of
defending myself, but only against things I could see and
things that didn't creep up on me in the middle of the night
when I should have been sleeping.
You also got to remember that I put down a bunch of little bear
alarms which are basically tripwires with a noise maker on
the end. And those guys made it up to my
Camp without triggering a single one.
Sure, they had flashlights, but those things aren't easy to see
if you don't know there there even in broad daylight.
I watched the two flash lights for a few minutes longer trying
to figure out what the two men were saying.
I could barely make out a word but then I heard one of them say
something like we'll just come back tomorrow.
A few more words were exchanged and then the two guys turned and
walked away from my campsite. I stayed put for maybe 10 to 15
minutes internally debating on what I should do in my head.
I was almost certain that the two guys or at least one of them
would go back to wherever they were watching me from and then
return the second I showed up at my Camp again.
I wanted nothing more than to just run back to Camp packed my
stuff away and then get the hell out of there before Dawn, but
that first thought stopped me. Packing up camp would make way
more noise than I was comfortable making and there was
also no way that I'd be able to do that without cranking my
headlamp up. Which in turn would make it much
easier to see me and this was also assuming that the two
strangers didn't have some kind of night vision capability.
Now. I know that sounds like I was
overthinking the whole thing, but I literally had nothing else
to do. I was just stuck there in the
darkness barely breathing not moving.
All I had were my thoughts and my fears nothing else.
I stayed exactly where I was for what seemed like forever and
then I finally started to see Dawn approaching and I felt safe
enough to creep back up to my camp and start to dismantle it.
I did it as quickly and quietly as possible.
Then in stead of having some breakfast like I had planned to
before departure. I walked all the way back to
where I left my car. This took me way longer than it
would have done under any other circumstances, too.
Because I made a not to stick to any regular trails.
I also made a point of stopping at the information center on the
way off the island where I asked if any of the Rangers had come
across a campground in the middle of the night.
They didn't have a clue what I was talking about.
No, Rangers had been patrolling the park after dark.
And if they had been there's no way they'd have just walked up
on some sleeping campers like that.
Since the Rangers also handle law enforcement in the Parks.
I was invited to file a report and give as much detail as
possible. If folks were creeping up on
campers in the middle of the night the Rangers damn sure
wanted to know about it. But as much as I appreciated
their concern, I wasn't exactly filled with the kind of
confidence that made me want to revisit Acadia anytime soon.
I would say the most life threatening experience.
I ever faced to curd during a solo camping trip in late June
of 2012 for those of you who don't remember or warrant in
West Virginia at the time. The region experiences intense
summer storms every few years known locally as direct shows.
I'm not great at explaining these things.
So here's a definition from weather.gov.
A derecho is a widespread long-lived Windstorm associated
with a band of rapidly moving showers or thunderstorms.
Although a derecho can produce destruction similar to that of
tornadoes. The damage is typically directed
in One Direction along a relatively straight swath.
By definition if the wind includes gusts of at least 58
miles per hour along most of its length.
Then the event may be classified as a direct show.
Considering that the mildest hurricane have wind speeds of
about 70 miles per hour a derecho is akin to a baby
hurricane. While they can be dangerous most
people view them as more of an annoyance.
However, imagine solo camping in the middle of West Virginia
watching the skies darken and realizing the wind is strong
enough to uproot dead or die in trees.
You can start to understand why I was so frightened.
Luckily as I searched for a safe place to Camp that night.
I stumbled upon a man-made shelter.
It was really no more than a single walled concrete Pavilion,
which did little to Shield me from the wind and rain.
However, in the event of a falling tree, it could mean the
difference between life and death.
Unfortunately and very unfortunately for me I wasn't
the only creature in the forest seeking Refuge.
About an hour before Sundown With the Wind still howling
through the trees. I heard the heavy thumping of
something running towards the shelter.
Initially, I couldn't see what it was nor could I hear it?
Clearly due to the wind and the shelter's position.
A moment later. I was barely on my feet when a
black bear came hurdling around the corner of the shelter.
The storm had terrified it which was very bad news for me.
My initial reaction was to Roar and wave my arms around trying
to appear more intimidating than the storm easier said than done.
The bare saw me jumped back and fright and appeared to continue
in the direction. It was initially heading.
However, it merely looped around The Blind Side of the shelter
and came tearing back around the same side at had first seen
essentially it ran in a rough Circle.
I repeated my previous actions jumping up and down and
screaming like a madman until it ran off again yet.
It looped back around each time getting closer.
After several more Loops, I could hear its claws clacking on
the concrete just a few feet in front of me and the Huffs and
puffs of anger and confusion. It made were equally terrifying
it was getting closer with each Loop eventually.
I had to back off to avoid coming within clawing distance.
The more I backed off the more ground, I gave it until suddenly
it darted into the shelter and took a swipe at me before
backing off for another loop. At that point I grabbed my
backpack to use as an improvised shield for the next time it
attacked holding it by the straps.
It was still pretty heavy with most of my gear in it.
I plan to use it like a battering ram.
My heart was pounding as it came around for another pass when it
did it seemed poised to dash into the shelter again, but the
sight of me holding my pack and a defensive posture gave it
enough of a scared to back off altogether.
It roared a little did a kind of 300 and 360 as if wondering what
the hell was happening and then ran off in the direction from
which it had come the sensible thing to do.
Then would have been to leave the shelter since the bear was
likely to return. But where was I to go?
Every second I was out in those woods without any sort of
shelter irises being crushed by a falling tree.
Yet every minute. I stayed in the shelter.
I risked a bear attack. If something happened to me in
the woods that prevented me from walking or running the bear
might catch up and inflict serious damage.
However, if I stayed in the shelter and used the same tactic
of using my backpack as a shield, I might withstand
another bear attack. It might seem crazy to some but
I was fairly confident the bear wouldn't come back.
I was absolutely certain. However that at least a handful
of trees would be uprooted by the wind and crashed down on the
forest floor and there was no way to scare one of those off by
waving my pack around. That's why I opted to stay in
the shelter, even though it meant to Sleepless and
thoroughly terrifying night in the storm.
One Summer my family and I decided that camping would help
us Bond since my dad worked alone and couldn't spend much
time with me and my siblings. We chose, Tennessee for our
destination. It was a crisp fall day when we
rented an old campsite next to a river complete with pedal boats
docked at a small peer and plentiful fishing.
My dad's favorite pastime. This spot was particularly
important to him. On the other hand, my siblings
disliked the outdoors and were constantly glued to their phones
and tablets. Unlike them.
I relished exploring the woods sketching animals that were
still long enough for me to draw.
I plan to paint these sketches later when I returned home.
We set up several tents my youngest sibling would share
with my brother while my parents had their own at 17 and already
working. I could afford my own tent that
night. We all slept soundly in the
tents and woke up early the next morning.
My dad went fishing and my mom and I decided to hike my
siblings chose a different Trail.
So it was just the two of us. About a mile in we stopped to
eat lunch just two sandwiches and finished in about 12 minutes
before hiking again. The birds chirped and various
insects buzzed around us. However, at a certain point the
forest grew ominously quiet even though it was still early.
My mom raised an eyebrow and concerned and checked her phone,
which was dead. Not a surprise and she often
forgot to charge it. Oddly.
My phone was also dead. Despite this we continue on the
trail. But an eerie feeling of being
watched or followed crept over us.
My mom was spooked and wanted to return to camp but I convinced
her it was probably just a storm brewing.
So we hiked for another two hours until we reached a
breathtaking waterfall. Even in the dim light the site
was stunning a few deer drinking from the river below the Falls
briefly lifted our Spirits until the air turned chili prompting
our departure. On our way back about two hours
down the trail. My mom stopped suddenly.
Did you hear that? She asked?
It sounded like a dog as animal lovers.
We couldn't bear the thought of leaving it out there.
So we began calling here doggy. My mom yelled and I joined in.
All we found was a collar on the ground.
As I called out again a large imposing dog burst from the
bushes. I stumbled backwards praying not
to frighten it into aggression. Fortunately.
It just sat there looking at us blankly.
My mom approached and gently reached out to it it sniffed her
hand and wagged its tail looking at the torn collar.
She asked is this yours boy? The dog appeared sick and
skinny. So we did what any sensible
person would do. We took it back with us and it
stayed for the remainder of our trip.
Dad even agreed to keep it. At the vet we learned it was a
mix of Great Dane and husky. Besides being underweight it was
healthy with no parasites a relief to us all we took it home
and for a few days everything was fine, but I noticed it
becoming overly attached to me following me like a lost puppy
which I suppose it was. It soon began to snap at people
becoming aggressively protective of me.
It got so bad that we had to enroll it in a training program,
but it eventually improved. While still very protective I
didn't mind it made me feel safe.
However, leaving it for school was hard.
My mom said it would become territorial over my room not
letting anyone in and refusing to leave.
What was odd was that even after four months it never left my
side it hardly ate or went to the bathroom on its own and
would often just stare at me as if trying to communicate the
emotional trauma it had endured. It pained me because I loved him
but it was heartbreaking. One night.
There was a break in while I was home alone my parents were away.
That night I discovered the name.
I would call him Killer his eyes had a deep menacing.
Look as he protected me like a German Shepherd would its
Handler? The Intruder ended up in the
hospital. We later found out he was a
single father working two jobs to support four kids.
So we chose not to call the police.
Killer would have attacked the man if I hadn't ordered him to
stop. When he released the man his
eyes almost appeared red. If he weren't my dog, I might
have thought he was something else entirely.
But I know he loves me. Even if I suspect he might be a
hellhound of sorts. At least he has chosen to
protect me. We'd been in Arkansas for three
days when it happened Ellie and I had picked a remote spot by
the lake figuring the seclusion would be good for us.
She was flipping burgers on the grill and I was stoking the fire
enjoying the Calm before the mosquitoes decided to join us.
The evening was shaping up nicely with a warm breeze
stirring the are the kind of summer night that made you wish
you could freeze time. Then came the yelling.
At first it was faint like a bad memory trying to surface.
But it got louder more desperate.
I looked at Ellie and without saying a word we knew we had to
check it out. We followed the sound Hearts
hammering in our chests as we rounded a bend and saw him a guy
in his forties by the looks of it slumped against a picnic
table his face Ashen. The front of his shirt was
soaked in Blood and a gutting knife lay by his side.
From the looks of the wound across his belly.
He'd had a real bad accident. Help me, please.
He gasped as we approached. His voice was weak strained
through the pain Ellie stayed calm more composed than I'd ever
seen her lay him down. She instructed I did as she said
gently easing him onto the ground.
She grabbed a towel from our pack and pressed it hard against
his stomach trying to stem the flow of blood.
I need to call for help. I said pulling out my phone only
to see no service. Panic set in for a moment, but
Ellie was already thinking a step ahead.
Ask him where his keys are we need to drive him to the
hospital? His hand trembled as he pointed
towards a nearby bush. in my jacket pocket he stammered I
sprinted over grab the keys and we managed to haul him into the
back of his truck Ellie insisted.
I drive normally she'd Take the Wheel.
She loved driving more than I did but tonight was different
blood made her queasy. She'd fainted once just from
cutting her finger while chopping vegetables.
As I turned the ignition, I glanced back at Ellie.
She was pale her lips pressed tightly together.
She was scared sure, but there was a determination in her eyes.
I hadn't seen before. You okay?
I asked as we started down the dirt road.
Just drive. She said keeping her gaze fixed
on the man applying pressure to his wound.
If I look away. I'll think about it too much.
The drive was a blur trees and shadows melded into the darkness
as I pushed the truck as fast as it would go on the winding
Forest roads every bump made my heart skip worrying.
It might jostle the makeshift bandage loose LED didn't say
much just gave directions and kept her hands steady.
The fear of what might happen if we didn't make it in time hung
in the air thick and unspoken. But beneath that fear was
something else a threat of strength that connected us
pulled taught by the crisis. When we finally saw the lights
of the hospital relief washed over me like rain.
We'd done everything we could and now it was up to the
doctors. As we pulled up Ellie finally
looked at me her eyes glossy with unshed tears.
We made it she whispered and I knew she wasn't just talking
about the hospital the wheels of the truck crunched against the
gravel of the emergency room drop off as I slam the vehicle
to a stop. The hospital doors burst open
with medical staff ready with a stretcher.
We'd made it, but just barely. Hang on helps here.
I said to the man though. I wasn't sure he could hear me
anymore. His breathing was shallow his
face pale and slick with sweat. Ellie didn't wait for the
nurses. She helped lift him her hands
firm and Shore guiding his limp body onto the stretcher.
He has lost a lot of blood she explained quickly to the nurse
who had started firing questions out of us.
As they wheeled him inside Ellie followed her steps faltering
just a bit as she crossed the threshold into the bright
fluorescent light of the hospital.
I caught up to her placing a hand on her shoulder.
You did good. I murmured though.
It felt like an understatement. She'd done more than good.
She'd held it together when every Instinct she had must have
been screaming for her to get away from the blood the risk the
responsibility. She nodded her eyes tracking the
stretcher until it disappeared behind a set of Swinging Doors.
Let's hope it was enough. She said quietly.
We walked back to the truck neither of us ready to leave
just yet. Not until we knew he was going
to make it the adrenaline that it fueled us on the drive here
was ebbing now leaving behind a bone deep exhaustion and a stark
realization of just how badly things could have ended.
Sitting on the hood of the truck.
We watched the sun rise painting the sky and shades of orange and
purple it was beautiful. But the serenity of the Dawn
felt at odds with the night. We just lived through.
Ellie's hand found mine her grip tight.
I was so scared. She admitted not just of the
blood of making a mistake of crashing the car of not doing
enough. You were amazing.
I said squeezing her hand. You saved his life Ellie.
You did everything right? She leaned her head on my
shoulder. We did it together.
It was a while later when a doctor finally came out to speak
with us. The man was stable expected to
recover relief washed over me and I could feel Ellie relax
beside me. We drove back to the Campsite in
Silence the earlier Panic replaced by a deep satisfying
exhaustion. When we arrived the man's dog a
big friendly Labrador came bounding up to us.
We'd almost forgotten about him. He nudged Ellie with his nose
and she laughed a sound so light and free at made my heart ache a
little. We spent the rest of the day
trying to find normal again. We went for a walk played Fetch
with the dog and talked about everything but what it happened
it wasn't until the Man's brother arrived to pick up his
things and his dog that the reality of the night Came
Crashing back. He hugged us both his eyes wet
with tears. Thank you.
He kept saying you saved my brother's life.
It was a moment of pure raw Humanity gratitude relief the
bond of shared crisis. It marked us changed us in ways.
I'm still trying to understand. As he drove away Ellie looked at
me a new resolve in her gaze. We did good didn't we?
Yeah, I replied feeling the weight of the night lift just a
bit. We did good.
I've always felt at home in the wild the sounds of distant
Wildlife the rustle of leaves underfoot and the crisp fresh
air. It's where I feel most alive.
I live in Kelowna British Columbia.
Just a stone's throw from the mountains that have become like
a second home to me. Today like many days before I
was prepping for a solo trip into those familiar Woods winter
had laid a thick blanket of snow over the landscape turning the
rugged terrain into a white Paradise.
I planted to do some fishing and camping a perfect way to spend
the weekend away from the bustle of everyday life.
Before heading out. I packed my old trusty truck
with the essentials fishing gear attend sleeping bag and enough
food to last me a couple of days.
I've always had this habit of leaving my keys in the ignition.
My truck was more than just a vehicle.
It was a part of my Wilderness adventures and up here.
I never worried about anyone taking it.
There's a sort of unspoken trust among those few who venture out
this far. The drive to my favorite spot
wasn't long about 30 minutes or so.
As I drove I watched the city slowly disappear behind me
replaced by towering trees and untouched snow.
Pulling off the main road. I followed a narrow snow-covered
trail that led to a familiar clearing.
It had the best view a sweeping Vista overlooking the city below
now just a cluster of tiny lights.
I stepped out into the cold taking a deep breath of the icy
are feeling it sting my lungs in a strangely comforting way.
Setting up camp was second nature to me.
I unfolded my tent and set it up with practice ease the ground
was hard and Frozen, but I managed to secure it firmly.
Next I gather some wood for a fire.
Even with gloves on my fingers felt numb as I arranged the logs
in a neat pile and struck a match.
The fire crackled to life its warm glow a stark contrast
against the encroaching Darkness.
I turned off my bright flashlight letting the firelight
cast Dancing Shadows around the clearing.
With the city lights twinkling in the distance and the Stars
beginning to peek out from the sky.
The scene was almost magical. I pulled out my old radio a
companion on many such trips and tuned into a station playing
classic country music. The Familiar Tunes floated
through the air mixing with the sound of the crackling fire I
found myself humming along lost in the Tranquility of it all.
It was these moments. I cherished the most away from
the noise and Rush of daily life where I could just be.
Here in the wilderness. I was free from worries and
schedules. Time seemed to slow down and for
a while I could forget the world beyond the mountains.
As the night deepened I lay back in my chair staring up at the
vast star-filled Sky feeling a profound.
Peace at all over me. This was more than just a
getaway. It was a return to something
ancient and Elemental within me here surrounded by the vastness
of nature. I felt small yet infinitely
connected to the world around me.
Little did I know the night was about to take a turn that would
challenge everything. I thought I knew about these
Woods I called home. The fire had dwindled to glowing
Embers and the chill of the night began to seep through my
jacket. I added a few more logs to the
fire coaxing the Flames back to life.
The crackle of the fire and the soft music from the radio where
the only sounds in the quiet of the mountain.
I felt completely at ease my mind wandering freely.
As I sat there lost in the rhythm of the music and the
mesmerizing Dance of the Flames a sudden chill that wasn't from
the cold night air swept over me.
My neck hairs prickled and an uneasy feeling settled in my
stomach. I paused turning down the music
straining my ears against the Silence of the night.
The usual night sounds seemed to have hushed as if the forest
itself was holding its breath. I tried to shake off the feeling
telling myself. It was nothing.
Maybe the isolation was finally getting to me.
But then out of the corner of my eye, I saw it.
At first I thought my mind was playing tricks on me.
But when I turned my head there was no denying what was in front
of me? Two glowing blood red eyes
peered at me from about 100 yards away in the Darkness.
They were unlike anything I had ever seen in these Woods.
My heart pounded in my chest as a wave of dread washed over me.
This wasn't a bear a cougar or any of The Usual Suspects.
This was something different something wrong.
I fumbled for my flashlight my hands shaking.
When the beam of light cut through the darkness the eyes
disappeared leaving me to wonder if I had imagined them.
But the heavy feeling of being watched persisted.
Instinct kicked in I grabbed my keys pressing the panic button
to trigger the alarm on my truck.
The loud beeping echoed through the Stillness and I used the
sound to guide me as I hastily packed up my essentials.
I couldn't shake the feeling that whatever those eyes belong
to was still out there watching. With my Axe and one hand and the
Flash Light in the other. I made a break from my truck the
beam of my flashlight swept from side to side piercing the
darkness. Every little sound made me jump
every shadow a potential hiding spot for whatever had been
watching me the forest once a place of peace now felt like a
maze of threats. I reached my truck the Panic
alarm still blaring. I threw my gear into the back
and jumped into the driver's seat locking the doors behind
me. My hands trembled as I turn the
key in the ignition the engine coming to life with a roar.
I didn't look back as I drove down the mountain the sense of
dread clinging to me like a cold shadow.
When I finally got home the safety of four solid walls
around me did little to ease my rattled nerves.
I lay in bed replaying the night over in my mind trying to make
sense of what I had seen. The image of those haunting red
eyes burned into my memory. The next morning my curiosity
got the better of my fear. I drove back to the mountain to
the spot where I had seen the eyes.
I searched the area for any sign of what I had encountered tracks
broken branches anything. But there was nothing.
The forest offered no clues only the echoing Silence of
unanswered questions. As I stood there I knew one
thing for sure. I wouldn't be coming back here
at night again. Whatever mystery those red eyes
held it was one I was content to leave on solved.
Jack sat at his small kitchen table the dim light from the
bulb above casting Long Shadows across the room.
The bright light from his laptop screen hurt his tired eyes as he
scrolled through the endless pages of the essay.
He was struggling to finish before the deadline the cursor
blinked persistently a stark reminder of his lack of
punctuality. Jack's hand moved through his
disheveled hair suppressing a yawn concurrently pursuing two
master's degrees while managing a demanding workload and
maintaining a semblance of personal life had left him
feeling frayed and exhausted. The daily routine was taking its
toll and he longed for something to rekindle the enthusiasm.
He once held for his academic Pursuits.
Sighing Jack leaned back in his chair stretching his arms over
his head. He glanced around the cluttered
kitchen littered with coffee mugs and half eaten meals piled
high in the sink. As he refocused on his laptop
screen an unexpected pop-up ad caught his attention.
Vibrant images of lush forests and rugged mountains filled the
small window accompanied by bold text.
Explore the untouched Wilderness of Oregon guided hikes through
state parks available now. Jack's heart skipped a beat the
thought of escaping his monotonous routine for the
Serene beauty of Oregon's Wilderness seemed too good to be
true. He could practically smell the
fresh Pioneer feel the crunch of leaves under his boots and hear
the calls of wildlife echoing through the trees.
It was a chance for him to take the day to slow down to unwind
and enjoy the beauty of Mother Nature.
The following morning Jack awoke with a renewed sense of
determination as the first rays of sunlight filtered through the
blinds of his apartment Illuminating the cluttered
kitchen. He reflected on the previous
night's research. Although Guided by enthusiasm
rather than comprehensive knowledge.
He diligently packed the necessary supplies for his
upcoming hiking Expedition. A couple of changes of clothes a
flash light with almost dead batteries a Swiss army knife his
dad had given him years ago and a large bag of Trail Mix.
He hoped would suffice for sustenance.
He threw in a water bottle in a first aid kit.
He found buried in a drawer its contents mostly expired.
All right, Max Jack called out to his little Jack Russell
Terrier who had been watching him with curious eyes from the
comfort of his dog bed time for an adventure.
Max bounded up eagerly his tail wagging furiously as Jack
attached to his leash. We're going hiking buddy.
Jack said with a grin scratching behind Max's ears.
You're going to love it. With the backpack slung over one
shoulder and Max happily trotting beside him jack locked
the door to his apartment behind him and headed towards the
parking lot where his beat-up old sedan was waiting.
Loading his gear into the trunk Jack couldn't suppress the surge
of excitement bubbling inside him.
This spontaneous decision felt like a breath of fresh air
compared to the suffocating routine.
He had grown accustomed to as he drove Jack couldn't help but
feel a mix of nervousness and exhilaration.
He glanced over at Max's who was sitting proudly in the passenger
seat with his head out the window tongue laling happily in
the breeze. The roads stretched out before
them winding through Rolling Hills and dense forests.
Jack's mind raced with thoughts of the adventure ahead the
Mysteries waiting to be uncovered in Oregon's untouched
wilderness. Jack and Max arrived at the
trailhead just after noon the sun hanging high in the sky and
casting waves of heat down onto the lush green forest below.
Jack parked his car in the crowded lot feeling a mix of
excitement and trepidation. He glanced at Max who was
already eager to explore bouncing on his paws as Jack
opened the car door. Alright Max.
Let's go see what we can find. Jack said grabbing his backpack
and making sure Max's leash was Secure.
The parking lot buzzed with activity hikers and families
preparing for their own Adventures.
But Jack was focused on the tree line ahead eager to escape into
the Solitude of the Woods. As they approached the edge of
the Woodland a large wooden sign displaying a detailed map of the
available Trails came into view. The sign used a color-coded
system with each Trail designated by a different color.
Jack meticulously studied the map trying to understand the
intricacies of the various routes.
Although the specific meaning of the colors escaped him.
He guessed that they probably indicated varying degrees of
difficulty. Jack traced his finger along a
black Trail which seemed to Loop deep into the forest before
circling back. This one looks interesting.
He said to Max who barked in agreement.
Without giving it much more thought Jack set off down the
trail eager for the adventure. The trail started out wide and
well-trodden winding gently through the trees the sounds of
the parking lot quickly faded away replaced by the rustling of
leaves and the occasional chirp of a bird.
Jack took a deep breath savoring the fresh pine scented air.
This was exactly what he had been craving a break from the
suffocating routine of his daily life.
As they ventured deeper the Trail began to narrow the
terrain becoming more rugged rocks and Roots jutted out from
the ground making the path uneven and difficult to
navigate. Jack stumbled a few times
cursing under his breath, but his determination didn't waive
her Max on the other hand seemed to thrive in the challenging
environment darting ahead and sniffing at everything with
Boundless Energy. A few hours had passed since
Jack and Max had set off on the trail.
The once wide and well-trodden path had completely disappeared
swallowed by a tangled mess of roots rocks and dense shrubs.
Jackson's initial enthusiasm had given way to a growing sense of
unease his water bottle was almost empty and his muscles
ached from the Relentless hiking.
Come on, Max Jack muttered wiping sweat from his brow.
We have to find a marker or something.
We can't be that far off track. Max sensing Jax anxiety stayed
closer than usual his ears perked and eyes darting around
nervously the forest which had seemed so inviting and Serene
earlier now felt oppressive and alien, The Shadows lengthened as
the afternoon wore on and the air grew cooler bringing with it
an eerie silence. Jack pushed forward his eyes
scanning desperately for any sign of the trail.
Every direction looked the same and the forest seemed to stretch
endlessly in all directions. He stumbled again this time
catching his foot on an exposed root and crashing to the ground
Max barked rushing over to his side.
Dammit, Jack kerst pulling himself up in brushing dirt off
his clothes. He took a deep breath trying to
calm the rising Panic building in his chest.
He tried to remember the map he had seen at the trailhead, but
it was a blur in his mind Jack pressed on his steps growing
slower and more cautious. The underbrush was thick and he
had to push branches aside to forge a path.
The deeper they went the darker and more claustrophobic the
forest became Jack glanced at the sky through the dense canopy
noting the sun's rapid descent. The threat of Darkness was
closing in and with it came a growing sense of dread dammit.
The Voice came warped and distorted as if the forest
itself was trying to mimic him Jack's blood ran cold.
He stopped dead in his tracks straining to listen.
Damn it, the voice echoed again warbled and wrong sending chills
down his spine Max sensing the danger suddenly bolted
disappearing into the thick underbrush with a frightened
Yelp Max Max come back Jack shouted, but his voice was
swallowed by the oppressive silence Panic surged through him
as he realized he was now completely alone.
He stumbled forward trying to follow the sound of Max's
frantic barking, but it quickly faded into the distance.
Max come back the voice mocked closer and more insistent.
Jack's heart pounded in his chest as he spun around
desperately trying to pinpoint its source.
The forest seemed to twist and contort around him every tree
looking the same every shadow hiding potential threats.
Stay calm Jack muttered to himself his voice trembling just
stay calm. He took a deep breath and tried
to focus. He had to find Max and get out
of these Woods before nightfall. Jack's flashlight flickered
weekly as he trudged forward casting Eerie dancing Shadows on
the trees. Max Jack called his voice
swallowed by the forest the knot of anxiety that had formed in
Jack's stomach tightened as the battery to his flashlight
flickered several times before giving out plunging him into
darkness. Max The Voice echoed unnerving
close Jack's breath hitched. He turned in circles trying to
catch any sign of movement any hint of where the voice was
coming from. The forest was now amazed of
Shadows each one hiding potential danger whose there
Jack shouted his voice breaking with fear.
What do you want? silence then a low guttural
laugh echoed through the trees sending shivers down Jack's
spine. He backed away his eyes wide
straining to see anything in the encroaching Darkness.
The laughter chased him deeper into the forest Jack turned and
ran ignoring the branches that whipped at his face and the
roots that tried to trip him. He had to find Max he had to get
out of these Woods But as he ran the forest grew darker the trail
more indistinguishable. Jack's footsteps echoed in the
silence each one a reminder of how alone he was his heart
pounded in his ears his breath coming in desperate gasps.
Suddenly he stumbled into a small clearing the last Light of
the Setting Sun casting a dim glow over the area.
Jack collapsed to his knees panting heavily.
He looked around hoping to see Max but the clearing was empty.
Max he whispered his voice breaking tears welled up in his
eyes as he realized the full extent of his situation.
He was lost alone and being hunted by something that could
mimic his own voice. Jack The Voice came again softer
now almost a whisper Jack looked up his vision blurred with tears
and saw a figure standing at the edge of the clearing.
It was tall and a Macy its pale flesh almost glowing in the
fading light. Halo black eyes stared back at
him and a twisted smile played on its lips.
Jack back to weigh his mind Racing for a plan any plan, but
the forest had turned into a labyrinth and every path seemed
to lead deeper into darkness. He couldn't outrun the creature,
but he had to try. Gathering the last of his
strength Jack turned and bolted into the woods the creatures
laughter echoing behind him. He ran blindly branches slashing
at his face Roots tangling his feet.
The forest seemed to close in around him and Jack knew he was
running out of time. Jack stumbled falling to the
ground he scrambled to his feet, but it was too late the creature
loomed over him. Its Hollow eyes boring into his
soul. Jack scream echoed through the
forest, but there was no one to hear it.
A few years back. I decided to go camping with
about 10 other friends at snively Hot Springs in eastern
Oregon on Friday the 13th. Which also just so happened to
be a full moon? The drive out there took a
little over an hour. And since I had worked the next
day I decided I wasn't going to drink much so I wouldn't be hung
over in the morning. We arrived set up camp in a nice
spot away from the majority of other campers and then started
cracking open the beers. After that, we took a dip in the
nearby Springs and then after Sundown we went on a night walk
to enjoy the mountains illuminated by the full moon in
the Stars. It was really dark at this point
and people dipped out. So only a few of us ended up
actually going on this night walk.
Side note the three of us that went had all been microdosing
mushrooms pretty much the majority of the night.
Things were slightly trippy, but I don't like to get super gunky
and unaware of my surroundings. So it's the four of us myself
two friends and one of my friends dogs.
We were walking uphill for about 10 minutes flash lights lighting
the way before us when we suddenly took a right onto a
trail. We didn't even make it three
minutes before hearing some very loud and very close rustling in
front of us. We stopped in our tracks and my
friend in the front of the line started scanning the area with
his flash light. Have you ever seen a big cats
eyes in the dark? The way they glow is chilling,
especially when the cat is bigger than you.
So when I tell you I have never been so scared in my life.
I mean it with all my heart and soul.
We were face to face with a big old mountain lion.
It was not more than a few yards in front of us and Instinct
kicked in for all of us as we just backed away slowly.
My friends dog on the other hand had an instinct of its own and
ran off to the right of us into the woods.
But the mountain lion didn't cash in on her it kept those
glowing eyes glued directly on us.
We continued to back away until we couldn't back away anymore
and sure enough. We saw the dog right next to us.
In which case? What did we heard running up
behind us? We shine the flashlight and holy
crap another freaking mountain. Lion only this one we figured
was her, baby. On the other side of the fence
was someone else's campsite and we had no choice but to turn
around and jump it. We got the dog over first and
then jumped it ripping all of our clothing in the process with
my friend cutting his leg pretty badly.
So we're in someone else's campsite on Friday the 13th
under a full moon in the mountains tripping on some
shrooms completely lost. We didn't know where the people
were, but we didn't care. We got into their unlocked car
and honked the horn for about a minute to scare off the Cougars.
We made sure to clearly yell and let anybody around us know that
we weren't robbers and that there were cougars close by we
got out after a couple of minutes and were pretty weirded
out that nobody came out to check on their campsite.
My friends swore that she could hear someone screaming or trying
to scream but her boyfriend insisted that we needed to leave
the campsite. Part of me believed her though.
I didn't hear any noises. But I was also ready to just
GTFO away from that area. We found the exit of their
campsite and on the way back to ours.
I said my final prayers and I'm not even religious.
We got back to camp and every rustling noise around me had me
convinced that we were being stalked by these cougars.
I had a full-fledged panic attack in the car for about an
hour and was absolutely covered in knots because of the sunroof
being cracked. Everyone else was having fun
around the campfire. Even the other two who had just
gone through the same experience I had I was hung over as all
hell the next morning. No showed my job and got fired
when I got back into town which sucked but I didn't give a
single left. I was just happy to be alive.
The drive to Lake umbagog was a silent agreement between me and
raw that we needed this trip more than we cared to admit.
The past few months had been a grind the kind that wears you
down to a nub. Rob had his struggles at the
office and I well I had my own battles with the new management
at the plant. This trip a retreat Into the
Wilderness of Maine and New Hampshire was not just about
fishing. It was about breathing again
without the Chokehold of daily life.
We arrived late in the afternoon our truck growling Softly As we
pulled up to the cabin? We'd rented for the weekend.
It was a sturdy little thing hugged on all sides by trees
that were just starting to turn a riot of oranges and yellows
against the Deep greens of the Pines.
Rob hopped out and stretched his face splitting into a grin.
This is perfect. He declared and I couldn't have
agreed more. The cabin was simple one room.
Two beds a wood stove for heat and a front porch that face the
lake the water was a mirror reflecting the changing leaves
and the air was Chris carrying the promise of a cold night.
We unpacked settled in and decided to spend the rest of the
evening fishing off the dock. As we cast our lines into the
cooling water the trouble of the city seemed to melt away.
The lake was calm its surface barely disturbed by our bobbers.
Rob caught the first fish a decent sized brook trout and I
followed soon after. By the time the sun dipped below
the tree line. We had a Stringer full enough to
feel proud of The night called for a celebration we built a
fire in the pit by the cabin the Flames flickering against the
growing Darkness. Rob pulled out a bottle of
bourbon a good one and we toasted to The Simple Pleasures
of fire, whiskey and friendship as the bourbon warmed our
bellies. We swapped Stories the taller
the tail the louder are laughter.
It wasn't just the alcohol that loosened our tongues.
It was the Wilderness the isolation.
Out here, you could speak your fears into the night and the
Darkness would swallow them up. Rob talked about his kid about
how fast he was growing up and how little he saw him because of
the job. I listened nodding throwing in
my bits about the factory the layoffs looming like storm
clouds. Later as the fire died down to
Embers a local who had been fishing further down the shore
wandered over. He was a wiry guy with a face
carved from the harsh New England Winter's.
You folks should try the North End of the lake.
He said pointing to a spot that was hidden from view by a bend
in the shoreline. There's a honey hole up there
big lake trout. His eyes twinkled with the
knowingness of a seasoned fisherman.
Robin I exchanged a look we'll give it a shot.
I replied the prospect of tomorrow's Adventure already
kindling a spark of excitement in my chest.
That night as I lay in my bunk the last of the bourbon humming
through my veins. I felt a piece.
I hadn't known in months. Outside the lake whispered in
the dark lapping gently at the shore and I drifted off to sleep
with thoughts of what lay beneath those Waters. the giant
lake trout the secret spots tomorrow held the promise of
something big and I was ready for it.
Morning at Lake umbagog broke with a Mist hovering above the
water the sun struggling to assert itself against the
stubborn remnants of night. Rob was already up coffee in
hand staring out at the lake with that quiet anticipation
that fishing breeds. After a quick breakfast of eggs
in last night's leftover trout, we loaded our gear into the
canoe the locals tip about the honey hole in the north playing
on repeat in our minds the paddle up the lake was tougher
than expected. The water was calm sure but
there was a resistance about it as if the lake knew we were
intruding on something sacred and wasn't eager to let us pass.
The trees loomed tall and tight around us their Reflections in
the Dark Water doubling their guard.
The farther we paddled the quieter it became the only
sounds are paddle stirring the water and our breaths growing
heavier with each stroke. By the time we reach the spot
the Eerie quiet had settled deep in my bones.
We cast our lines into the lake the plop of our lures breaking
the surface sounding unnaturally loud in the hush.
Fishing started slow and the sense of isolation grew with
each passing minute the hills around us like the walls of some
ancient Fortress. Then the fog began to roll in.
It came softly at first a gentle whisper across the water then
thickened until it swallowed up the far Shore.
It was then in that shrouded world that my line went tight
with a ferocity that startled me.
The fish on the other end fought like the devil pulling with a
wild desperate strength. That was almost personal.
Got a monster here. I grunted struggling to keep my
balance in the rocking canoe Robb net in hand watched with
white eyes as the battle dragged on minutes stretching like ours.
When the fish finally surfaced it was indeed a monster.
A lake trout that had to weigh at least 20 pounds.
But it wasn't just its size that took our Breath Away Tangled in
its mouth was an amulet silver tarnished to nearly black etched
with symbols that neither of us recognized.
I reached for it my fingers brushing the cold metal when the
trout gave a sudden violent thrash the line snapped sending
the creature in its mysterious cargo Back Into the Depths
leaving us staring at each other our hearts pounding.
We should head back. Rob said after a moment his
voice low almost shaking. But neither of us moved the
weight of what had just happened anchoring us there.
It was the site of the other knew that finally spurred us
into action materializing from the fog.
It was an old weather thing floating eerily still about 30
yards off. Alone figure sad in it facing
away from us unmoving unresponsive to our calls. the
air grew colder the back of my neck prickling as we paddled
closer. That's not possible.
Rob whispered his voice hoarse with fear.
I didn't ask what he meant. I didn't need to the figure in
the canoe was ghostly translucent its presence and
impossible thing in the daylight World Panic raw and Powerful
grip me then we paddled hard for the shore not daring to look
back the fog closing in like a curtain behind us.
By the time we reached the safety of our cabin the figure
and its canoe had vanished swallowed by the Mist.
That night we spoke little each lost in our own thoughts about
The Apparition and the amulet lost to the lake.
When Dawn broke we packed up with a word the thrill of
fishing forgotten replaced by an urgent need to leave the
mysteries of Lake umbagog behind us.
As we drove away the lake disappeared into the rearview
mirror a shiver running down my spine as I wondered if perhaps
some places are better left unexplored.
We always thought we knew everything about the Bayou near
our home town in, Southern, Louisiana.
My cousin Jet and I grew up here spending most of our days and
even some nights out on the water fishing and exploring but
one night about five years ago. Something happened that made me
swear off nighttime fishing forever.
It was a warm muggy July evening when Jed and I decided to go
gigging for frogs. We had done this a thousand
times before we loaded up our old Jon Boat with all the
necessary gear gigs headlamps and some snacks.
I remember tying the boat to the back of Jed's truck the metal
clinking Softly As We secured it?
As we headed out to Bayou Marmot the sun had just set painting
the sky and shades of orange and purple.
By the time we reached our usual spot Darkness had settled over
the swamp. We launched the boat into the
water with a gentle Splash and climbed in ready for another
night of Adventure. The BYU was alive with sound
crickets chirped loudly from the banks and every so often a frog
would cope breaking the steady home of nature.
We turned on our headlamps the beams of light cutting through
the darkness as we started scanning the banks for The
Telltale glint of frog eyes. We had been at it for about an
hour when suddenly Jed my arm. Luke cut the engine he whispered
his voice 10s. I immediately turned off the
motor and the sudden silence seemed louder than all the
noises just a moment before. You see that Jed pointed towards
a narrow side Channel. We had never explored about 50
yards ahead. There was a dim light.
It looked like an old kerosene lantern just floating there in
the dark. Now we knew there shouldn't be
anyone else out here this late and we were pretty sure lanterns
couldn't Float by themselves. It's probably just some
reflection maybe from someone's campsite.
I suggested trying to make sense of it, but judge shook his head.
No campsites out here Luke, and that ain't no reflection.
He was always The Brave One or maybe just foolhardy.
Let's check it out. He said with that mischievous.
Grin I Knew Too Well. Against my better judgment I
agreed. As we slowly approached the
light. I noticed something really
strange. The air was getting colder that
didn't make any sense not in July in Louisiana and the sounds
of the by you the Crickets and frogs had all gone silent too.
It was like everything was holding its breath.
When we got about 20 feet from the lantern I could see it
clearly. It was one of those old timey
lanterns the kind you see an old movies hanging there as if held
by an invisible hand. Its flame cast Eerie Shadows on
the cypress trees around us. Jed reached out to grab it and I
swear that thing moved. It drifted just out of his reach
and started to Bob slowly down the channel like it was leading
us somewhere. Jed of course started to follow
it I hissed him to come back but he was transfixed.
I had no choice but to Trail after him my heart pounding in
my chest whatever this light was.
It was leading us deeper into the Bayou into Parts Unknown and
as we followed I couldn't shake the feeling that we were not
supposed to be there. As Jet and I followed the
mysterious Lantern deeper into the swamp.
The trees seemed to close in around us.
The light from our headlamps barely pierced the darkness that
swallowed up The Path ahead. Everything was quiet too quiet.
It felt like we were stepping into another world one.
That didn't quite welcome us. The lantern continued to float
just Out Of Reach bobbing gently as if it was being carried by a
soft Breeze though. The air around us was still in
heavy. I tried to keep my voice steady,
but it shook as I whispered Jed. Maybe we should go back.
He didn't respond just kept his eyes fixed on that Eerie
lighting us onward. after what felt like forever the lantern
stopped at a small clearing there right in the middle of
this circle of space stood an old shack.
It looked like something straight out of a horror movie
rotten wood sagging roof and all surrounded by dense dark trees
that seemed to lean in curiously the lantern floated right up to
the Shack's door and then flicked out as if someone had
blown out the flame. Jed stood Frozen for a moment
staring at the dark doorway then as if pulled by some unseen
Force he began walking towards it.
Jed wait, I called out but he didn't seem to hear me my
stomach churned with fear, but I couldn't let him go into that
creepy Place alone. We reached the door in Jed
pushed it open without hesitation the hinges grown
sending a shiver down my spine inside.
It was Pitch Black except for a single candle burning on a table
in the center of the room. That tiny light through
grotesque Shadows onto the walls.
Then I saw it a figure was hunched over the table dressed
all in black with a wide brimmed hat.
It's slowly lifted its head in my heart nearly stopped.
Where its face should have been there was nothing just a smooth
blank stretch of skin. Jed gasped a sound of Terror.
I'd never heard from him before that seemed to break the spell.
He turned and ran almost knocking me over as he bolted
for the door. I followed close behind my legs
trembling so badly I could barely run we rushed through the
swamp tripping over roots and splashing through muddy water
every snap of a twig or rustle of leaves made me jump thinking
that faceless figure was right behind us.
We didn't stop running until we reached our boat.
Panting and sweating. We pushed off from the bank and
didn't look back until we were far away from that haunted
place. Back at the Landing as we loaded
the boat onto the trailer Jed finally spoke his voice barely a
whisper Luke. What the heck was that?
I shook my head unable to find the words to explain the horror.
We just escaped. Even now years later.
I still think about that night. What was that faceless figure?
And what would have happened if jet had taken one step further
into that Shack? I don't know and I don't want to
know. That night taught me some places
are best left unexplored. It's why I only fish during the
day now. The swamp has its secrets and
some are too dark to ever bring into the light.
Living in the middle of the sias law national forest.
Sounds like a dream, doesn't it? Well for me, it's real life.
My name's Sam, and I've got a small cabin near a place called,
Toketee Falls. This spot with all its trees and
the waterfall nearby is my slice of paradise.
Just me my dog buck and The Great Outdoors.
It doesn't get much better than that.
Each morning I wake up to the chirping of birds and the gentle
Whisper Of The Wind Through The Pines the air is always fresh
and cool. And the smell of the forest
after a rain is my favorite scent in the world.
Buck usually wakes up before I do wagging his tail and ready to
start the day. He's not just a pet.
He is my fishing buddy and the best friend I could ask for out
here. Our cabin is simple nothing
fancy, but it's cozy. There's a fireplace that keeps
us warm during the chilly nights and a small porch where I like
to sit and watch the sunset. I spend my days doing what I
love most hiking through the forest and fishing in the north
Umpqua River. I learned how to fish from my
dad. He used to take me fishing when
I was just a little kid, and I've loved it ever since.
He taught me everything from tying hooks to knowing the best
times to catch fish. Even though he's not around
anymore. I feel like he's with me every
time I cast my line. Fishing here is amazing.
The river is full of life, especially during the fall when
the Chinook salmon runs starts. These fish are huge and strong
and catching them as a real Adventure.
They swim up River to the same spot.
They were born to lay their eggs and let me tell you they put up
quite a fight when you hook one. Today like most days buck and I
headed out early the sky was just starting to light up with
colors of pink and orange as the sun peeked over the mountains.
I grabbed my fishing gear a couple of sandwiches for lunch
and we were off. Our favorite spot is right at
the base of Toca T Falls the water crashes down into a big
pool before flowing down the river.
It's the perfect spot for salmon because they rest there before
moving Upstream. And for me standing in the
middle of the rushing water surrounded by towering trees and
the sound of the falls its exhilarating.
I waited into the river the cold water rushing around my legs.
Buck stayed on the shore watching closely as I prepared
my rod and cast the line into the swirling Waters.
Fishing requires patience something I've gotten better at
over the years. You have to wait for the right
moment feel the slightest tug and then react fast.
As the son climbed higher I lost track of time.
It was just me the river and the peacefulness of nature every so
often a fish would bite and my heart would race as I reeled it
in Buck would bark excitedly every time I caught one his tail
wagging is if he was just as proud of the catch as I was.
Days like this I wouldn't trade for anything in the world.
Sure life out here can be lonely sometimes but I've got Buck the
river and a whole Forest to keep me company This is My Paradise.
My perfect escape from the world that evening was one.
I'll never forget. I had already caught a few good
sized salmon and was thinking about heading back when I
decided to make just a few more casts.
The sun was setting painting the sky with Strokes of orange and
purple and the river seemed extra calm.
It was the perfect ending to a perfect day or so.
I thought I cast my line into the deepest part of the pool
below the Falls where the water swirled.
Mysteriously. The air was cool and the river
sounded like it was whispering secrets.
Bucks sat next to me his ears perked up as if he sensed
something unusual. Suddenly I felt a tug on my
line. It wasn't like the usual of a
salmon. This was something much
stronger. Before I could even brace myself
it yanked so hard. I nearly lost my footing.
Whoa Buck, I shouted gripping the rod with both hands as Buck
barked loudly sensing the excitement.
The creature on the other end of the line was powerful.
My real screamed as the line peeled off and my rod bent so
much. I thought it might snap in half.
I dug my heels into the riverbed fighting to stay upright.
Come on, I muttered my arms straining against the weight.
Whatever was on the other end was unlike anything.
I'd ever hooked before. The battle went on for what felt
like ours the creature would swim furiously dragging me along
and then I reel it back in slowly gaining inch by inch.
My arms ached and my back was sore, but I couldn't give up.
This was the fight of a lifetime.
Finally as the last Light of Day lingered in the sky.
I started to see something in the water.
At first I thought it was just a big log or a shadow, but then I
saw it clearly a tale Finn massive and Powerful thrashing
back and forth my heart raced what in the world I guessed the
creature came closer into the shallow water and I could
finally see it clearly. It was long easily the length of
a small car and as thick as a tree trunk its scales the shiny
silver of a salmon but a weird mottled gray green that blended
with the River Rocks. but the eyes those were the scariest
part. They were huge black and shiny
like polished stones and they looked right at me like they
knew me. I stood there Frozen staring
back at those eyes. There was something about them
something almost human or like they'd been here long before any
of us. A chill ran down my spine.
This wasn't just some fish. It was something ancient
something mysterious. Then with a sudden thrash that
sent water splashing all over the line snapped.
The creature gave one last look at me and buck and then it
slipped back into the deep dark water disappearing from sight.
I stood by the river for a long time after that two shocked to
move. Buck nudged me gently whining a
little as if telling me it was time to go home.
We walked back in Silence the excitement of the day replaced
by a haunting feeling of Wonder and a bit of fear.
I knew one thing for sure. I would never look at this River
the same way again that night. I didn't just lose a fish.
I encountered a mystery that would stay with me forever.
Many years ago my nephew and I embarked on a camping and
fishing trip to Cumberland Maryland known for its Serene
Landscapes and natural beauty. We decided to stay at a state
campground on the Potomac River and anticipating a tranquil and
enjoyable experience away from the hustle and bustle of
everyday life. The campground was somewhat
expensive with campsites far apart offering comfort and a bit
of eerie seclusion. We chose the last campsite at
the end of the campground far away from the other campers
seeking a little bit of extra privacy.
With its gentle flow the Potomac River provided a soothing
backdrop and the forest surrounding us was alive with
the sounds of nature. He spent the day setting up camp
enjoying the Simplicity of pitching the tent arranging our
gear and gathering firewood. The weather was perfect with a
light Breeze rustling the leaves in the sun casting dappled
Shadows through the canopy. We fished along the riverbank
chatting casualty and enjoying the companionship such trips
offer. As dusks settled in we lit a
campfire. Its flickering Flames cast a
warm glow in a comforting circle of light in the encroaching
Darkness. The forest around us began to
transition into night mode with the sounds of birds gradually
giving way to the calls of nocturnal creatures. everything
seemed normal just the typical Symphony of forest sounds then
around 10 or 11 at night something unexpected happened.
We heard the sound of a woman singing in the woods.
It was not a song with recognizable lyrics but a
hauntingly beautiful Melody without words.
The voice was clear resonant and carried through the trees
creating a mesmerizing and unsettling atmosphere.
I glanced at my nephew sitting across the fire from me and saw
that he was wide-eyed and tense. My dog lying peacefully by the
fire suddenly sprang to his feet ears perked up and staring
intently into the darkness from where the sound seemed to
emanate his usual alertness to Intruders or unusual activity
made his reaction all the more concerning.
Did you hear that? I asked my nephew my voice
barely above a whisper. He looked at me pale in the
firelight and responded. I don't hear anything.
I'm going to bed. His denial was unconvincing
given that he was only about 10 feet away from me in the singing
was quite loud. He was clearly frightened.
Perhaps hoping it would Disappear by ignoring it.
The melody continued weaving through the trees.
While it sounded like it was coming from One Direction.
It had an eerie quality that made pinpointing its source very
difficult. It was as if the voice was
everywhere and nowhere at the same time.
Despite the unsettling nature of the sound.
It did not feel threatening. There was no sense of malice
just a haunting beauty that was hard to describe.
I suggested to my nephew that we take a flashlight and walk
around to see if we could find the source of the singing but he
was adamant about staying put the fear in his eyes was evident
and he quickly retreated into the tent leaving me in the dog
Alone by the fire. For several minutes the melody
continued I just stood there listening intently my dog by my
side both of us staring into the inky Blackness of the Woods.
The fire crackled softly a comforting but fragile barrier
between us and the unknown then as suddenly as it started the
singing just stopped. The forest was incredibly silent
again, except for the occasional leaves rustling in the breeze.
I felt a mixture of relief and curiosity.
There was no way someone could have been hiding in the woods
without my dog detecting them early.
His calm yet alert demeanor suggested that whatever it was.
It did not pose an imminent threat, but it was definitely
out of the ordinary. The following day my nephew and
I discussed it a little more. He finally admitted to hearing
the singing But was too scared to acknowledge it.
We tried to rationalize what we had experienced considering the
possibility of an echo animals or even just other campers.
But nothing really seemed to fit the situation perfectly.
In the following days. I searched for similar
experiences online in the Cumberland area, but never
really found anything conclusive.
Our encounter has remained a mystery A peculiar and
Unforgettable chapter in our camping Adventures the memory of
that night lingered as a reminder of the many unexplained
phenomena that occur in the depths of nature.
I'd like to preface this by saying that at the time I didn't
find this story spooky at all my dad on the other hand certainly
did. When I was around nine, my dad
used to take me fishing quite often, especially in good
weather. I'll admit I was never that
interested in fishing, but I did like being outdoors and hanging
out with my dad. So I was happy to go with him.
Tired of our usual catch of teeny tiny Sunfish and the
occasional equally teeny tiny perch my dad picked a different
fishing spot that day. Unlike the pawns I was used to
this was a river and the fast-moving current splashed us
both as my dad cast his line. We hadn't even been there an
hour when I got bored with the fishing.
Setting down my fishing rod. I began to climb around on the
rocks on the riverbank pretending to be a superhero or
maybe a marine biologist. I was an odd little kid so it
could have gone either way. I was checking to see if there
was anything alive hiding underneath the rocks at The
Waters Edge when I first saw them in.
He seemed ordinary enough to me. Just a short dark-haired man.
And what looked to me like normal fishing gear?
It would be years later before it occurred to me that I had
only ever seen fishermen on television and movies dressed
like that. And the clothes he wore were
actually decades out of style. As a kid it made perfect sense
to me. He was a fisherman.
He was wearing what fisherman wore he Only thing that seemed
to me at the time was that he was standing a few feet behind
my dad, but they were not talking to each other.
My dad hadn't even turned around.
He'd always been pretty friendly and loved to talk.
So it was strange to me that he hadn't at least said hello to
this newcomer. I was wondering why he was being
so rude suddenly when the man noticed me.
Without so much as a word to my father.
He quickly walked to the riverbank and waved me over.
We were still only a few feet away from my dad then so I
figured I was safe to go see what he wanted.
When I reached him he crouched down to my level and I found
myself looking into the saddest pair of eyes I had ever seen.
This man looked like he was having the absolute worst day of
his life. He didn't sound any happier than
he looked. You really shouldn't be playing.
So close to the edge honey. He said somberly those rocks are
slippery you could fall in and it's awfully hard to swim in a
current that strong you could drown.
I remember being a bit put out that a random stranger was
telling me what to do and that he had implied that my doggy
paddle wouldn't be enough in the event that I fell into the
river. Nevertheless he was staring at
me. So intensely that I assured him.
I would stay away from the rocks and went to pick flowers
instead. My dad came to find me a little
while later confused as to why I'd give up jumping around on
the rocks. When I explained that the man
had told me not to play there he frowned.
What man are you talking about? He asked.
The man who was standing behind you.
I answered obviously. Suddenly dad didn't feel like
fishing anymore. He abruptly picked up all of our
gear and led me back to the car. As he was loading everything
into the trunk, he told me we had been the only two people by
the river all morning. I tried to argue that there had
been another man there that I had even spoken to him, but he
shook his head. It's just been me and you kiddo.
Look ours is the only car in the parking lot.
He was right, of course and whether he believed what I said
or not, he quickly decided we could spend the rest of our
morning together at the closest Tim Horton's instead.
We never went back to that River.
I don't know whether it was because my dad was spooked or
because he just didn't catch anything there, but all of our
subsequent fishing trips involved familiar ponds and
little fish. I do know however that I never
forgot the man by the river knowing now that children are
more likely to experience the supernatural.
I wonder if he had drowned in that River or maybe he lost a
loved one to the current and he was spending his afterlife
preventing others from making the same mistake.
Regardless. I hope he is moved on by now, or
at least found some peace. No one ought to be that sad for
eternity. The cold had settled deep into
my bones by the time we hit the icy patch on Rutherford Lane.
I could almost hear the brittle crackle of frost under the tires
an eerie Symphony against the distant Whisper of Winter Wind.
Lucy my sister was humming along to some Forgotten Christmas tune
playing Softly on the radio her breath fogging up the passenger
window as she traced lazy patterns on the glass.
It's going to snow tonight. She murmured more to her self
than to me. I just nodded keeping my eyes
fixed on the road ahead. The headlights carved out a ton
of dim yellow light through the thick Darkness barely
Illuminating the gnarled branches of the trees lining the
Narrow Lane. That's when the car hit the ice.
One moment. Everything was as it should be.
Quiet calm the steady hum of the engine and the next the world
spun wildly out of control. The steering wheel jerked in my
hands as the back end of the car slid out and I fought
desperately to regain control. But it was too late the car
skidded around the bend tires losing their grip on the Slick
surface and we were tumbling sideways into the ditch.
The sound was deafening metal crunching glass shattering.
Our screams lost amidst the chaos.
When we finally came to a stop the car was on its side in a
farmer's field the night eerily silent except for the hiss of
the engine Cooling and Lucy's ragged breathing.
Are you okay? I managed my voice sounding
strangely detached Lucy nodded her face pale in the dim light
filtering through the cracked windshield.
I think so you. Yeah, I'm fine.
But I wasn't really sure my heart was racing adrenaline
pumping so loudly in my ears. It was hard to think.
We scrambled out of the car the cold air hitting us like a wall
the ground was hard and Frozen beneath our feet as we surveyed
the damage. The front bumper was gone torn
off in our descent and one of the wheels had sheared away
disappearing into the darkness. All called Dan I said pulling
out my phone with numb fingers Lucy huddled close her arms
wrapped around her selfish as she shivered the call went
straight to voicemail. Dan was still at work probably
hadn't even checked his phone. I tried again the sense of
isolation deepening with each unanswered ring.
We should find somewhere warm Lucy suggested after a few
minutes her voice small against the vastness of the night.
Just then headlights pierced the darkness a car slowing as it
approached our wreck relief washed over me until I saw the
driver. A woman middle-aged and smiling
kindly rolled down her window. You girls need help.
I explained our situation quickly the words tumbling out
in a rush. Drive to the Village.
She advised ask for my husband Tom.
He'll come back with a tow rope. It sounded like a plan a
lifeline and as she drove off promising quick help.
I felt the weight of the night light and slightly.
But as the minutes stretched into hours with no sign of her
or Tom that fleeting sense of security evaporated like Mist in
the morning sun leaving us cold alone and beginning to despair.
Time seemed to stretch out into eternity as we waited in the
frozen field. The occasional hoot of an owl or
the distant Russell of Wind Through.
The branches was the only break in the silence that enveloped
us. My phone was rapidly losing
battery and with each passing minute the likelihood of TOMS
arrivals seemed to dwindle in to nothingness.
Lucy paced back and forth her arms wrapped tightly around her
self against the biting cold. What if she forgot about us?
She asked her voice carrying a Tremor of real fear?
I don't know. I replied trying to mask my own
concern. But we can't stay out here all
night. Just then the beam of headlights
cut through the darkness once more and a truck pulled up
alongside our broken car. Two men stepped out their faces
shadowed and voices carrying thick accents that I couldn't
plays. Need help one of them called out
a smile playing on his lips. That didn't quite reach his
eyes. Something about the situation
fell off. I hesitated taking in there well
equipped truck and the Rope already in hand.
We're waiting for someone. I said finally my voice firmer
than I fell. They seem to consider this
exchanging a look that I couldn't read in the dim light.
We can't leave you here the same man insisted stepping closer.
The smell of oil and Earth clung to them a stark reminder of the
Wilderness that surrounded us know thank you.
I said again this time more forcefully.
They paused the atmosphere charged with an unspoken tension
before finally getting back into their truck and driving away.
Relief washed over me briefly until I saw their headlights
pause and turned back towards us.
My heart sank, they returned parking their truck with the
engine still running. It's not safe for you here.
Let us help the man repeated stepping out again this time not
waiting for an answer. Fear gripped me I see and Sharp
As the Wind. I stood my ground though my body
screamed at me to flee plees. Just leave us alone.
I shouted my voice echoing in the Stillness.
It was then at that moment of peak desperation that another
vehicle approached a regular sedan.
Not a truck A man jumped out moving with purpose and
Authority. He didn't speak much only
working quickly to attach a tow rope to our car and a fixing a
spare tire. As he worked I asked did you see
anyone else when you pulled up? No, just you girls.
He answered without looking up. Confusion and relief swirled
through me this was Tom the husband of the woman who had
stopped early. His arrival was so timely at
felt almost miraculous considering the unnerving
encounter. We had just endured As he drove
us to my boyfriend's workplace my shoulder began to throb
painfully a delayed reaction to the adrenaline that had fueled
me through the night. Tom's wife had sent him
immediately. He explained which puzzled me
further about the passage of time that night.
The last thing he said stuck with me chilling in its
simplicity. Sometimes help comes from where
you least expect it. Sometimes not at all.
But tonight it seems you needed a bit of both.
My brother Stephen and I were bursting with excitement as our
car rolled into the entrance of quo Provincial Park and Ontario,
Canada. This is going to be epic.
I thought glancing at Steve who was grinning as wide.
As I was we had planned this trip for months dreaming of the
huge fish. We'd catch in the untouched
wilderness. The park ranger at the gate
handed us a map and pointed us towards the Lakes where we could
find the best fishing spots. Be careful out there boys.
It's easy to get lost. He warned giving us a serious
look. We nodded eager to get going and
drove down a narrow dirt road that disappeared into thick
forests of towering Pines and birch trees.
We parked near a small dock where we rented a sturdy canoe.
It was our vessel for the week and we packed it with all our
camping gear. Tents sleeping bags fishing rods
and a cooler full of food. Let's catch some monsters.
Steve said referring to the northern pike and lake trout.
We hope to encounter. Paddling out from the shore.
We felt like true adventurers. The water was so clear.
We could see the Sandy Bottoms several feet below.
Every Lake we passed seemed more beautiful than the last with
crystal clear waters and perfect spots along the shore where we
could camp at night. Each evening.
We set up camp on a new Lake's Edge.
The routine was simple build a fire cook the fish.
We caught and talk about everything and nothing Under the
Stars. I love these moments away from
the buzz of City Life. Just Steve and me and the sounds
of the wilderness. But on the fourth night
something changed. We had found a particularly
secluded spot to camp a recommendation from the park
ranger who mentioned it didn't get many visitors.
It was breathtaking with a view of the lake that mirrored the
sky making it hard to tell where the water ended and the heavens
began. After a successful day of
fishing we sat by the fire our bellies full and our Spirits
High The Fire crackled And The Gentle lapping of water against
the shore was like music. Just as we started to relax a
strange sound slice through the peaceful night air.
It began as a low Rumble like distant Thunder, but then it
grew into a high-pitched Screech that seemed almost metallic.
The noise echoed off the surrounding trees making it hard
to tell where it was coming from.
Steve and I locked eyes each of us Frozen in place.
Was that Steve whispered his voice barely above the crackle
of the fire? I don't know.
I replied my heart racing. We sat in silence listening
intently, but the sound didn't come again.
After a while we tried to laugh at all.
Maybe it's just some weird Acoustics or a plane in the
distance. I suggested not quite believing
my own words. Yeah, maybe Steve agreed the I
could tell he was a spooked as I was.
We went to bed uneasy that night the mysterious sounds still
echoing in our minds. Little did we know that was just
the beginning of our Eerie adventures in quo Provincial
Park. The next morning Steven and I
woke up with the sun barely peeking through the thick canopy
of pine trees. We were both a bit quiet
thinking about the strange noise from last night.
But we were also excited to explore a new part of the lake.
We had heard from the park ranger that the fishing was
particularly good where a small River floating into the lake and
we were eager to see if we could catch some really big fish
there. As we paddled Through The Mists
that hovered over the lake like a soft blanket.
I couldn't shake off the Eerie feeling from last night's noise.
The lake was calm and quiet too quiet.
And it made me feel like we were the only two people in the whole
world. When we reached the mouth of the
river, I noticed something weird in the water ahead of us.
At first I thought it was just a log floating but as we got
closer it started to move. It wasn't a log at all.
It was something big really big. What is that Steve asked his
voice trembling a bit? I didn't have an answer for him.
The thing whatever it was suddenly dipped below the
surface leaving behind a trail of bubbles.
We looked at each other unsure of what to do next, but the
thought of catching big fish lured us forward despite our
nerves. We paddled more cautiously now
our eyes scanning the water. We reached the river mouth and
cast our lines but something felt off.
There were no signs of fish at all.
No splashes. No ripples.
Nothing. It was as if the river was dead.
Just when we were about to give up and paddle back.
I felt a sudden tug on my line. I got something I yelled excited
at first, but then I realized it wasn't acting like any fish.
I had ever caught it was too heavy and wasn't fighting back
the way fish do it felt. Like I had hooked onto something
solid something big. Cut the line.
Steve shouted he must have sensed something was wrong too.
But before I could react whatever was on the line started
pulling hard dragging our canoe towards the middle of the river.
Steve grabbed his paddle and tried to roast away from it, but
it was no use. Suddenly the creature bursts out
of the water right next to our canoe.
I'll never forget what I saw. It was like a giant eel, but
with a crocodile's head dark green almost black skin and the
most terrifying part the eyes yellow and glowing with slit
pupils that seem to look right into my soul.
It lunged at our canoe. Its jaws snapping close to
Steve's arm. He yelled and swung his paddle
at it, but it was like hitting a wall the creature barely
flinched in a moment of panic. I remembered the knife attached
to my belt. I grabbed it and cut the fishing
line. The creature disappeared into
the water taking my rod and reel with it Steve and I were left in
the rocking canoe Hearts pounding and hands shaking.
We didn't say a word as we paddled back to campus fast as
we could. We packed up everything in a
hurry not even stopping to eat. We just needed to get away from
the water away from the creature.
We didn't stop until we reached the ranger station.
We told the ranger we'd had an accident and lost some gear but
the real story the one of the creature in the lake we kept
that to ourselves who would believe such a thing.
It was one of those Fridays where everything seemed to take
forever. I kept glancing at the clock at
the diner where I work watching the minutes tick by so slowly
they might as well have been ours.
But today was different from the usual grind.
My boyfriend Alex and I were heading out on a hiking trip on
the Appalachian Trail. As soon as my shift ended.
Alex had been an eagle scout and was always super prepared for
these kinds of Adventures which made me feel a bit better about
setting off so late in the day. Are we still good to go?
I texted Alex during my last break.
He replied instantly everything's packed.
Just waiting on you. By the time I untied my apron
and clocked out, it was already passed four pm.
Alex was waiting for me in the parking lot.
Our gear. Neatly stacked in the back of
his old Jeep. The moment I saw him all the
stress of the day began to melt away.
We were really doing this a whole weekend away from
everything. We should hurry up.
We've got quite a hike Before Sunset.
He said helping me load my bag into the car.
The drive to the trailhead was a blur of green as we passed
through the outskirts of town and into more secluded areas.
Alex talked about the root we'd take and what I could expect
from the hike despite his reassurances in the excitement
bubbling inside me, a nervous flutter remained in my stomach.
It wasn't just the daunting physical challenge.
It was spending a whole weekend so far from the Comforts of
civilization. We started our hike at about
5:30 pm. The trail welcomed us with a
steep incline that seemed to mock our heavy metal framed
backpacks. Each step was a reminder of how
unaccustomed my body was to this kind of exertion.
Alex on the other hand moved with a steady confidence that
only years of scouting could give Remember, it's about the
journey. Not just the destination.
Alex would say every time he noticed me struggling.
His encouragement helped but so did the brakes we took to admire
The View? About an hour into the hike the
weather decided we were having a too easy.
Dark clouds rolled in and soon enough rain started pelting us
relentlessly. Within minutes, we were soaked
through our packs growing heavier with every drop that
clung to them. The trail turned slippery the
mud grasping at our boots with every step.
As the sky turned a darker shade of gray the surrounding Forest
took on an eerie silence broken only by the sound of rain
hitting the leaves in our labored breathing.
The fog was thickening swallowing the path ahead in a
white missed our Pace slowed even more not just because of
the slippery mud, but also because the visibility was
getting worse by the minute. We need to find a shelter.
I shouted over the noise of the storm my voice edged with a hint
of panic. Alex nodded pulling out a map
from his waterproof bag. There's one not too far from
here. We can make it if we keep going.
The promise of a dry place to rest gave me a new burst of
energy. We trudged on the weight of our
packs forgotten in our urgency to escape the downpour.
Every part of me was drenched cold and aching and I started to
doubt if this trip was such a good idea after all.
But just as I thought I couldn't take another step Alex grabbed
my hand and pointed through the fog.
There it is ahead barely visible was the outline of a small
three-walled Log Cabin a Beacon of Hope in the Relentless storm.
Relief washed over me mixed with a sense of accomplishment.
We had made it to the shelter little did.
I know the real Adventure was just about to begin.
As we approached the shelter August of Wind Through the Trees
making the branches Creek ominously above us.
I shivered not just from the cold but also from the sudden
realization that we weren't alone.
Light spilled from the open side of the cabin and I could hear
voices mingling with the crackle of a small fire.
Relief mixed with a twinge of disappointment.
I had secretly hoped Alex and I would have the place to
ourselves. Stepping into the shelter.
We were greeted by an older couple who looked like they had
settled in quite comfortably. The woman with her scraggly gray
hair and thick circular glasses gave us a broad albeit
unsettling smile. The man a bit overweight with a
friendly demeanor waved us over. Don't just stand there getting
wetter. Come in come in.
He boomed his voice echoing slightly in the confined space.
Thanks. I muttered glancing at Alex who
seemed as relieved as I was to get out of the rain.
We set down our heavy backpacks with a thud and began peeling
off our soaked jackets. The woman handed us a towel,
which I gratefully accepted drying off my face and arms.
I Maya the woman said her voice raspy possibly from years of
smoking. And this is Joe.
We decided on a spur of the moment getaway just like you I
presume. Yeah, something like that.
Alex replied smiling politely. I'm Alex and this is my
girlfriend Emma. We exchanged a few more
pleasantries the kind you do when you're just trying to be
nice because you have to share a space.
Joe offered us some of their warmed up canned soup, which we
hesitated, but eventually accepted not wanting to be rude.
The warmth of the soup was comforting even if the company
was a bit odd. As the night progressed the
storm outside grew Wilder Maya and Joe seemed unfazed
occasionally taking swigs from a flask that Joe jokingly referred
to as their water bottle. The conversation flowed from one
topic to another mostly driven by Joe's cheerful banter.
Maya however had a more unsettling presence.
Her laughter was too loud her stairs a bit too long and her
anecdotes drifted towards bizarre.
At one point myelin closer to me her breath smelling of alcohol.
So Emma tell me a story. I love stories.
She said her eyes piercing into mine.
I glanced at Alex who was busy discussing something about
hiking trails with Joe deciding to keep things light.
I began recounting how Alex and I met during our first year in
college, but as I spoke is expression changed. her previous
giddiness shifted to agitation Why would you say that?
She interrupted sharply confused?
I paused say what you said we met online.
Why would you say we met online? She snapped her tone accusing I
was taken aback not understanding her reaction.
I was talking about Alex and me not.
Before I could finish she cut me off again.
What are you implying? Her voice was rising and Joe
glanced over his expression suddenly serious.
Realizing the situation was spiraling.
I tried to steer the conversation back to safer
Waters. I meant no offense.
Let's talk about something else. Maybe you could share one of
your favorite stories Maya. Maya's demeanor shifted as
quickly as it had soured. She giggled a bit too loudly.
Oh, I have stories dear, but they're only for the brave. the
rest of the evening passed in a haze of awkward exchanges and
uneasy laughter I couldn't shake off the feeling that there was
something very wrong with Maya. As the fire crackled in the
shadows danced on the walls of the shelter.
I felt a growing sense of dread. What had started as a simple
Escape into nature was quickly turning into a night.
I'd rather forget. The night deepened wrapping the
shelter in a cloak of Darkness punctuated only by the erratic
flicker of our dying fire. Outside the storm raged on but
inside a different kind of Tempest was brewing one that had
my heart pounding and my Palms sweating.
Maya's Behavior had shifted from merely odd to downright
terrifying as the hours ticked by Maya's mood swung wildly.
One moment. She was laughing at a joke Joe
made and the next she was staring into space her face
Twisted in confusion. The most unnerving part was when
she suddenly turned to me her eyes wide and intense.
What to you give me she hissed her voice a sharp whisper that
cut through the noise of the storm.
I froze my mind racing Alex and I hadn't given her anything.
Joe who had been trying to call her throughout her mood swings
looked equally alarmed. It's just the beer Maya you're
not used to it. Joe said in a soothing tone
trying to placate her, but Maya wasn't listening.
She rose on steadily to her feet pointing an accusing finger at
us. What did he give me she demanded
her voice escalating into a shout.
It echoed off the wooden walls of the shelter making me Flinch
Alex moved closer to me his hand finding mine in the darkness
squeezing it reassuringly. But his touch did little to ease
my fear. We were stuck in a remote
shelter with a woman who seemed on the brink of a breakdown or
something worse. I need to get out my a muttered
pacing back and forth like a caged animal.
Her movements were erratic her Shadow monstrous against the
flickering light of the fire. Joe tried to guide her back to
her sleeping bag, but she Shrugged him off violently then
as suddenly as her Outburst had begun Maya collapsed onto her
sleeping bag her energy seemingly drained.
Joe covered her with a blanket his expression one of deep
concern mixed with embarrassment.
Hemed an apology to us his eyes weary.
I think it's best if we all try to get some rest Joe suggested
quietly obviously trying to Defuse The tense atmosphere.
Alex and I nodded but sleep was the last thing on my mind.
I lay back listening to the sound of Maya's uneven breathing
and the Relentless patter of rain on the cabin's roof.
Every Creak and Whisper Of The Wind sent shivers down my spine.
I couldn't shake the feeling that something was terribly
wrong. Time passed slowly the minutes
stretching into what felt like hours.
Then in the darkness Maya began to talk in her sleep.
Her words were muffled at first then grew louder and more
frantic. She was repeating something over
and over but I couldn't make it out.
It sounded like a plea or a warning unable to Bear the
oppressive atmosphere any longer Alex whispered to me.
We should go now. We quietly gather our belongings
our movements Swift but silent as we tiptoed past Maya and Joe
Maya suddenly sat up. Her eyes found mine in the
darkness her gaze piercing and unsettling.
But we didn't stop. We pushed through the shelter's
entrance Into the Storm outside the cold rain a welcome relief
from the stifling tension inside.
We hiked away from the shelter putting as much distance as we
could between us and whatever Darkness had descended upon
Maya. We set up our tent in a clearing
far from the shelter the sound of the rain a constant
companion. I lay awake for the rest of the
night listening waiting wondering if we had really
escaped or if the knights Terror would find us even here.
It was the kind of August Night where the air felt just a little
too still and the Stars a little too dim.
I lay in my hammock bundled up in my sleeping bag listening to
the soft Russells of the forest around our campsite.
My uncle his friend D and two other friends were all sleeping
in their tents. We were camped about 20 minutes
from the trailhead of Half Dome a giant Granite dome in Yosemite
National Park that we plan to hike up the next morning.
Earlier that evening. We had set up our camp quickly
my uncle whose 32 and always in charge of these Adventures made
sure everyone knew what to do. D whose about the same age as my
uncle and just as outdoorsy helped to get the fire going.
We roasted some marshmallows and told a few jokes the kind that
made everyone laugh until they forgot about the Hike's early
start. But here I was suddenly wide
awake at 3:30 a.m. I wasn't sure what had woken me
up. But once I was awake I couldn't
go back to sleep. I lay there looking up at the
Moon through the trees. It was unusually bright casting
Eerie Shadows on the ground and making the leaves glisten like
silver. It almost felt like I was in a
dream everything bathed in a ghostly white light.
Curiosity got the better of me and I quietly slipped out of my
hammock. I didn't want to wake anyone up.
So I tiptoed around feeling the cool air against my face.
That's when I realized how silent it was.
No crickets chirping. No Russells of small animals.
It was like the forest was holding its breath.
Deciding it was too spooky to stay out alone.
I went back to my hammock. Just as I was about to try and
sleep again. I heard it footsteps.
Not the light scampering ones of a raccoon or a squirrel but
heavy deliberate human footsteps.
I froze listening as they moved around our campsite.
My heart raced we were supposed to be the only ones here.
Unable to stay still any longer. I shook my uncle's 10.
Uncle Mike I whispered urgently. He grumbled annoyed at being
woken up, but then I saw his face changed as he listened to
the footsteps, too. He grabbed his flashlight and
peeked outside stay here. He murmured zipping up the tent
behind him. I waited every sound making me
jump. After what felt like hours but
was probably only a few minutes my uncle returned.
He looked puzzled. There's no one out there.
He said but his voice was uneasy.
Were you walking around just now?
I shook my head. No, I woke up because I heard it
too. He frowned thinking it over.
Well, let's try to get some sleep.
We need to be up soon anyway. But as he settled back into his
tent I knew neither of us would sleep well.
Whatever was out there or maybe wasn't had already stirred the
night air into something strange.
And so with a mixture of fear and excitement I lay back in my
hammock staring at the Moonlight Sky wondering what Adventures
tomorrow would bring and hoping the mysteries of tonight were
just tricks of the light and Shadow.
As the Clock Struck 4:30 a.m. Our alarms buzzed loudly in the
still dark morning everyone groggily climbed out of their
tents and sleeping bags rubbing sleep from their eyes.
The air was cool and crisp perfect for hiking we quickly
munched on some granola bars and strapped on our backpacks eager
to start our adventure up Half Dome.
Uncle Mike checked his watch and nodded Alright, let's head to
the trailhead. We piled into the car and drove
the short distance in near silence.
The only sound being the gravel crunching under the tires.
When we arrived it was still dark.
The only light coming from our headlamps and the dim glow of
dawn on the horizon. D announced he needed to use the
restroom before we started hiking.
I'll catch up with you guys in a bit.
He said walking towards the bathrooms across the field at
the intersection near the trailhead.
I started to follow him thinking I might as well go to but then I
remembered I had left my water bottle in the car.
Go ahead. I'll catch up.
I called after him. I jogged back to the car grabbed
my water bottle and then hurry to the trailhead to wait for
Uncle Mike in the rest of the group.
We all gather adjusting our gear but D was taking longer than
expected. He's probably just taking his
time Uncle Mike said trying to sound unconcerned.
But as minutes turned into 10 minutes, then 15 we all began to
look at each other with worried expressions.
Maybe I should go check on him. I suggested feeling a bit
nervous. Uncle Mike nodded and I sprinted
back to the bathrooms. I pushed open the door to each
stall no d He wasn't anywhere around my heart started to beat
faster. Where could he have gone I ran
back to the group out of breath. He's not there.
I exclaimed Uncle Mike's brow furrowed with worry.
That's odd. Maybe he went back to the car.
We decided to split up. I would stay at the trailhead in
case D showed up and Uncle Mike would go back to the car.
As I waited alone the sky began to Brighton, but my worry
darkened every minute felt like an hour.
I pasted back and forth peering into the dim light hoping to see
D walking towards me finally Uncle Mike returned shaking his
head. He's not at the car either.
Just then as Panic was about to set in I saw a figure
approaching from the direction of the car.
It was D looking to shovel with sweat on his forehead and a
strange look in his eyes relief washed over me, but it was
quickly replaced by confusion at his appearance.
Where have you been? I asked my voice a mix of relief
and frustration. I just went to the bathroom and
when I came out nobody was here D replied sounding confused, but
we've been here waiting for you this whole time.
We even checked the bathroom. I said puzzled.
D just shook his head looking as baffled as I felt.
I don't know. I went to the bathroom.
Where's Mike? He asked repeating the question
even after I answered something was off his repeated questions
and disoriented look made me uneasy as we walked back to join
the others. I couldn't shake the feeling
that something strange was going on.
What exactly happened to Dee while he was gone?
And why did he seem so different now?
With d finally back those seeming a bit off.
We all started our hike up the Steep Trails of Half Dome.
The early morning light filtered through the trees casting Long
Shadows on the path. Everyone was quiet maybe
thinking about D's weird disappearance and sudden return
or maybe just focusing on the challenge and climate ahead.
As we hiked the weirdness of the morning seemed to follow us.
It started with small things. First Uncle Mike couldn't find
his small red flash light in his backpack.
I swear I packed it right on top.
He muttered searching through his bag.
We all waited as he checked again, but it was nowhere to be
found. Then one of the girls noticed
she was missing a glove we all stopped and helped her look
around the trail where we had just walked but there was no
sign of it. I just had it a minute ago.
She said sounding confused and a bit frustrated next my water
bottle, which I had clipped to my belt was gone.
I felt the clip. It was still closed which made
no sense. How could my water bottle just
vanish? We must be more tired than we
thought Uncle Mike tried to joke, but his smiled didn't
reach his eyes. The mood had shifted and a faint
unsettling feeling hung in the air.
As we pushed deeper into our hike the forest seemed to close
in around us. The trees looked taller darker
and the path less familiar. Uncle Mike who had hiked this
Trail many times before suddenly stopped doesn't it seem like we
should have reached the halfway point by now.
He asked looking back at us. Yeah, it feels like we've been
walking for hours. I agreed my voice a little shaky
the paths seemed to stretch on endlessly.
Every turn looked the same every tree seemed to repeat where we
walking in circles. The atmosphere felt heavier
almost as if the air was thicker.
It was hard to shake the feeling that something was watching us
something not quite friendly. It feels like the woods are
alive. I whispered to no one in
particular. We kept walking but progress
felt slow almost dreamlike. Time stretched and bent Uncle
Mike stopped several more times scratching his head and looking
around. This is ridiculous.
He laughed nervously. It's like we're stuck in some
sort of loop. Eventually after what seemed
like an eternity the Trail began to look familiar again.
Landmarks, that should have passed hours ago suddenly
appeared. Relief washed over us but it was
mixed with confusion and a touch of fear.
How had we gotten? So lost on a well-marked trail?
When we finally saw the parking lot through the trees it felt
like we had emerged from another world.
The car was just as we left it quiet and unassuming yet.
It felt like a Lifeline back to reality.
As we drove back to Camp. Nobody talked much.
Each of us was lost in thought trying to make sense of the days
mysterious events. It wasn't just the physical
items. We had lost on the trail.
It felt like we had lost a piece of our normal reality out there.
That night as I lay in my hammock looking up at the stars
the forest didn't seem so friendly anymore.
I wondered if we'd ever really understand what happened on the
trail that day. Or if some Mysteries Were Meant
to stay hidden in the shadows of Half Dome.
I always thought Adventures were supposed to be fun.
But sitting in the passenger seat next to Trevor as he drove
us deeper into the Wilds of Alabama.
I wasn't so sure anymore. Trevor is my friend.
Well more like a brother really. He's the kind of guy.
Who is Too Proud to admit when he's wrong, especially about
directions. He refused to use a map
claiming. He remembered the way from last
year when we went to the Great Smoky Mountains.
I should have remembered that trip as a warning.
It was just after Sunset when we found ourselves winding down a
narrow road surrounded by thick trees the deeper.
We went the more. I felt like we were being
swallowed by the darkness of the Woods.
My headphones were on and I tried to lose myself in the
music trying to ignore the Eerie feeling creeping up my spine.
Did we just drive in a circle? I asked Trevor my voice barely
above the music blaring from the radio.
Trevor just shook his head and said no everything just looks
the same out here just trees and mud.
I wasn't convinced the same crooked trees seemed to pass by
our window more than once Trevor noticed my uneasy glances and
tried to lighten the mood. Hey, don't worry.
It's an adventure remember? But his chuckled didn't hide the
slight worry in his eyes. The road was bumpy and each jolt
like a warning to turn back. It must have been around 11:40
p.m. When Trevor finally slowed the
truck down. We hadn't seen another soul for
hours. Not even a gas station.
The only light came from our headlights casting Long Shadows
between the trees. Suddenly Trevor's hands
tightened on the steering wheel. his knuckles turned white Trev
you good see a ghost. I tried to joke, but my own
voice sounded tense. The road Trevor muttered there's
bottles on the road. I squinted ahead and sure
enough. There was a row of empty beer
bottles lined up across the one lane road my stomach Twisted.
This didn't feel right. I've seen stuff like this before
Trevor whispered almost to himself.
You get out they take the car robbed you.
Just turn around. I urge him my voice shaking.
We're going the wrong way. Anyway, just loop back to
whatever exit we took. Nodding Trevor started to back
the truck up, but as he turned the truck around and stepped on
the gas allowed pop echoed through the night.
One of our tires was blown. And before we knew it the truck
slid off the road and into a ditch.
We were stuck angled downwards with the back tires lifted up in
the air. Dammit Trevor shouted banging
his fist on the steering wheel. Neither of us knew what to do.
Trevor pulled out a small handgun from under the driver's
seat along with a flash light watch me.
He said as we both stepped outside into the chilly night.
The flash light in our headlights were the only things
piercing the darkness. I could only see about 20 feet
around us before everything melted into the pitch black
forest. Trevor shined the flashlight on
the flat tire. It was lined with nails and
screws. He cursed under his breath
kicking the deflated rubber. There's a spare in the back.
Take it out. He instructed.
Even as I climbed into the back of the truck, I doubted we could
get out of this ditch easily. I was about to grab the spare
when a spine-chilling howl tore through the Silence of the
night. What the hell was that Trevor
asked softly his voice trembling.
I didn't answer. I couldn't my heart was pounding
in my chest fear taking over as the dark woods seemed to close
in around us. Whatever was out there.
It was getting closer and this adventure had turned into a
nightmare. After hearing that terrifying
howl Trevor and I stood Frozen for what felt like forever.
The only thing lighting up the Dark Forest was Trevor's flash
light and our trucks headlights. I held my breath listening to
the Eerie silence that followed. Stay close Trevor whispered as
he held the flash light steady. His other hand gripped the
handgun tightly we heard the sound again a dragging noise
that sent shivers down my spine. It was like something was being
pulled across the gravel road towards us.
We couldn't see anything yet, but the noise was getting louder
closer. Maybe it's just an animal.
I hoped out loud, but my voice betrayed my fear.
Trevor didn't respond. He just squinted into the
darkness trying to spot whatever was making those sounds the
dragon stopped replaced by a terrifying silence then out of
nowhere the forest erupted with the sound of fast-moving
footsteps. I jumped back bumping into the
truck my heart raced as I peeked around Trevor the beam from his
flash light finally caught something a figure stumbling
towards us. It was a man or at least it
looked like one. But he moved in a way that
didn't seem human. He dragged one leg as if it was
too heavy for him and his arms hung awkwardly at his side's.
Hey Trevor yelled his voice echoing in the Stillness.
The figure quickened its Pace its movements becoming frantic.
I will shoot you Trevor warned aiming the gun at the
approaching figure, but it didn't stop.
It. Just kept coming faster.
Stop Trevor shouted he began to back up slowly and I followed my
eyes fixed on the figure. It was now close enough that I
could see its face under the faint light.
It was twisted and covered with what looked like scars and
boils. It was horrifying.
Trevor fired a warning shot into the air, but the figure didn't
even flinch. It was like it didn't care or
maybe it couldn't understand then in a panic Trevor fired
directly at it the figure staggered but kept moving
towards us. Get in the truck Trevor ordered
his voice shaking. I didn't hesitate I ran to the
passenger side and scrambled inside Trevor was right behind
me. But as he climbed in he slipped
and fell into the muddy ditch. Dropping his flash light.
He quickly picked himself up and dove into the truck slamming the
door shut behind him. What is going on?
He gasped trying to catch his breath.
We both watched in horror as the figure slammed its head against
the window bang bang bang bang. The window started to crack and
Trevor scooted towards me trying to put as much distance between
him and the glass as possible. The man outside never stopped he
hit the window over and over chunks of Flesh flying off with
every impact. His face was starting to cave in
from the force. He was using finally Trevor took
aim at the figures head and fired.
The noise stopped the man slumped down no longer moving.
Everything was silent again except for our heavy breathing.
Trevor and I looked at each other two shocked to speak.
I tried to say something but words would come out.
We just sat there staring at the Twisted bloody figure outside.
After a moment Trevor whispered, we need to change the tire and
get out of here. I nodded still too scared to
speak. Whatever.
That was. I knew I never wanted to see
anything like it ever again. But as we sat there catching our
breath I couldn't shake the feeling that the night wasn't
over yet. We still had to get out of this
nightmare. We thought we were safe at least
for a little while after Trevor managed to stop that terrifying
man. But safety seemed like a joke
now. We quickly changed the tire the
silence around us feeling heavier than before.
Neither of us spoke much what was there to say after something
like that? We just wanted to get as far
away as possible. Driving away the trees seemed to
close in on us. Every shadow made my heart jump
thinking something else might be out there watching us.
But what we found next made everything else seem mild.
We spotted an old camper off the side of the road.
It looked abandoned the kind of place you'd expect ghost stories
to be about. Trevor and I exchanged a glance
maybe we can find help or at least a place to call from he
suggested hesitantly. I wasn't sure about it, but
there were not many options. As we approached the camper a
rotten smell hit us. It was overpowering making me
want to gag Trevor covering his nose pushed open the crumbling
door. The inside was worse than the
outside. It was covered in mushrooms that
glowed faintly giving the place in Eerie other worldly light.
There's mushrooms everywhere Trevor said his voice muffled by
his hand. I peeked inside in the sight was
horrifying the mushrooms were not just growing on the walls.
They were everywhere covering everything in sight the air felt
thick and heavy hard to breathe. In the corner of the camper
something even more ghastly caught my eye a body overwhelmed
by the same fungus that took over the place.
Suddenly a loud thud made us jump.
We hadn't escaped our pursuer like we thought the creature or
whatever. It was had followed us.
It slammed Trevor against the camper wall its face.
Not even resembling a human anymore.
It was all rage and Madness. Trevor struggled trying to reach
for his gun. He managed to fire three shots
and the creature fell motionless, but the damage was
done. Trevor looked at his arms now
scratched and bleeding. I'm dead.
He kept saying staring at his
wounds and Terror whatever it has.
I've got it now. I tried to calm him, but my own
heart was racing. The thought of becoming like
that creature was too much. Trevor looked at me his eyes
wide with fear. What if I He couldn't finish.
I didn't know what to say. The air in the camper the spores
we might have breathed in it was all too risky.
We had to get out. We left the camper and started
running through the woods not caring about the direction.
Just needing to get away. We ran until we couldn't
anymore. Trevor stopped out of breath and
leaned against a tree I looked at him seeing his pale face and
scared eyes. That's when I noticed something
odd about his skin some bumps starting to form.
What Trevor noticed my stare? What is it?
I shook my head backing away. I couldn't tell him couldn't
make it real. In Stead, I turned and ran ran
as fast as I could towards the highway towards any sign of
other people. It's been a week now.
I can't stop thinking about that night about Trevor.
I hope wherever he is. He's okay.
But deep down. I know he's not and now waking
up with highs and coughing blood.
I fear I won't be okay either. What happened in those woods
changed us and I'm scared of what's to come?
I had been gearing up for this trip for weeks.
Hell maybe even months. Ever since plaid bandana
announced their tour dates. I had this date circled in red
on my calendar hanging just above my cluttered desk at work.
The night before I was to drive from Calgary to Vancouver.
I couldn't sleep a wink my head was buzzing with the Melodies of
Vin Strickland's last album the lyrics etching into my mind like
sacred words. The morning air was crisp the
kind that bites at your cheeks until they're flushed with a
cold pink. I loaded up my old Japanese
import a reliable beast from the 80s with more miles on it than I
cared to admit Maps sprawled across the passenger seat in
2003. Those were your life lines your
only guard against getting utterly lost in the Rocky
Mountains. I grabbed a couple of burgers
and a flask full of black coffee for the road.
GPS hadn't found its way into everyone's Pockets yet.
So it was just me my maps and the open road.
I felt a mix of excitement in trepidation as I said off the
city lights of Calgary shrinking in my rearview mirror.
As I hit the highway the first notes of plaid Bandana's debut
album blasted through the speakers shaking off the last
vestiges of city life. I pushed the pedal a bit harder
the engine humming a tune in sink with my Rising spirits.
I was young maybe two young to heed the well meant warnings
from folks on message boards talking about the treacherous
paths and the sparse gas stations.
The roads unfurled before me like ribbons in the vastness of
the Canadian wilderness curving around mountains and stretching
under the vast expanse of the blue sky.
I relished the freedom the sheer thrill of barreling down these
roads, but as the sun dipped below the Horizon replaced by a
blanket of stars a sliver of anxiety crept in it was just me
out here miles from anywhere or anyone.
My Tranquility was abruptly shattered when the dashboard
flickered once twice then the headlights stuttered and
darkness and developed me. The engine cut out and panic
gripped my throat. I coasted to the side of the
road the gravel crunching under tires that had suddenly lost
their life. I cursed loud and futile into
the mountain are that threw my own fears back at me with a
mocking Echo. I got out the night cold biting
through my jacket as I popped the hood.
The engine was as inscrutable as a stone Idol giving away.
Nothing of its malady. I slammed the hood and
frustration a sense of defeat washing over me.
I was alone in the dark surrounded by an unending Forest
that harbored sounds too sinister for my city tuned ears.
Suddenly a massive 18 wheeler thundered past the gust nearly
knocking me off my feet. I yelled after it a useless
venting of fear and frustration. The truck was gone as quickly as
it had appeared its tail lights disappearing over the crest of a
hill. I slumped against my car my
heart racing. Then as if by some miracle the
dashboard flickered back to life.
The engine sputtered then roared defiantly as if refusing to let
the night end our journey. A wave of relief washed over me
mixed with an adrenaline fueled resolve.
I jumped back in the music kicked in where it had left off
and I was moving again speeding into the night driven by the
twin fuels of urgency and fear. Please detour sign was like a
slap in the face unexpected and stinging in its.
Road closed due to construction, please use Forest Service Road
detour in 100 meters for next one kilometers for reroute.
My hands tightened on the wheel as I squinted at the sign the
stark white letters ghostly in the Moonlight.
As I turned off the main road the undercarriage of my old car
scraped against the uneven surface of the dirt track.
The flagging tape fluttered eerily on the branches the only
sign that I wasn't the first to pass this way.
The forest closed in around me a dark oppressive tunnel that
seemed to absorb both light and sound.
My headlights barely cut through the darkness and every small
noise was magnified in the suffocating silence.
I tried to keep count of the distance my eyes flicking
between the road and the odometer but as the minutes
stretched on the certainty that I had driven more than a
kilometer nodded at me. No more flagging tape appeared
and the comforting rattle of my engine was the only proof I
wasn't yet swallowed by the Mountain Shadow.
That's when I saw him or thought I did a man dressed like he'd
walked out of a century-long passed holding a lantern that
flickered as if caught in a breeze I couldn't feel.
The site was so fleeting. So surreal that I slammed on the
breaks heart hammering. My car skidded on loose gravel
stopping just as quickly as The Apparition vanished.
Was I losing my mind? I shook my head trying to clear
it convincing myself. It was just the strain of the
drive the isolation. But as I pressed on the road
worsened narrowing until the trees brushed against my mirrors
with an ominous hiss. Fog rolled in thick and
disorienting and when I realized the guardrail was gone my breath
caught in my throat. This wasn't right.
This could be right. The edge of the mountain loomed
unseen but palpably near a sheer drop just beyond the reach of my
headlights. My progress slowed to a crawl
every turn of the wheel felt like a gamble with Stakes too
high to comprehend. Then the Rocks came.
First a few small ones that clattered down the slope a
forewarning. I flinched but pressed on my
resolve hardening into something frantic and sharp.
Larger Boulders followed thundering across the road and
disappearing into the void their crashes echoing up like the
Roars of some great beasts. My car lurched as it hit a rock.
I couldn't avoid the jolt sending a spike of fear through
me as the vehicle skewed dangerously close to the edge.
No, I screamed a raw desperate sound that seemed to pull the
night tighter around me. I felt the front tires lift the
stomach dropping sensation of falling then a brutal.
Thud is the tires found ground again.
I was panting tears streaming not from relief, but from raw
unfiltered Terror. I set the emergency brake my
hands shaking uncontrollably as I grab the map.
It showed a main road safe and wide.
This path of dirt and fog was a mistake a deadly error in my
desperate Rush. I inched forward every meter of
victory over the mountain that seemed eager to claim me.
And then just as suddenly as it had all begun I emerged.
The road widened the fog cleared and the night seemed almost
gentle, but the relief was short-lived.
As something as inexplicable as the figure with the lantern.
As I drove on the previous hours felt both distant and
oppressively close a nightmare lived Wide Awake.
I knew then that some roads once traveled leave tracks that
aren't easily erased not on the land and not in the soul.
Late night security is no different from any other
late-night gig it's pretty simple.
Really I work as an unarmed security guard at a gas station
next to a casino by the border overnight.
Usually the shift is pretty uneventful.
Honestly, there is more to do and more to look for during the
odd times. I was put on days.
Nights, though were once my safe haven to get away from the
hustle of the tedious every day. Soon found me questioning
whether or not my particular site was something I should
abandon. I'm not a weak Man by any means.
I've seen my fair share of gruesome grotesque and even
brutal things. I found myself in some pretty
unfavorable situations down the business end of a few shall we
say cordless hole punchers? Being smacked dab by the border
of New York and Canada my shifts usually included the occasional
visit from the border patrol or DEA then again also being on
reservation land constitutes a whole new host of rules
altogether. Not that these guys are coming
in and monitoring my little bitty gas station for the next
Kingpin or anything. They're in and out filling their
gas tanks or grabbing a few snacks before continuing on with
their own shifts. My shifts tend to be boring.
In my line of work boring is the best thing you could wish for.
No paperwork no reports. No cops and no Yahoo!
With a hole puncher looking to turn the place into the northern
version of the okay Corral the drunks are easy.
These guys are gals would hobble in after a long night of
drinking and betting at the casino.
They would use the restroom and buy themselves something to
snack on before taking off. Not often does one cause too
much of a Ruckus though. There was that one party bus
about 25 people all hammered beyond belief, puke and urine
all over the place. I paid the poor soul that had to
clean it all up. But hey, as long as no one was
stealing or getting violent. I was more than entertained by
the slack jawed circus that played out in front of me.
Now the Tweakers they're not as easy to deal with.
I'd even take it a step further and say their a downright pain
in my butt. They're the most prone to trying
to make off with something without paying for it or the
most likely to do their best impression of being possessed by
the devil himself. there even likely to try some underhanded
deal right in front of me as if I'm oblivious to the very clear
baggie that just changed hands for a couple of 20s and maybe a
50 But what are you going to do? The best I can do in that
situation is take off my house shoe and chase them off.
One night. I stood at my small Podium
watching the last lingering Souls drain out of the parking
lot. I was mentally preparing myself
for yet. Another event list night.
Technically. I'm always supposed to stand up
straight and alert. It makes the client feel safe.
One of my supervisors had told me before I was ever assigned to
this location. I took to leaning on a small
Podium shape display for lottery tickets.
It keeps the pressure off my back and the aches off my feet.
You'd think having memory foam insoles would help but you'd be
amazed at how quickly they wear out.
The cashiers usually mingle about or float around aimlessly
behind the registers around this time.
There's not much for them to do outside of tidying up and
counting their drawers. I've caught them in their little
rebellious routine sneaking naps in the back room or on breaks.
The last guy they had doing security was none too keen on
that. But I figured as long as the act
of register had an attendee then all fine by me.
There is a guy though one guy that my hand off supervisors
gave me a bit of a heads up on. He's not exactly playing with a
full deck if you catch my drift. Not sure if he ever was.
This guy looks harmless confused even usually sporting grey
sweatpants slippers and a black T-shirt.
He has a low buzz cut and something of a stumbling beard.
He never really made frequent appearances at my biddy station.
But when he did the man brought with him the heebie-jeebies.
He would just stare right past the sliding automatic doors and
straight into the station. Not at anyone or anything in
particular. Phil I think his name was or at
least that's what the girls at the station called him.
His presence never bothered me during the swing day shifts, but
at night I kept an eye on him. You ever get that feeling that
something was watching you, but you can't quite figure out from
where? Yeah, that's Phil with his dead
eye gaze. One Night Phil decided to ramp
things up a notch the night was already pretty quiet for a
Friday, but the all too familiar sound of squad car Sirens could
be heard just up the street. The girls seemed a little off
that night too. They kept looking at the sliding
doors of the station with a type of anxious anticipation that was
unusual for them. The manager on duty had asked me
to bump up my foot patrols from once every hour to once every
half hour. I obliged and marked it down in
the sight log before grabbing my walkie-talkie and starting the
stroll through the lot and around the building.
Once outside. I got a better look at all the
commotion down the street come to find out it wasn't just one
squad car, but four of them and an ambulance.
The officers body language didn't exactly fill me with
confidence that whatever they were responding to had a happy
ending. What's going on out there the
manager Sarah asked over the radio?
At first I didn't say anything as I was still trying to wrap my
head around what I was seeing and if I had to worry about
locking down the station. For cop cars and an EMT at looks
like none of them look happy. I finally responded.
I kept my eyes on the scene before me.
I felt a cold chill run up my spine like someone just walked
over my grave. Without moving too fast.
I raised my walkie. Has anyone seen our favorite
tweaker tonight? I'm worried about him.
I tried to joke, but my voice held apprehension.
I thought I might know the answer, but I hope I was wrong.
He hasn't been around for at least a day or so.
You think he's involved Sarah chimed in?
I didn't respond straight away. But in Stead, I turned my
attention just off to the left of the scene.
I caught a glimpse of someone slinking off toward the alley.
Hold on. I said finally answering I'd
move to get closer to the scene. But I knew in the back of my
mind. If I ventured too far from my
Post Road Patrol management would have my badge inside of an
hour. At the corner I stood I squinted
attempting to see through the flashing red and blue lights and
the decently bright street lights.
Nothing moved. With a step back.
I glanced at the station to check and again nothing.
What's wrong Sarah crackled scaring the bejesus out of me.
I thought I saw something I answered back.
Sarah being as beloved and sarcastic as she could ever be
responded with a simple. Don't do that with a chuckle.
I rolled my eyes. Maybe my eyes were playing
tricks on me. I area was known for
occasionally being sketchy but this couldn't have been more
than a wellness check on astray. All right, I'm coming back no
sense in me sticking my nose where it wasn't invited.
I told Sarah on the radio as I turned to start heading back.
I walked head first into none other than Phil, but Phil was in
quite a state his black T-shirt was tattered his sweatpants were
stained in a deep shade of red that to the untrained eye looked
black in the dim light. Phil greeted me with a wide wide
smile rare of malice and wicked anticipation for the first time
in months. I kept an eye on him.
There was a Clarity in his eyes that set off every alarm Bell a
human mind could possibly have He didn't look confused in days
or glossy IDE, like he usually did.
Sizing him up. I knew that if there were no
surprises I could take him I could toss him right over my
shoulder if I wanted to. However, some little voice in
the back of my mind screamed. That was a very bad idea.
Without a word I raised my hand as if showing him I had nothing
on me that I could use to hurt him or pose too much of a threat
his wide smile faltered as he eyed the walkie-talkie clipped
to my belt and for a split second.
I swore I saw the making of a scowl I prayed to whatever God
would be listening to tonight. I slowly lowered my right hand
down to my belt then brought the device up to clear eye level.
That flicker of a scowl told me all I needed to know about the
boat that I found myself in and the last thing I needed was the
situation going from hazardous to fatal.
With the same slow careful Pace. I brought my left hand down to
the volume knob and turned it all the way down.
Thankfully the radio was an old off-brand Radio Shack model.
So the display light was hard to see even in Pitch Black
conditions. But to stay on the safe side, I
kept the display palmed in my hand just in case my Gambit was
a little too obvious to spot. As if showing him that I indeed
turned it off. I clicked the talk button for
distinct times and four more times after that by then.
I had to rely on hope that Sarah paid attention to the nonverbal
signals. I've shown her over the last few
months and what to do if I ever used one.
Phil seemed satisfied with the Silence of my radio but gestured
again to the bushes he had hidden in early.
Toss it he said calmly. I didn't bother arguing I gave
the radio a half throw just shy of where he wanted it that
scalpel flickered on his face again and with one quick motion.
He brought his foot down on the thing hard enough for it to
crack. When he brought his heel down on
the radio again, I'd take him what I thought was an unnoticed
step back. But the reaction that spurred
from Phil told me how wrong I was in an instant.
He snapped his attention back to me then brandished a hammer.
He had hidden in his sweatpants. I quickly tried to guess but
also dismissed the thought as my mind began to wonder if I was
going to be granted the gift of a rather harsh headache.
His eyes lit up as he watched me freeze.
What scared of a silly little thing like this?
He taunted waving the Hammer as if it were nothing more than a
kid's toy. His jovial sarcasm irked me, but
I figured if I tried to rush him the back of my head would be
mimicking a split melon in an instant.
So instead I shook my head slightly.
Just wondering what other rabbits you're about to pull
from that hat. I responded trying to create a
bit of levity Phil smirked enough to make my night easy and
yours, especially difficult. My night is always rough when
you show up. I grumbled can't ever tell if
you're off your meds or just a flat-out.
Whack job. Phil tilted his head as if
thinking you're stalling he said plainly as his expression became
unreadable. And just like that flight or
fight had kicked itself into full alert.
With no warning whatsoever. He wildly swung the sharp side
of his hammer on Instinct from the many previous Tangles.
I've been in over the years. I left arm to block it, but that
was a mistake. I very quickly paid for The claw
head of the hammer bit into my forearm and dug in I let out a
pain shout attempting to pull it out with my other hand.
However, Phil yanked it out and went for another swing.
This time I ducted and rammed my shoulder into his gut attempting
to tackle him to hold him down to my surprise.
I succeeded in my half cocked counter when we hit the ground
Phil. Let out a surprise Yelp, but
very quickly swung that hammer again.
This time it connected with my side thankfully though.
It hurt like heck nothing broke having rolled on top of him.
I reared back and gave him a right to the temple.
That would have made Mike Tyson himself proud.
This seemed to anger him pretty bad instead of swinging at me
with the hammer again. He went to press his thumbs into
my eyes. My answer to the attempt at my
eyesight was another vicious right hook and another then one
more for good measure. I'd hoped to knock him out.
But instead he simply submitted in our scuffle.
I failed to see the two officers approaching with their weapons
drawn. It dawned on me how the
situation looked and before either of the officers set a
word. I got off of my seemingly
subdued attacker and placed my hands behind my head.
After that things went by in a blur, but I do recall seeing
Sarah explained to the officers what had happened and even
urging them to the station's back room to review the security
camera footage Sarah even explained that it was I who
signaled her to gather the authorities after the sequence
of beeps I sent through the walkie-talkie.
It was unknown to me at the time that she had responded to my
signal at all. But apparently she had clicked
her talk button twice a way of saying I understand.
Not surprising though was hearing that a couple of the
other cashiers had recorded the ordeal from their phone's.
With a new understanding the officers instead of detaining me
urged me to seek medical attention for the Weeping gash
in my arm. I agreed given that I'd started
losing feeling in that arm altogether.
I figured Phil caught a good cluster of nerves and I didn't
notice during The Fray or maybe I lost a little too much blood
for comfort. Either way, I found myself in
the back of an EMS vehicle being tended to and urged to take the
next couple of days off work to recover.
I went for a check-up the following day just to be sure.
The good news was the damage was all fairly temporary the wound
on my left arm would heal normally, but the trade-off
would be when it gets humid or stormy.
I'd feel an ache again. Instead of cracked or fractured
ribs. I made off with only a bruise
that healed within a few days. I put in my two weeks notice to
the higher-ups about three months later concluding my year
and a half long Service as an unarmed security officer.
Through Sarah though. I found out that Phil was indeed
responsible for the initial police response that night
because four people had been bludgeoned to a pulp in their
apartment and then another three were found in the hallway
leading out. According to Sarah I was pretty
lucky. I caught him off guard running
into him the way I did was a surprise to us both.
I always knew something was off about Phil and I have a bad
feeling. I haven't seen the last of him.
It was a typical summer evening in our little New Hampshire town
the kind where the sun takes forever to set and the air
starts to cool just a little I was on my way to pick up my best
friend Jake we had plans like we did most nights to play some
video games and maybe watch a horror movie our favorite kind.
As I drove down the familiar roads, I couldn't help but feel
a little excited even though we did pretty much the same thing.
Every time we hung out. It was always the highlight of
my day. Jake didn't have his driver's
license yet. So I was the one who always
drove to his place or picked him up.
Our town was small surrounded by thick woods and old buildings
that looked like they had tons of stories to tell.
One of these buildings was the old textile mill just down the
hill from my house. It was a huge creepy place that
had been abandoned for as long as I could.
Remember. My grandma used to tell us
stories about how way back in the day people worked there
under really bad conditions and that some even died in accidents
because of that people said it was haunted.
As we drove past the Old Mill I slowed down a bit.
The Setting Sun cast Long Shadows making the broken
windows of the mill look like dark watching eyes.
Hey, did you ever hear about the ghost sightings here?
I asked Jake nodding toward the mill.
Yeah, he replied his eyes wide with a mix of fear and
excitement. They say you can see the ghosts
of the workers. Sometimes still dressed in their
old timey clothes. Super creepy.
Right across from the mill was a dirt parking lot where the
telephone company parked their work trucks overnight.
As we passed by the lot something strange caught my eye.
Dude, look I whispered sharply pointing under one of the
trucks. There were two pale legs and
bare feet just standing there motionless.
They looked so out of place. So ghostly the legs were small
like those of a child my heart started to race as we got closer
and then just like that. They were gone.
No sign of anyone running away or hiding they just vanished.
Did you see that I asked my voice a mix of excitement and
fear the white legs? Yeah, I saw them.
That was weird. Jake said looking back as we
drove on we both fell silent for a moment the wheels of my car
crunching on the gravel road being the only sound You think
it was a ghost? I finally muttered not sure if I
wanted it to be true. Maybe Jake said shrugging or
maybe our eyes were just playing tricks on us, you know shadows
and stuff. I nodded but inside I wasn't so
sure. The image of those ghostly pale
legs under the truck stuck with me as we drove the rest of the
way to my house. We tried to Shake It Off by
diving into our video games and not talking about it anymore.
But I could tell we were both a little spooked.
Every now and then I caught Jake glancing out the window as if he
expected to see those legs walking up the driveway.
As the night grew darker and the sounds of our video games filled
the room. I tried to convince myself.
It was nothing just a trick of the light or our imaginations,
but deep down. I wondered if we had just seen
one of the Mills ghosts still lingering around Trapped In
Time. And that thought was enough to
send shivers down my spine. After that night by The Old Mill
things felt a bit different. Jake and I tried to act like
everything was normal, but the image of those ghostly legs
didn't really leave our minds. To get our spirits up we decided
to go see a movie in town. It was a new action film and we
thought it would help us forget the creepy stuff for a while.
The movie was great full of explosions and car chases.
It did the trick for a few hours.
We were just two friends having fun not thinking about anything
else. As we walked out of the theater
laughing and discussing our favorite Parts the sky was dark
and the stars were out. It seemed like a perfect end to
the evening, but we still had to drive home.
The road back to Jake's house was narrow and wound through
thick Woods trees towered on both sides and it was so dark
that even our headlights seemed to get swallowed up by the
night. I drove slowly the recent memory
of the mill making me extra cautious.
As we rounded a Bend I felt Jake tents up next to me.
Do you ever think we'll see something weird again?
He asked his voice a little shaky.
Like the legs I replied trying to keep my voice light.
I hope not. Just then something unbelievable
happened out of the dark woods a huge Shadow sweeped right above
the car it flew. So close that I could almost
feel the air move. I slammed on the breaks and both
of us stared up through the windshield hovering under a
streetlight for just a second was a creature like nothing I
had ever seen before it was enormous about the size of a
large wolf, but it had wings not bird wings, but big bat like
wings that flapped heavily as it balanced in the air.
Did you see that? I gasped my hands gripping the
steering wheel so tightly my Knuckles turned white.
Yeah, Jake whispered. His face was pale his eyes wide
with fear it it had wings and Not Just Wings as the creature
flew across the light I could see it had legs and a tail too.
It looked powerful and terrifying something straight
out of a nightmare. We both were too scared to move
or even speak the creature disappeared into the trees on
the other side of the road and everything was silent again.
I slowly started driving my heart pounding so loud.
I could hear it in my ears. Neither of us said a word the
whole way to Jake's house. The fun of the movie was long
forgotten replaced by the fear of what we had just seen.
When we finally got to his driveway, I turned off the
engine and we both just sat there for a moment then all at
once. We started talking both of us
speaking fast trying to make sense of it.
Jake's brother was home when we went inside.
We told him what we had seen, but he just laughed.
You guys must have imagined it. He said shaking his head.
But we knew what we saw and it was no imagination that night.
We didn't talk much more we both went to bed.
But I lay awake listening to the sounds of the night and
wondering about the creature with the wings.
Was it watching us was it waiting in the woods?
I didn't know and that was the scariest part of all.
I was 20 years old attending basic training at Fort Benning,
Georgia in the summer of 2011. The process that MEPS or the
military entrance processing station for civilians lasted
about 17 days. During that time.
I learned a lot about people and made connections with soldiers
who would go on to basic training with me friends who are
still close to me today. One story that all of us recall
one which holds a mythological place in my heart is the story
of Jonathan oldberg this story took place at MEPS which brings
me back to the point of bringing it up in the first place Mets is
the first time you and all the other new US Army recruits are
together sleeping in Barracks standing in formation getting
shots and doing basic and processing tasks.
MEPS often serves as a toe dipping into the military life
of being told how to jump how high did jump when to jump no,
sir. Yes, sir, all that.
Needless to say, this is the first place where prospective
soldiers might bail raise their hands refused to go on finding
themselves out processing before they've even started the
in-processing. It's not Beyond a new Soldier to
act mentally unfit to be classified as not fit for
service. But usually it's broken down to
finally fessing up or straightening out and figuring
your junk out. Throughout the days though
whispering and rumors of oldberg strange Behavior became more and
more known. Bunk mates to the left and right
of him would claim stories of the young 19 year old rambling
in the night talking to himself and Whispers.
These Whispers would last through the entire night as fire
guards Two Soldiers on guard in the night that rotate on shift
hourly would take note. This means that throughout the
night sometimes 10 different soldiers would mention their
strange encounter hearing old Berg or seeing him act
differently. Boredom helped spur my interest
in this encounter and throughout the first few days.
I delighted in hearing different weird run-ins like old birds
staring at a walking Patrol guard walking past his bunk and
the middle of the night maybe around two a.m.
Or 4 a.m. It didn't really matter what
time if he was faking he was committed to the role at all
hours of the day. Something that really stood out
early to me by night time. We were all so tired we take any
extra minutes of sleep gladly. I remember approaching old Berg
saying hello during some free time at the barracks after
lunch. I approached the small five foot
six soldier who soaking wet could not have been over 130
pounds. His pale white skin gave him a
ghostly appearance talking to him.
He seemed like a normal soft-spoken kid.
He was well-mannered polite more.
Shy than anything. I thought he was harmless the
stories must be bored soldiers ganging up on the new kid a
story as old as time really. How could I get lost believing
in Gossip or even entertaining the thought that thought would
change drastically throughout the next few days?
My first run in with oldberg strange news came with my second
shift of fireguard this took place on day four of MEPS.
My bunkmate Brian and I woke up at 1:55 a.m. 5 minutes before my
shift had to start. I got dressed put on my shoes
and was at the Fire Guard desk in minutes. the shift went by
boring and quiet soft snores and rumbles of sleeping soldiers
line the wide spaces of the dark and Barracks Bay Brian and I
made small talk while we passed the time the Moonlight gave the
corridor an eerie glow being around 60 bodies in one room
gives you a sense of security though.
At least if something does come up there's enough of you and
your fellow soldiers to deal with the threat.
I walked in the darkened Bay making sure not to wake the
sleeping Soldiers with my steps. I felt it was practice for being
a sneaky infantryman a skill. I would definitely need someday.
I assured myself. I passed by bunk bed to bunk bed
all the way to one end of the bay and into the bathrooms,
which unlike the darkened Bay were almost overwhelmingly
bright. I took a leak washed my hands
and my L-shaped flash light leaving on the opposite side of
the bathroom, which would put me on the last leg of my patrol on
a race track shaped bed bunk situation where the middle
remains open if that makes sense.
When I got about a quarter of the way down, I heard a small
scratching sound. I paused my walk and listened
intently. The noise was coming from a few
bunx up. I walked slowly making sure not
to make a single noise. The closer I got to the Target
of what I perceived the sound to be coming from I realized it was
coming from a bottom bunk. The Moonlight perfectly bounced
off the open bay windows lighting up the white sheets
that were covering a soldier the sheet wrapped tightly over the
small body as if someone was pulling it downwards through the
bed when my eyes focused onto the lips of The featureless
Apparition. I realized the sound I was
hearing wasn't scratching at all.
It was whispering. quiet but violent Whispering almost a
chant I stood there dumbfounded not knowing what to do.
What was this noise? Is this kid?
Okay. Should I wake him up?
I simply just stood there for what seemed like minutes.
My focus was broken by the bunkmate next to him rolling
over and looking at me. The what the heck he mouthed to
me seemed to match my exact same reaction.
The other bunk on the other side rolled over as well to
acknowledge his nervousness or fear of the situation, too.
The fact that this was keeping people up in the middle of the
night only angered me. So I smacked the side of the bed
with my unlit light and said hey shut up people can't sleep.
With the loud ding of the metal of my light and the harshness
and my tone the whispering stopped and the mouth stopped
moving. These soldiers on both sides of
me gave me a not of approval and a thumbs up.
Best Fire Guard ever I thought in my head as I strolled back to
the fire guard desk, which was now lit up.
I glanced back before breaking sight though.
I looked at the still illuminated old bird whose face
was covered by the sheet. I could swear he was smiling
through the tightly pulled cloth.
I shook my head walking back to Brian who was chatting up the
next fireguard shift. When I told them about what I
had seen Brian cut me off and told me the noise got louder and
louder when I left which is why he turned his light on.
The other guard excitedly told me about some weird
circumstances of his shift the other night details I forgot but
it made me think. Maybe we're all just wired up
and looking for excitement. Some of us created it. some of
us like the show anyway, it wasn't enough to make me lose
sleep yet. Although I couldn't get the
sight of that face profile draped by the tight cloth out of
my mind. I mean who slept like that?
What game was he playing? I bet to myself he'd break down
and quit the next morning dropping whatever facade he was
playing into the next day came and beyond my surprise old Berg
had no clue at all that he had been acting strangely the
previous night. He quickly became the topic of
small-time Gossip every Soldier quickly had input on their
favorite weird creepy old Burg moment.
Despite the weirdness at night old birds seemed normal.
He talked shyly never really divulged much about himself.
And even seemed to try and make friends.
I remember a soldier Boyer trying to befriend him and even
deciding to take up the top bunk of old Berg showing solidarity
with someone who seemed to be lonely.
Boyer would even defend old Berg hushing stories and tests from
the rest of these soldiers saying it's just people creating
excitement at the expense of poor old Berg.
This would not last long as day by day more stories came along.
Even Boyer had his own run in sleeping above the ghostly
Apparition, although he never added to the stories and would
never update us on what he'd seen.
But I know he experienced something strange or grave as he
would quickly change the subject or comment on how strange
everything was like a man fed up with finding information.
He no longer wanted to see Boyer moved his bed and stuff far away
from old Berg and pretty soon the beds to the left and right
of old Berg followed suit. My next run in would occur about
seven days into in-processing. By now everyone knew each other
roughly and we all rushed to fill the empty time with working
out and talking about whatever we could to fill the long days.
My next Fire Guard shift came up.
And once again Brian and I sat at the desk joking and talking
about what ever? Coincidentally we joked about
ghost stories spooky things we'd seen as kids.
We chuckled and laughed in the dark Bay are only light source
being the Moonlight in the windows and the green exit sign.
Besides this we had our L-shaped flashlights that at the time we
both had turned off. the room grew silent even snoring seemed
to cease The darkness in the room seemed to grow like the
clouds had decided to block the moon now only leaving the green
exit light as our only light source in the now growing room.
Staring into the blackened Bay I heard movement.
I focused my eyes and couldn't see so I moved to the front of
the fire guard desk. Brian sat up in his chair
suspiciously a small dragging sound came from the middle of
the bay floor in the kills Zone a portion of the floor reserved
for drill sergeants a spot where soldiers knew not to walk. then
complete silence just as I was about to break the long silence
a figure Sprints at me from the dark a pale white old Berg stops
abruptly about five meters away from me.
I met his incoming Pace with the Rays of my L-shaped light like I
was waiting for a fastball pitch a violent smiled beamed across
the soldiers face as he stood strangely with his hands and
limbs outstretched. Old Berg I'm going to mess you
up man. I blasted out there wasn't an
ounce of hesitation. I was afraid of getting kicked
out for trouble or causing a fight.
But this was another level of concern.
It seemed like fear of death one step closer and I was going to
tee off like Barry Bonds the smile on Old Berg's face grew
and I now noticed his eyes were open they'd been opened the
whole time, but I had confused them for being closed.
His pupils had turned back and all that was visible where the
whites of his eyes. He led out this weird giggle.
Get back to your bed, or I'm going to mess you up old bird.
I'm not playing with you man. I told him Brian sat there
petrified. Oldberg then backs up slowly
into the darkness Brian and I sat there staring at ourselves
just bearing witness to this situation.
What the heck was that? Brian mentioned his face pale
white. He looked scared cluing me and
that if I had fought old bird then in there, it was probably
going to be a one-v-one with a demon.
We woke up the next fireguard and explained the situation.
They nodded their heads in agreement ready to investigate
old Berg seemed to be the only thing anyone was guarding for it
at this point. We got up and went on down to
where olds slept. The darkness from the bay made
the room seemed incredibly long. We marched all four together to
his bed. He lay facing away with the
blanket covering his head completely not moving like
nothing had ever happened. I remember making sure that the
guard new to wake me up if something crazy did happen.
I no longer doubted any of the stories something was not right
about old Berg and everyone at this point agreed.
I wanted to be awake if anyone saw him moving strangely almost
like it was inevitable that something was going to happen.
The next day was basic in processing and at this point we
were pretty much just hurrying up and waiting to transition to
actual basic training. Halfway through the day while
I'm still sitting on my bed. I'm surprised by a familiar face
old Berg who seemed even more small and frail than normal like
his health had been deteriorating while he was here.
He was standing there in front of me.
Hey Rowan, his soft Tim voice bellowed out.
What's up old bird. I replied.
I heard I went up to the guard desk and pissed you off last
night. So sorry, I don't even remember
any of that or why I would go up to the desk old Berg stated.
He apologized profusely and seemed genuinely.
Sorry for the event. I didn't know how to treat the
situation. I remember shaking his hand
telling him. It's all good and even making a
joke about it something that I could tell relieved oldberg.
Despite his weirdness. He seemed like a genuine sweet
person like an only child who was out of his element, but just
trying to make friends. There wasn't anything to dislike
about old Berg when he was himself, which is what made the
whole thing even more strange. Every time he'd be included in
the group or shown he's one of us.
He'd get turned around the following morning after a fire
guard would catch him sleeping strangely or wandering in the
showers which happened to one of my other friends.
He kept hearing something from the latrine when he went to
investigate. He found oldberg propped against
the shower wall staring up with the biggest smile on his face
eyes rolled back just the same as I'd seen him.
It sucked seeing the Battle of him trying to be normal paired
with whatever illness or mental Affliction that affected him.
My last run in with old bird would be the most significant of
any running. I would be the grand finale in
The Showdown with old Berg a story that many of my old
brothers talk about even today. day 13 a day that came as normal
as any Brian and I sat on the desk once again blabbing about
random topics. Halfway through the shift.
I heard some stirring around the dark Zone the area where three
or so bunks had been emptied around old Berg.
Brian and I looked at each other as we kept hearing a bang bang
bang bang bang. We both crept forward down the
dark Corridor light off at first but soon enough we set half that
and turned them both on we made it to Old Berg's bed area, but
he wasn't there. I shined the light on the bed
then on the top and suddenly bang it came from the other side
of his locker. I looked over and I saw his legs
there. He had himself propped up on the
bay window with his head banging back against the locker creating
that loud thud noise the old bird.
I whispered harshly. No response was made other than
another bang against the wall. I look closer and sure enough.
His eyes were rolled backwards again.
Hey, I yelled out not trying to get any closer his mouth opened
and Whispers chant out just like the first day but this time it
was louder more distinct the sharpness and highness of his
tone was inhuman and reminded me of the Red Rum moment in The
Shining when Danny keeps screaming the phrase.
This started to awake the other soldiers who began to dress and
Wander Over. Get the next shift.
I told Brian. He ran across the bay while I
sat there staring at this entity.
I listened closer. What was it?
He was chanting. Soon.
I heard some familiar words. He was speaking Latin.
It seemed not that my Latin is decent.
I just remember the way it sounded and this was by far not
a normal language. When the next two soldiers
showed up, they'd already made themselves prepared for the
situation. Everyone was ready for some old
bird confrontation. And this was it.
Old bird I yelled his chant grew louder.
Me and three other soldiers moved in closer surrounding him
his language grew more demonic and harsh then he makes a
statement and right as he says it it all ends and Bam the bay
window which was 8 feet up and definitely unreachable by any of
us, especially old bird bangs loudly three times.
This noise makes all of us jump and the other soldiers in the
bay began to murmur in confusion.
This was a paranormal situation. There was no way around it.
No way in heck he could play this role.
So well and the noise at the window cemented this we were on
the second floor and that window lay at least 20 feet off the
ground old Berg's Latin proceeds again louder and louder.
He shouting to the point of uncontrollable yelling.
I told Brian to get the drill sergeant on guard as this was
beyond us. While he's gone, the other
soldiers began to panic. Was old Berg stroking out was he
possessed. I needed an answer pain is the
best cleanser for any act. I thought paired with a
surprise. It could break anyone's Act.
I reached back and slapped old Berg so hard in the face mid
chance. He stopped chanting and stared
right at me but his smile grew wider more monstrous. taken
aback by my effort to get him to stop my colleague surprise grew
the fact I could hit him so well and not one hesitation in the
act or even a moment of owl that hurt cemented it even more there
was no helping this kid. I thought we need an exorcist
just that an angry drill Sergeant's voice broke through
the darkness. I pointed and the drill breaks
character by going what the f He orders all of us to get back in
bed while he and another drill pickled Berg up and pull him to
the medical center outside the bay.
What the f was right. I'm surprised how anyone could
fall asleep after that event. I think most of us stayed up.
Morning came an old Berg wasn't to be seen again.
From what I heard he kept going at it like that until dawn.
Rumors abound that they had to sedate him as he was unable to
wake up from his trance. His locker was emptied out by
the hospital staff. And that was the last we'd seen
of old Jonathan old bird. We would only be there at in
processing for a few more days. But the stories of old Berg
would persist all the way through basic and through
deployments. And even when I linked back up
with old friends from the service days, it would not be
the last mention I'd heard of him.
Though about two months into basic.
We were scheduled to get our dress blues tailored at the MEPS
and processing center. It was cool.
Seeing the area again, especially after being this
close to being done with basic and getting ready to head into
infantry AIT or Advanced individual training.
At a certain point I had to use the latrine.
So I go to the restroom and while I'm taking a leak, I hear
two soldiers talking. Yo, did you hear about oldberg
last night? They found him going through
empty Barracks screaming and crap.
They can't figure out what to do with him while he out processes.
Yeah, that guy's a freak. The other says it blew my mind
that he was still here still terrorizing soldiers and drill
sergeants alike. My guess is they knew something
was extremely wrong with him and after all the mental trials and
tribulations. They realized he had to be put
somewhere maybe an asylum or something.
Despite his condition old Berg was nothing but friendly and
deeply wanted to be a soldier at least it seemed in my eyes.
This story is about 13 years old now and I can recall the tone in
his voice the way it seemed almost alien the way his face
lit up with a sheet draped over at the first time I saw him.
I hope old Berg found peace and is living a happy life around
good people. I hope he doesn't suffer from
what ever he was suffering through.
That situation was far from normal though.
And it's one of the things that have cemented the supernatural
in my own life. I hope I never have to find out
if he escaped as Affliction or if he is even alive now.
He might be angry from the slap that night.
At least I hope to never find out.
I've never been one to shy away from the unexplainable not when
you grow up sensing things that others can't.
At 20 my life had been a carousel of eerie experiences,
but nothing that I couldn't handle. or so I thought that
December moving into a new apartment with Nikki felt like
stepping into a clear sunny day after a week of storms.
For the first time a home didn't press down on me with the weight
of unseen eyes. Nikki was as normal as they come
her biggest worry being her next exam or what color to dye her
hair. Our small apartment was on the
third floor of a tired but friendly building its red bricks
warned Smooth by years and whether from the start it seemed
we were set for a fresh chapter free from disturbances both
paranormal and mundane. That sense of Peace lasted until
May when life decided to throw us a curveball named Morgan.
She was 16 with more baggage than anyone her age deserved her
dad a self-styled Satanist had a cruel streak wider than the
Missouri River. The day she moved in she sat on
the faded blue couch hugging her knees and told us in a flat
voice that her dad had cursed her that something dark followed
her a shadow creature. I believed her.
You don't grow up like I did without knowing that some
nightmares walk in daylight. But I chalked most of it up to
the trauma of her upbringing a screen her mind projected to
deal with all the mess at home. I decided it was best not to
stir the pot to just keep an eye on things.
But then the apartment started to disagree with my nonchalance.
It began with small almost laughable things our coffee
table moved a few inches from where it was the night before
male scattered like Autumn Leaves across the floor the
cats, I'd Mudder though the explanation hung flimsy in the
air like a cobweb then the pranks turned peculiar our
laundry detergent once ended up a puddle under the dining room
table The Empty Bottle standing like a sentinel in the middle of
the messy laughed at all, but her laughter had a nervous Edge.
I didn't like things escalated quietly the way dread builds in
the pit of your stomach. Both Morgan and Nikki on
separate occasions woke up paralyzed Whispering Tales of a
child's size shadow in their rooms.
Its head too. Big hands too long a silhouette
etched in darkness. My skin would crawl at their
descriptions so eerily similar though.
I hadn't seen the thing myself. I should have been scared
perhaps but fear is a luxury you can't afford when you're the
only one who's supposed to hold it together.
So I held firm even as an unspoken chill settled into our
home like frost on window glass. Then came that night in May
alone with only the hum of the refrigerator and my thoughts.
I had never felt it so intensely before that feeling of being
watched. As the Shadows deepened, so did
my sense of unease? The apartment felted as if the
walls themselves inhaled and exhaled heavy with secrets.
I was sitting on the couch trying to lose myself in a book
when the air grew oppressively thick.
It was like the world had tilted reality skewed in a direction.
I couldn't follow my chest tightened breaths coming short.
I tried to stand to move but the darkness pressed in tangible as
the fabric of the couch under my fingers.
Panic clawed up my throat a primal screaming thing, but I
swallowed it down. I wasn't alone in this couldn't
afford to be not just for my sake but for Nikki's for
Morgan's. So I straightened forced my
lungs to work and prepared to face whatever was encroaching on
our fragile little life. It was just the beginning and
somehow I knew it was going to get worse.
The night I first felt truly threatened in my own home was a
turning point. There's something about darkness
that thicker than shadow. Something that swallows sound
and makes the minutes stretch until lifetime's.
That's what descended on our apartment one suffocating
evening when I was alone. The heavy silence punctuated
only by my own erratic heartbeat.
I was curled up on the couch the TV murmuring low in the
background an island of light in a sea of creeping Shadows.
The atmosphere had shifted subtle, but undeniable.
My chest felt like it was caught in a vice each breath of Labor.
It was as if the apartment had exhaled a deep dark breath and
hadn't inhaled since sitting up. I pushed the blanket off with a
jerk the room unnaturally cold. The dim light from the hall
seemed to hesitate at the edge of the living room unwilling to
penetrate the darkness that had thickened around me.
I reached for my phone thumbs swiping for the flashlight app,
but the device felt alien and unresponsive in my hands.
When the sudden realization hit that I wasn't alone my skin
prickled with a cold dread. There was a presence a weight of
something unseen that filled the room like smoke.
I listened barely breathing and heard it. a slow deliberate
footfall in the kitchen behind me not the light tap of a cat's
paw but the solid unmistakable sound of a human foot.
Panic surged sharp and metallic in my taste I spun around phone
clutched like a Lifeline but saw nothing.
The kitchen was empty bathed in the weak glow from the
streetlight outside the window. But the feeling of being watched
intensified pressing down on me until I thought I might crumble
under it. I couldn't stay there Frozen by
fear. So I did what I had learned to
do fight back. Grabbing Sage from the drawer.
I lit it the smoke curling into the air a visible marker of my
defiance. Nikki and I had smeared oil on
the doorframes last week a barrier we hoped was more than
symbolic. You're not welcome here.
I muttered into the darkness words less for it and more for
me. But the nights that followed
brought no, peace. Nikki normally so vibrant grew
paler each day her Knights tormented by that same shadow
figure that now haunted both her dreams and waking moments.
We were fighting a losing battle.
It seemed against an enemy that thrived in the very fear in
gendered. desperation led us to Nikki's mother a woman of deep
faith and conviction She arrived with holy water in a calm
certainty. That was both a bomb and a
blade. She moved through our home
blessing each room with a practice hand her prayers a soft
but firm rebuke against the darkness.
Slowly the apartment began to breathe again.
The oppressive weight lifted and the are cleared as if a storm
had passed. Morgan moved out shortly after
her departure coinciding with a palpable shift in the
atmosphere. Her young girl brother moved in
and mysteriously the disturbances dwindled until they
were just a memory a dark chapter in our lives that we
hoped was firmly closed. As I lay in bed that night
listening to The Quiet Sounds of a home at peace.
I wondered about the power of belief of curses and blessings.
There was a lesson here about the Shadows we carry and the
light we seek and while the peace might be fragile.
It was piece. Nonetheless hard one and
precious. I drifted off to sleep a sleep
unmarred by Shadows with a heart lighter than it had been in
months. My dad worked as a taxi driver
for 10 years transporting drunk University students back to
their accommodation and taking elderly ladies to their bingo
nights. He has taken many people on many
Journeys up and down the country as such he's gone through
several Supernatural experiences.
I'll tell you a few of his stories told to me as a kid
around two years into taxiing. He had a job that paid quite
well. It was a simple straightforward
job. He had to pick up a group of
middle-aged women and drive them to a local restaurant.
It was a dark Friday night and they were celebrating their
friends 47th birthday. They were excited and a little
tipsy. He told me that these jobs are
usually the easiest the ones where you can talk to the
customers Revel in their excitement or hear their life
stories. The journey was a long one being
around half an hour. The destination was set on the
edge of a cliff looking towards the sea.
As they neared the restaurant their surroundings became
enveloped in heavy fog the fog eclipsed nearby signs and
blurred traffic lights. My dad needed to exercise
caution. So he slowed down relying more
on his Sat Nav for guidance. He looked around and found the
usually busy roads empty. This was unusual, but he blamed
it on the weather. Nevertheless he continued with
the journey determined to complete it so he could pick up
more customers before going home for the night.
However, the more my dad drove the thicker the fog became.
While talking to one of the ladies in the passenger seat.
He noticed that his Sat Nav started to flash seemingly
turning off and on. It froze on the road they were
on so he turned it off and continued as he knew this area
like the back of his hand. However, even being ripped out
of the stand wouldn't stop the screen from flashing
Illuminating the windshield and almost blinding him.
It was a dark night after all and the flashes were enough to
cause little white spots that linger after blinking.
Annoyed he simply threw it in the cup holders and kept
driving. As he got closer to the
destination, he began to notice a bright white glow coming from
the distance on the left side as they were near the beach.
He initially dismissed it thinking he was coming up on a
lighthouse or a nearby ship. He paid it no mind even as the
light Shone brighter and grew larger taking over the left side
of his windshield. Soon the pleasant conversation
between the lady slowed and stopped all together with
concerned mutters taking their place.
What is that? some of them gasped mouths a
gate the extroverted and friendly woman in the passenger
seat who had been talking to my dad the entire way there turned
into a statue staring into the distance.
She told my dad to slow down as she thought someone was walking
in the road. As they approached the alleged
figure they all saw where the bright light was coming from a
pale gray man in tattered Victorian clothes holding a
lantern walk to cross the road mere meters away from the car.
The scary part my dad said was that they were so shocked at
someone walking on the road and how bright the light was.
It took a few seconds to register that the man had no
legs instead. They saw him gliding across the
road. My dad said he doesn't know how
he got to the restaurant so quickly after that.
But he knew that he probably broke a few traffic laws by
speeding all the way there. The most notable part of that
event though was how effective the customers were.
Once a bubbly excited and Tipsy Bunch they were now silent
shocked and subdued. I do wonder what they told their
friends upon a rival if they told anyone at all.
I'll tell you another story one that I was partially at least
witnessed to. It was November on a chilly
night. My dad at this point was a
seasoned Taxi Driver having worked half a decade in the
profession. Despite a few shaky experiences.
Nothing really phased him anymore.
It was close to the end of his shift around 10 p.m.
And the jobs available had dried up.
He decided to go home seeing as though my mother and I were
waiting up for him. So we could have dinner
together. It was on his way home that a
notification popped up on his meter for a job and it wasn't
too far from home. So he figured he would complete
the short trip and come straight home.
It was a relatively straightforward trip a 10-minute
Journey from a club to a residential block of flats.
He quickly drove to the pickup location, which was quite
populated. He messaged the passenger that
he had arrived and waited. The passenger said that they
were walking to the car. He scanned the crowd of
partygoers lined up outside the club and the stragglers waiting
on the curb. He couldn't see anyone walking
towards him then suddenly. He saw her. a long-haired young
woman dressed in a long black dress and heeled boots her hair
partially covered her face masking her eyes and part of her
mouth. My dad felt uneasy and she had
not come from the club instead. She had come from an adjacent
Alleyway across from it. As far as he knew that Alleyway
LED nowhere, it was a dead end so he couldn't figure out where
she could have come from. There were various clubs lining
the busy street and she didn't come from any of them.
Despite this she waved at him and walked over to the taxi.
My dad said as soon as she opened the door, he felt a cold
chill run up his spine. It just felt wrong to be in the
presence of this woman. He tried to play it cool after
all. This was his last job and he was
going home right after. He began to drive to the
destination and she didn't say anything instead.
She appeared to be picking at the skin of her Palm halfway
through the taxi ride. She spoke for the first time.
She had this high pitched eerily childlike voice.
Can you drop me off at a certain point please?
I couldn't get the location right on the app.
My dad still feeling uneasy nodded and followed her
instructions driving to a different part of town more
towards a set of shops. The closer they got to these
shops the more he felt dizzy nausea gripping his body.
He struggled to make it to the place.
She indicated. Once they arrived he asked which
shop she wanted to be dropped off at the woman still picking
at her palm and avoiding eye contact pointed to the farthest
shop at the End of the Street. He drove their slowly trying not
to throw up. The car he told me later began
to smell like burning the closer.
They got eventually he couldn't stand it anymore.
He told her that he was dropping her off there and she could walk
the rest of the way despite him being quite blunt.
She was fine with it. Thanking him and leaving the
taxi. She did do one thing.
However when she said thank you. She gripped his shoulder.
Her hand was Stone Cold and her nails dug into his skin
slightly. My dad felt the worst at this
point he described it as worse than simply feeling nauseous.
It was more like something inside him was trying to claw
itself out of his throat his hackles were raised but when the
woman left the taxi at last the feeling stopped all together his
shoulders previously raised to his ears lowered and his car
began to smell normally again. He panicked.
However when he looked at the shop, she wanted to go to.
He realized something she said earlier that she lived in a flat
above the shop. My dad turned completely cold as
he looked at the aforementioned shop and saw that there was no
first floor. It was a ground floor shop.
In fact, none of the shops on that street had a second floor
all of them were ground floors. He immediately drove home in a
panic shouting like mad as he entered the house my mother and
I tried to calm him but he was convinced.
He had met something Supernatural that night
something evil. Thankfully.
He left the taxi trade. He now works a less stressful
job to all the taxi drivers out there.
I hope you're weary of the last customer you take because they
may not be human. It was the kind of night that
made you believe in ghosts. Stars barely twinkled in the
dark sky and the moon was just a thin Crescent hardly shedding
any light on the road ahead. I was sitting in the passenger
seat of a state troopers SUV my heart thumping with excitement
and a bit of fear. The trooper beside me was Mr.
Joe a tall man with deep wrinkles etched across his face
telling the tales of his many years on the job.
He was close to retirement and had plenty of stories to chill
your bones. Mr. Joe was Navajo and had spent
the first part of his career working on the reservation.
He knew the land like the back of his hand and had an eerie
calmness about him that made everything seem more intense.
Tonight he decided to show me a place that wasn't on the usual
Patrol route a deserted gas station miles away from the
nearest town. Places like these he said his
voice deep and Gravelly. Keeps him Secrets hidden in the
shadows. As we drove into the canyon the
only sounds were the gravel crunching under the tires and
the occasional howl of the Wind. The road was narrow and twisted
through the dark like a snake. My imagination started to run
wild filling the darkness with all kinds of spooky creatures.
We're here to make sure no one's using the old station as a
hideout Mr. Joe explained the Dashboard Lights cast Eerie
Shadows across his face as he spoke.
Sometimes people think they can escape notice out here, but they
forget that the desert sees everything.
When we reached the top of a hill overlooking the gas station
Mr. Joe stopped the car. He pointed down at the small
shadowy building. It looked spooky like the kind
of place you'd see in a horror movie.
Just then I noticed something or someone standing behind the
station. It was a figure dressed all in
black. Look there I whispered nudging
Mr. Joe. He saw it, too.
Let's see what that's about. He said his voice calm, but
curious he called it into dispatch then steered the SUV
down the Steep Road leading to the station as we got closer the
figure started walking away. It was tall and moved smoothly
almost gliding. Mr. Joe parked the car and we
both got out. Stay behind me.
He instructed firmly. He called out to the figure
Police Stopped right there, but the figure kept moving.
Mr. Joe started to follow and I Trail a few steps behind him my
heart racing. Suddenly the figure stopped it
turned around slowly and I could hardly breathe.
Its head spun right around like an owls but its body didn't
move. The face was hidden in the
darkness, but I could see a grinching from ear to ear and
eyes that were white and Shining.
It was terrifying Mr. Jose stumbled back and I heard him
gasp. I was frozen in place.
My shoes glued to the dusty ground.
Then just like that the figure was gone.
It vanished into the night leaving nothing but a chilling
silence and a story that I knew I'd never forget.
We stood there for a moment. The cold desert are whipping
around us. Let's head back Mr. Joe finally
said his voice a little shaky. As we climbed back into the SUV.
I knew this was just the beginning of the night's
Mysteries. Mr. Joe had more Tales to tell
and I was both scared and eager to hear them.
But nothing could compare to what we had just seen at that
lonely gas station in the canyon.
That night as Mr. Joe and I were driving back from the gas
station His Radio crackled to life.
We've got a report of trouble at a small village about four hours
East the dispatchers voice echoed through the SUV Mr. Joe
looked at me with a serious gaze.
Ready for another adventure. He asked I nodded even though my
heart was still racing from our last encounter.
We drove through the night the landscape around us bathed in
the light of a nearly full moon. The stars seemed to watch over
us as we made our way to the Village.
Mr. Joe told me stories about the area about the people who
lived there and how sometimes the old ways in the new world
didn't always agree. As we approached the village Mr.
Joe slowed the car. Over there he pointed to a red
rock cliff about 100 yards from the village.
That's where our Troublemaker was last seen according to the
locals a man dressed in traditional clothing had been
riding a horse along the ridge firing shots at random.
But by the time we arrived he had vanished.
We need to track him Mr. Joe said as he grabbed his backpack
and rifle I followed him trying to keep up as he expertly
followed the faint hoof prints in the moonlit dirt the trail
let us away from the village towards a large Joshua tree
standing alone in the distance. It's too quiet Mr. Joe
whispered. And I felt a shiver run down my
spine. We continue in Silence.
The only sounds are footsteps and the occasional distant howl
of a coyote. Finally we reached the Joshua
Tree. From a distance Mr. Joe used his
binoculars. There's someone there he said
his voice tents. I tried to see but it was too
dark as we got closer the figure under the tree became clearer.
It was a man standing still as Stone.
Mr. Joe signaled for me to stay back as he approached the
figure. Your surrounded it's time to
give up. He called out.
There was no response. Minutes stretched like hours as
we waited in the Moonlight. Finally Mr. Joe moved closer
what happened? Next seemed like something out
of a ghost story. The man under the tree didn't
run or shout. He didn't do anything because he
couldn't as Mr. Joe reached him it became clear that the man was
not a threat. He was a mystery.
He had been dead for days propped up against the tree as
if he was still watching over the desert.
Joe checked the area but the horse was nowhere to be seen.
This doesn't make any sense. He muttered puzzled in a bit
disturbed. As we walked back to the Village
Mr. Joe was quiet lost in thought.
He wondered aloud if what we were chasing was ever really
there. Or if some Spirit of the desert
was leading us to find this forgotten soul.
That night under the bright moon and the watchful eyes of the
Joshua Tree. I learned that some Mysteries
were not meant to be solved. They were just part of the vast
whispered Legends of the desert where the past never truly
leaves. After leaving the mysterious
Village Mr. Joe and I didn't talk much.
The sight of the dead man under the Joshua Tree had left us both
with more questions than answers, but the night wasn't
over yet as the moon climbed higher in the sky another call
came through on the radio this time.
It was closer a gas station robbery on the reservation Mr.
Joe looked at me his eyes tired, but determined Let's see what
this is about. He said steering the SUV toward
our new destination the drive felt shorter this time maybe
because I was beginning to get used to the unexpected turns of
the night. When we arrived at the gas
station the scene was chaotic. Police lights flashed casting
Long Shadows across the ground people were gathered around
their faces anxious and scared Mr. Joe parked the SUV and we
quickly got out. He led the way as we approached
a small crowd in the parking lot a man lay on the ground not
moving surrounded by a few locals trying to help him.
I heard someone say the gas station attendant had shot the
man after he tried to rob the place the attendance stood
nearby his hands shaking a look of shock Frozen on his face as
we got closer something strange happened.
Just as we reach the crowd. I saw it something dark and
shadowy rising from the body on the ground.
It looked like a person getting up but it was all black and
Misty like smoke. Before I could even blink the
shadow darted away moving impossibly fast.
It ran along the wall of the gas station then disappeared Into
the Night. Mr. Joe saw it too.
He stopped in his tracks his mouth open in a mix of surprise
and recognition. Did you see that he asked me
quietly? I nodded unable to take my eyes
off the spot where the shadow had vanished.
The crowd was too busy with the injured man to notice what Mr.
Joe and I had seen medical responders arrived pushing
through to take over. They pronounced the man dead and
started asking questions. Meanwhile, Mr. Joe pulled me
aside. That was a spirit an evil one.
I bet he said his voice low. Sometimes when someone does bad
things their Spirit gets twisted when they die, it leaves their
body like that looking for somewhere else to go.
I looked back at the crowd then at the dark corners of the
parking lot half expecting to see the shadow again, but there
was nothing. Just the flickering lights and
the murmur of voices. As we drove back Mr. Joe talked
more about what we had seen. He believed that not all Spirits
were bad. But the ones that haunted places
of violence like that gas station often were.
It's part of the job seeing things.
Most people never do he said glancing at me to see how I was
taking it all in. By the time he dropped me off at
home. The sky was starting to lighten
the first hints of dawn peeking Over the Horizon.
I thanked him for the ride along my mind racing with everything I
had witnessed. That night I learned that the
world was bigger and more mysterious than I had ever
imagined filled with shadows and spirits that most people only
ever heard about in stories. And as I crawled into bed, I
wondered about the dark shadow where it might have gone and
what other Secrets the night might hold.
When I was younger around 12 years old, my parents booked to
four nights stay at a log cabin somewhere in California with my
grandma. The events that occurred scarred
me for life. I felt the crisp air on my face
as I opened the car door looked at the woods around me and
started towards the cabin door. My mother called after me Ed
sweetie. Why don't you go up to your room
and unpack? When I opened the cabin door, I
was surprised at the sudden Creek.
It made just inside was a large space with a sofa parked in
front of a flat screen TV and a kitchen attached to the living
room with a counter lined with bar stools.
I walked up the stairs past the bathroom down the hall way and
entered the room. I was supposed to be staying in.
I screamed because there right in the middle of the floor was a
dead rat it looked like something had been gnawing on
it. It's inside had been smeared all
over. I bolted down the stairs seeing
my dad Wheeling, my grandmas wheelchair into the cabin dad.
There's a dead rat in my room. I practically screamed.
Your old enough. Why don't you just go clean it
up he replied. I did just that.
I ended up using an entire paper towel roll in a can of Lysol to
clean that thing up. It was around 6 p.m.
When my mom made some mac and cheese with cut up hot dogs my
favorite at the time. I was walking to the couch where
grandma was sitting with my bowl when I noticed something.
There was a trap door in the middle of the room.
Mom, what's this door doing here I asked.
Probably access to the crawl space.
They used to keep floods from coming into the cabin.
She explained. I sat down on the couch and
turned on the TV satisfied with that answer.
I vividly remember how much I liked the food that night.
It was great. Before long it was time for bed.
My dad had told me in the car how much fishing and kayaking we
were going to do and I was super excited.
I got into my bed and fell asleep fast the warm covers made
it that much easier. Around midnight.
I think I woke up to the sound of shuffling.
I stepped out of my room leaving the door slightly ajar as I
peered into the dusty Hall. I noticed nothing but the
moonlit Shadows dancing on the wall.
The shuffling sound continued as I crept down the stairs leading
to the living room. I placed my ear to the floor and
just as I suspected these sounds were coming from under the
floorboards. Dread washed over me as the fear
of something scurrying around under their hit me being the
idiot. I was I thought I could take
whatever was down there. So I grabbed my flashlight and
decided to go find it. I opened up the trap door maybe
a dozen rats scattered as I climbed down into the cold damp
space. It was huge reminding me
disturbingly of a maze. I crawled deeper.
I can't tell if I was being really Brave or really stupid,
but I crawled until I reached a dimly-lit corner about 10 feet
in front of me. Suddenly there was movement and
I Shone my flashlight at the source.
There was a figure a silhouette with long arms and pale skin
hunched down in the corner. Its eyes reflected white off my
flashlight. I was completely stunned as the
things started to Screech. Looking back.
I noticed the flash light probably heard its eyes and
startled it. You better believe I turned
myself right around and began to speed crawl as fast as I could.
I glanced back at one point only once to see that thing following
me and quickly wrapping long fingers around these support
beams to help it along. I could only assume that this
thing had been feeding off the rats and that I had found its
leftovers in my room. If it could do something like
that to a rat, I was terrified at the thought of what it could
do to me. I was beginning to think I was
lost with how long it was taking me to get back to the trapdoor
and with every foot I moved that thing was gaining on me.
I thought all hope was lost until I finally saw the trapdoor
coming up. As soon as I reached it, I
tackled it open and scrambled out.
I felt something beginning to grab at me and I swear I felt
hot breath. I kicked and slammed the trap
door closed something began to claw and push at it on the other
side. So I threw my body on top of the
door after a while the thrashing and struggling stopped.
I then bolted up stairs to my parents' room and began to bang
on the door screaming my father groggy opened the door asking
what in the world I was doing I tried to explain Dad we have to
go there's something trying to get in the house, but he didn't
believe me. I tried to explain that it
wasn't a nightmare but my efforts were pointless I was
sent to my bedroom where I did not sleep a wink.
I was too scared. The following morning.
I ate my breakfast and went out onto the lake with my dad.
He got the fishing rod set up and we got on this little boat.
I didn't catch any fish, but I was still able to enjoy spending
time with my father anything to get my mind off of last night's
events. Eventually Dawn turned to dusk
and we roasted up some marshmallows and activity both
grandma and mom loved. They used to go camping when my
mother was younger the s'mores I made were delicious perfectly
gooey. It was finally bedtime again,
but I was terrified of the thought of that creature trying
to hurt my family. I didn't think I could sleep
that night, but somehow someway I was able to doze off.
I awoke at some point hearing the unmistakable sound of the
trap door creaking open my heart sank into my chest as a sense of
dread like no other hit me right then.
I heard the sound of Cupboards in the kitchens slamming open
and shut I wondered if it was that thing looking for me.
I started to hyperventilate as I heard the steps creaking was my
door locked could it even open doors then again?
It opened the trapdoor hundreds of questions went through my
mind. But to no avail.
I had 0 answers. I heard scratching sounds coming
from the hallway, then the door knob jiggled and I held my
breath. Suddenly everything stopped as I
heard another door opening. My dad then shouted get on out
of here. Then there was this awful
ear-splitting Screech and shattering glass.
I bolted to my door and saw my dad standing just outside his
doorway with his fishing knife. I looked to my right there was a
trail of blood leading to a broken window.
That same night. We packed our things and left
the cabin without a word. My family has not been anywhere
near the woods since keep safe as best.
You can everyone if you hear strange noises at a new place
don't hesitate to run or to call the police.
You never know. What lies near you or rather
beneath you. The day had a certain Clarity to
it the kind you only get in the mountains of Wyoming where the
sky stretches on impeded and the air bites with the clean sharp
Tang of pine. I was practically vibrating in
the passenger seat of mom's boyfriend's old Chevy pickup the
suspension groaning under the weight of our weekend gear.
My best friend Nick was next to me both of us chattering about
the latest Call of Duty levels. We'd conquered and the Epic
weekend that lay ahead. Gary mom's boyfriend was at the
wheel his eyes hidden behind aviator sunglasses and Mom
hummed along to some old country tune on the radio.
The cabin we were headed to was one of those old-time family
heirlooms passed down through Gary's family for Generations
nestled deep in the Big Horn mountains.
As the truck climbed the winding Mountain Roads the dense forests
of Aspen and Spruce gave way occasionally to breathtaking
Vistas vast valleys and rugged Peaks that look like they'd been
ripped straight out of a western.
When we finally rattled up the gravel drive to the cabin it
stood there like a steadfast Sentinel against the wilderness.
Its log walls were weathered a soft gray and smoke curled
lazily from the chimney. It was the first real chill of
early fall and the promise of a roaring fire in smores was just
about the best thing I could imagine.
After unloading, Nick and I wasted no time.
We grabbed our four wheelers from the back of the truck old
battered things, but they ran well enough after Gary gave them
a cursory once over. We tore through the trails
surrounding the cabin the engines growling beneath us as
we kicked up clouds of dust and leaves in our wake.
The air was a mix of earthy Decay and cold and invigorating
Rush that only served to amplify our excitement.
Later as dusk began to settle the four of us gathered around
the fire pit near the cabin Gary proved a master at getting a
fire going and soon enough. We were roasting hot dogs on
sticks the Flames dancing Reflections in our wide eyes.
The s'mores were messy Affairs chocolate and marshmallow
sticking to our fingers the laughter and stories flowing as
freely as the creek nearby. The evening wound down quietly.
Nick and I lay back in the grass watching the Stars emerge like
shy Sparks against the darkening blue.
The Milky Way was a dusty trail across the sky and I tried to
point out constellations making up half of them as I went Nick
laughed calling my bluff, but he played along suggesting even
more outrageous shape and tales of mythical beasts.
As the night Drew in the temperature dropped and the
adults called aside the cabin was warm and inviting the fire
in the large stone fireplace casting flickering Shadows
across the wooden floors. Upstairs the open sleeping Loft
housed several beds all lined up under a roof of hewn beams.
Nick and I claimed beds by the window the better to hear The
Whisper Of The Wind Through the Trees as we drifted off.
I remember thinking as I lay there in the warmth of a heavy
quilt how perfect everything felt. the Troubles of school and
the usual dramas seemed A Million Miles Away Little did I
know as sleep crept over me in the fire died to Embers that the
piece of this first day was just the Calm before a storm a storm
that would shake the foundations of what I thought I knew about
the Wild and about fear itself. The sun was already tipping
Behind the Jagged teeth of the Big Horns by the time we set out
the next day. Mom always protective had shoot
us outside after lunch her hands shooing us away as if we were
pesky crows at a picnic. Go on get some fresh air.
She insisted smiling, but Stern. Gary was busy with some minor
repairs around the cabin the clink of his tools a steady
rhythm in the background. Nick and I wandered without real
aim sticks in our hands carving paths through the underbrush and
deep into the woods. We played our usual games
re-enacting. Our favorite video game
scenarios dodging imaginary grenades and Diving for cover
behind Boulders and trees. It might have looked silly to an
outsider. But for us it was the kind of
Freedom only Wide Open Spaces could offer.
As the light began to wane. I remembered the old tree house.
It wasn't much just a triangular platform nestled among the arms
of three Stout trees about 10 feet off the ground.
It had been there since Gary was a kid.
He told us built by his father as a lookout and a place to
dream about Futures as boundless as the Wyoming Skies.
Hey, check out the Treehouse. I said to Nick a gryning across
my face. He nodded excitement lighting up
his eyes as we made our way through the thickening Shadows
to the old structure. The makeshift ladder creaked on
our weight as we climbed but it held firm.
We settled onto the platform our legs swinging freely the rough
bark of the trees a solid Presence at our backs.
We talked about everything and nothing girls.
We liked movies. We wanted to see the kind of
idol chat that filled the air with the easy comfort of
friendship, but then the woods fell eerily silent the usual
chirps and Whispers of the forests ceased as if someone had
turned down the volume on the world.
Nick's face tensed his eyes scanning the dense foliage Did
you hear that he whispered his voice barely a breath.
I strained my ears catching only the faintest rustling like the
soft tread of something large moving stealthily through the
underbrush. A chill raced up my spine
instinctively understanding the silence meant danger predator.
My heart thudded painfully against my ribs and then we saw
it a figure massive and indistinct hidden partly behind
a tree not 50 feet from where we sat.
Its eyes seemed to catch the last dying rays of the sun
reflecting them back at us with an eerie glow.
It was covered in fur dark and matted and stood unnaturally
still we have to go I muttered my mouth dry my voice cracking
with the onset of real fear Nick nodded and we scrambled down
from the Tree House our movements hurried and clumsy
with Terror the creature followed I could hear it.
Now a heavy deliberate crunching as it moved through the dry
leaves. We broke into a run the cabin
are only sanctuary as we neared the clearing I dare to glance
back. It was closer now too close.
I could see the details of its face.
Wild Almost Human but Twisted malevolent.
We burst into the cabin slamming the door behind us our breaths
ragged sobs. Mom and Gary rushed over their
faces etched with concern. We tried to explain tripping
over our words our eyes wild with fear.
That night after the adults had dismissed our story and returned
to their card game the scratching started.
Soft at first then insistent. I peered out from under my
blanket and by The Faint light of the outside lamp.
I saw it. A hand human yet, not scraping
slowly along the wooden railing of the deck.
Sleep was impossible. The night was long and every
sound was a reminder of what lurked just beyond the walls of
our supposed refugee. This is my only experience and
it happened during my freshman year of high school in 1983.
This story includes my friends Jay and Dez.
I'm using their initials to protect their real names.
It was Halloween night, and I was with my friends just
finishing up our freshman football practice.
The three of us were 13 or 14 at the time. typical North New
Jersey Suburban kids that Halloween we were a little old
to dress up and trick or treat but we still wanted the free
candy. So we went up to some houses
with our football jerseys on for candy.
J lived with little adults supervision had long hair and
girls loved him. He acted like he didn't care
about anything in the world. Des, and I came from more
typical suburban homes with rules and homework.
Not that I did very well in school though Jason seemed much
cooler than the two of us with his leather jacket and the fact
that he was allowed to smoke in his house.
I would say he was our leader. We all started getting into
heavy metal around that time Black Sabbath Iron Maiden,
Aussie and Dio and at the satanic references thinking that
made us hardcore. We'd even spin Led Zeppelin
albums backwards looking for satanic messages 80s kids will
understand this. J had made a metal cross in shop
class and sometimes would wear it upside down calling himself
Johnny Blade after a Black Sabbath song.
That night after getting candy we ended up at Dez's house and
his parents room for some reason and I can only say this because
it was the only and last time I was ever in that room.
The room was on the entry level of the house off the living room
of the cape style home. We were going through our candy
when the radio on the nightstand just turned on.
We all laughed it off and went on with our business.
Then all of a sudden the lights began to flicker.
Jay took this as a sign and with it being Halloween he decided to
bless the items with his crude shop class cross.
Now des and I were on the bed and Jay went over to the clock
with the cross upside down. I bless you in the name of you
know, I don't even want to say his name 40 years later.
Over to the light the same thing.
Then he noticed a crucifix over the bedroom door and headed that
way he raised the cross and as the word started to come out of
his mouth. I swear.
I watched him lift off the ground three feet and be hurled
onto the bed a distance of over five feet on me and Des.
I was so scared. I ran out into the Hall way the
lights and radio were going crazy.
And then I noticed it looked like Jay was swallowing his own
tongue Dez was on top of him immediately with his fingers and
his mouth trying to prevent that from happening, but Jay
continued to gag. I was petrified inching my way
back into the room Dez's eyes were rolling over the lights and
radio still going insane. Then it all stopped a minute.
Later. Dez was trying to get Jade to
explain what had just happened and I was nervously going in and
out of the room. We all ran out of the house then
onto the front lawn J. Didn't know what to say.
So he didn't say anything. From the lawn at the bedroom
window we could see the lights inside still going crazy and the
radio going mad. Des was freaking out as this was
his parents room and he was probably worried about getting
into trouble. After about 10 minutes
everything seemed to settle down at last.
Jay was shaken up of course and still mute.
Maybe he was just shocked. I mean all of us were scared out
of our minds. Des ended up having to call
Jay's mom for him to pick him up.
I always remember how frightened he looked getting into that car.
He couldn't even make eye contact with us.
That night I remember crying in my bed because I was too scared
to fall asleep. Every little noise was
terrifying. The next morning I waited for J
outside school. I could tell he didn't want to
talk about it. So being the funny guy in our
group. I asked him if he could light
our football coaches car on fire or perform some other deed.
He laughed and that made us all feel better.
Jay was thrown off the team a couple of weeks later for
something. I can't recall and the three of
us drifted apart as kids do though des and I did remain
friendly still ending up in different crowds by the end of
high school. We never had a full debrief of
that night. Des, and I did tell some people
the story but most simply thought it was unbelievable.
And since Jay pretended to be the Johnny Blade character it
sounded contrived. So I stopped sharing the story
with people. I've told my wife in a few
others over the years and since then nothing paranormal has
happened to me. Not that I know of.
I'm not sure. This is even paranormal.
Maybe it was more of a spiritual experience.
I never thought inheriting Grammys old house would feel so
strange and spooky. It had been weak since Grammy
passed away and everything still felt so fresh and painful I
missed her a lot. She used to tell the best
stories about growing up in the mountains and the mysteries of
the Deep Woods surrounding her home.
My parents decided that since they already had their own
place. I would be the one to inherit
the family home in Appalachia. It was an old creaky house that
seemed to groan with every gust of wind hidden away from the
nearest town by a thick forest that always seemed to be
whispering secrets. My sister Ellie and I went there
last weekend to start sorting through Grammy stuff.
It was a big task, but we thought it might help us feel
closer to her. Like she was still with us in
some way. We laughed and cried as we went
through her old photos and clothes remembering all the
times we had spent with her. On Sunday as we were about to
finish up for the day. I noticed a small door that led
to the Attic. I couldn't remember ever going
up there. It was Dusty and filled with
cobwebs and we had to use our phone lights to see anything
because the bulb in the Attic was burnt out.
Ellie and I coughed as the dust flew around making a sneeze
repeatedly. In the corner under a Dusty
tarp. I spotted something interesting
an old wooden chest. It looked really ancient with
carvings on the sides that were faded and a rusty lock that was
broken a long time ago. We dragged it out into the
middle of the attic. Our curiosity growing by the
second. Opening the chest was like
opening a treasure box. Inside were stacks of
leather-bound journals each one meticulously dated from 1960 to
just before the turn of the century.
The handwriting was elegant and careful clearly Grammys.
I flipped through one seeing dates and Tiny drawings here in
there. Look at this Ellie.
I said my voice a mix of excitement and a bit of fear.
Grammy never told us about these.
Leper over my shoulder. Wow, she wrote a lot.
What do you think is in them? I don't know but I bet it's
filled with stories just like the ones she used to tell us I
replied but as I began to read I realized these were not just any
stories. They were more like diary
entries talking about her life here.
And they were not all happy. As the sun began to set out side
the wind picked up and the old house started to make those
creepy creaking noises. Reading Grammys words in that
setting made it all feel. So eerie.
She wrote about the people she met when they first moved here
how the land seemed steeped in stories and Mysteries and how
the locals warned her about the woods.
Never whistle after dark one entry read it invites attention
from things best left alone. Chills ran down my spine as a
gust of wind seemed to whistle past the window.
Ellie and I exchanged nervous glances Maybe we should continue
this down stairs. I suggested suddenly eager to be
out of the dusty dim attic. Yeah, let's go Ellie agreed
quickly looking as spooked as I felt.
As we left the attic I couldn't shake the feeling that Grammy's
house was hiding more secrets than we knew secrets that might
be waiting to reach out from the pages of those journals.
That night after Ellie had gone home.
I was alone in Grammy's house with only the old journals for
company. I had decided to stay a few days
to sort through more stuff. But now I wasn't so sure it was
a good idea the house felt different at night more alive
and not in a good way. Every Creak and groan seemed
louder and the wind whistling through the trees sounded almost
like Whispers. I curled up in an armchair with
a blanket and a flashlight opening another one of Grammys
journals. The entries I read earlier had
made me nervous, but now in the quiet of the night.
My curiosity was tinged with real fear.
I couldn't help myself. I needed to know what Grammy had
experience in This Old House. As I turned the pages the
stories grew stranger and scary. Wrote about seeing shadows in
the forest that didn't belong to any animal.
She knew and about the Eerie glow of eyes watching from the
darkness. She mentioned the local Legends
of spirits and creatures that roamed the woods Legends.
I had always thought were just stories to scare kids one entry
particularly stood out. It was from a cold October night
in 1961. Grammy had heard a haunting
whistle from the direction of the woods just as dusk fell.
She wrote about feeling a chill run down her spine and rushing
inside to lock the door. From her window.
She had seen a figure standing at the forest's edge.
It looked like a man but its limbs were too long and its eyes
glowed with a strange light. Grammy wrote that it stood there
watching the house for hours before it finally vanished into
the Shadows. Reading this I glanced up
nervously at the windows half expecting to see glowing eyes
staring back at me. I shivered and read on.
Grammy had felt something evil that night something that didn't
belong in our world after that. She never looked at the forest
the same way again. I heard a noise and jumped my
heart pounding. It was just the house settling
or so. I told myself.
But Grammys words made it hard to shake the feeling that maybe
just maybe she had been telling the truth.
The more I read the more I felt the weight of Grammys fear.
She wrote about Whispers In The Wind that sounded almost like
words about how the forest grew silent when it should have been
filled with the sounds of nocturnal creatures.
It was as if the woods themselves were holding their
breath waiting for something bad to happen.
As I read the last entry for the night Grammy described a feeling
of being watched of an unseen presence lingering just out of
sight. That night she had barely slept
listening to the sounds of something circling the house.
Its footsteps barely audible over the howling wind.
I closed the journal my hands trembling.
The wind outside picked up and somewhere in the distance.
I thought I heard a faint whistle.
I froze listening hard, but it was gone as quickly as it had
come. I told myself it was just the
wind it had to be but as I lay in bed later wrapped tightly in
my blanket. I couldn't shake the feeling
that Grammys stories were more than just old Tales.
They were warning and I was beginning to think I should have
listened. I barely slept that night.
Every little sound made me jump and the winds whistle sounded
like a haunting call just like Graeme described in her
journals. By morning I was exhausted but
determined. I had to understand what was
happening if these stories were real or just the wild
imaginations of an Old Woman Who Loved to tell Tales?
After a quick breakfast, I went back to the journals.
I was drawn to the last ones Grammy wrote.
They were filled with entries from around the time.
She stopped writing. The dates were close to the New
Millennium and Grammys handwriting seemed shakier
rushed. In these journals Grammy talked
about the night Uncle Bill disappeared.
He'd heard Maas voice calling him into the woods a voice.
He followed despite knowing she had passed away years ago.
The search party found only his hat torn and stained but Uncle
Bill was never seen again. Grammy wrote that the woods
lured him away with a voice that mimicked their mother a tactic
used by whatever Spirits haunted their land.
Reading this my heart ached for Grammy.
She'd lost so much and here I was in her house possibly facing
the same dangers. She wrote that after Uncle
Bill's disappearance the air felt charged heavy with a sense
of impending doom. The night seemed to press
against the windows trying to get inside.
I couldn't stay inside any longer.
I needed to see the woods from myself.
Maybe it was foolish, but I had to know.
I put on my coat and stepped outside the cold are biting at
my cheeks. The forest was eerily quiet as I
approached the trees standing like silence Sentinels.
I walked to the edge of the woods where Grammy had seen the
figure with the glowing eyes. the ground was covered in a thin
layer of snow and my footsteps were the only sound I stood
there listening waiting. Suddenly a chill went down my
spine. I thought I heard a whisper a
faint call and my grandmother's voice.
My heart raced was I imagining it or was the forest really
calling to me? I remembered Grammys warnings in
the journals. With every fiber of my being
screaming to run I took a step back toward the house.
As I turned I thought I saw a shadow move between the trees.
I didn't wait to see more I ran back to the house locking the
door behind me. Back inside I was shaking.
The stories were real or at least they felt real I couldn't
stay here not with the history this place carried, but as I
packed my things I realized something.
These stories These Warnings. They were part of my family's
Legacy. Running away wouldn't change
that. I made a decision I would leave
but I would come back. I needed to learn more to
understand what haunted this place and how to protect myself
and my family. Grammy had faced these Spirits
alone, but I wouldn't have to I could seek help maybe find
others who knew about these things.
As I drove away from the house. I looked back at the forest.
It no longer seemed just a part of the landscape.
It was a part of my history a chapter of my life.
I was just beginning to understand I wasn't running away
forever. I was going to find answers and
one day I'd return ready to face whatever waited in the shadows.
I am a 32 year old woman living in a Beach town in, Southern,
California. I share a two-bedroom apartment
with a roommate and her cat. Our town has a beach on one side
and small mountains on the other along with several River
bottoms. We are located in the middle of
town just off a busy Street behind a seedy Motel.
This Motel is rumored to have been a stopping point for a
serial killer in the 80s who apparently like to keep cut up
body parts in the bathtub. Between the motel and our
apartment. There is an abandoned chained up
lot which we affectionately refer to as murder lot. it is
overgrown with large bushes and a few small trees providing a
perfect hiding spot for many Critters and even the occasional
Vagabond without anyone knowing there is also a narrow walkway
leading from the lot winding between our building and the one
behind us passing by our bathroom window, which is about
six and a half feet off the ground.
Although it's too high for anyone to see into from one side
or the other. I always get an extremely uneasy
feeling every time I pass by murder lot, especially at night.
I'm not much of a cannabis user but I once accepted a gummy from
my roommate when my body was extremely sore after a long
weekend. That night I dreamed of a
skinwalker stalking me. I woke up the next day with my
heart pounding, but I told myself it had to have been a
result of the THC in my system. After that, I didn't dream about
skinwalkers again. One night when my roommate was
out of town her cats slept in my room with me.
We were both startled to wake around 4 a.m.
By allowed beep beep beep beep beep which sounded like a smoked
detector. As I sat up hot and sweaty the
sound led me to believe that our building was on fire.
However by then the smoke detector had stopped going off.
I got up to check things out expecting to see Flames or smell
smoke, but when I walked into the living room and looked out
the window I saw nothing. Well, nothing except a pure
white cat statue still gazing directly into murder lot.
Something about it made me freeze.
I stared at that cat for a while neither of us moving.
Eventually, my roommates cat approached me exposing his belly
at my feet. I looked down briefly to pet him
and when I looked back up the white cat was gone.
I stared out the window a little while longer waiting for the cat
to return but it didn't. After I determined that our
building was not on fire I went back to bed.
I had woken up hot and sweaty before right but now I could not
seem to get warm enough. The rest of the night that
didn't really make sense to me. The whole next day.
I had a weird uneasy feeling I haven't heard any Phantom smoke
alarms or seen any strange cats again, but I have since noticed
the fence being bent towards the ground enough for a cat or a
very skinny person to crawl under.
About a month later around 8:30 PM.
I let my roommate know I would be taking a shower in case she
needed to use the bathroom before I occupied it.
I did however leave the bathroom door unlocked in case the cat
needed to use his litter box in there.
I was washing my hair when I heard a knock that I thought was
coming from the bathroom door. I pulled the shower curtain back
and called out. What's up, it's me.
I heard an odd version of my roommates voice but didn't think
much of it. We often use silly voices when
communicating. Thinking the cat must have
needed to come in. I opened the bathroom door
expecting to see the cat but in Stead I saw nothing.
I stood there for a moment in the steamy bathroom wondering
what had just happened. I closed the bathroom door my
mind and heart still racing. What in the world was that?
When I came out I asked my roommate if she had knocked she
said no, I believed her. She was sitting exactly as she
was before I left the room. I went to sleep that night
feeling weird and woke up the next day feeling horrified
realizing the knock very well could have come from the
bathroom window not the door. The next and final incident
happened some weeks after that which was only about two weeks
ago. Just as I was lying down to go
to sleep one night. I heard distressed shouting
coming from an indiscernible distance from my window.
Help me someone please help me. The voice sounded not quite
right I listened for a while and the words played on repeat until
it sounded like he was right at my street corner.
I looked out the window and saw nothing, but the noise
continued. neighbors even came out of their houses to
investigate the sound I called 911 to report a man in distress
and I waited. Eventually, the neighbor's went
back inside, but I kept watching.
After a while, I did see something or someone whatever it
was. It crossed under a street lamp
in the far distance. I don't know if they were
limping or not. But the movements were quite
strange they were too far away from me to make out any features
including their height that was it for me.
I decided I had done my civic duty enough for one night.
So I turned out my light and did my best to go to sleep while
still keeping my ears open for anything strange.
Ever since then I haven't seen or heard anything, but the
thought of those three incidents still causes anxiety and a pit
in my stomach. I keep telling myself.
There's no way there's anything like a skinwalker in my sleepy
Beach town, but there's a small part of me that wonders if there
could be. I never put much stock in the
old sayings about things hiding in plain sight until the night.
I started my new job at the local Museum.
The ad in the local paper was succinct almost stark. wanted
nighttime security guard nothing more than that and a phone
number. For a town barely noticeable on
a map having a museum always seemed a bit out of place a
quirk in the landscape of our otherwise unremarkable
existence. I driven past that museum
countless times never giving it much more than a curious glance.
It was an impressive structure out of sync with the small town
Vibe grand old and as I was soon to find out filled with Secrets
as dark as its unlit hallways at night.
The man on the phone had a voice that crackled with too much
enthusiasm for a simple security job.
Come down this evening for your interview.
He'd said as if offering me a Golden Ticket, his eagerness
should have been my first warning but with bills piling up
and job options scarce. I didn't dwell on it.
Walking up to the museum for my so-called interview felt like
stepping onto the set of a film only the genre wasn't clear yet
Thriller horror. The wide Stone steps built for
crowds that never seemed to visit let up to towering double
doors flanked by Stone gargoyles.
That watched me with silent judging eyes.
The whole scene was eerily quiet except for the wind Whispering
through the columns carrying with it a promise of the
unusual. The door swung open with a
silence. That was somehow louder than any
Creek could have been in side the Grandeur of the museum
struck me a stark contrast to the ghost town Vibe outside
vaulted ceilings intricate murals and an air of neglected
Beauty. It was breathtaking and giving
the emptiness a bit heart-rending.
The curator was waiting for me. Just beyond the foyer a slight
man with sharp features and an air of authority that seemed
disproportionate to his frame. Mr. Welton, I presume he greeted
his smile warm, but his eyes calculating.
Yes, sir. I responded extending my hand
out of habit. He looked at it as though it
were an artifact from another era amusing yet.
Obsolete. Right then follow me and I'll
show you your duties. He said turning briskly on his
heels. His movements were fluid almost
unnaturally. So I followed feeling the weight
of the silent exhibits around us as we passed a series of
hauntingly lifelike portraits. He led me to a small sparsely
furnished office. You'll be in charge of checking
the doors. So nothing gets in or out he
explained his use of the word. Nothing instead of no one sent a
chill down my spine the job was starting to feel less like a
position and more like a posting.
You mean to prevent theft, I ventured trying to find Solid
Ground and what was increasingly feeling like a narrative.
I had an agreed to yes. He said slowly almost
thoughtfully theft. With a few more cryptic
instructions in appointed. Let's see how your first night
goes. He left me with a list of rules.
The paper felt heavy in my hands the ink darker than necessary as
I read through the bizarre list rule.
Number one. There are no rules.
I couldn't shake the feeling that I just stepped into a much
larger Story one that had been waiting for me all along.
As the door clicked shut behind him.
The silence enveloped me the museum with all its artifacts
and shadows seemed to lean in watching as I stood alone at the
threshold of the unknown. The first few moments alone in
the museum were heavy with an eerie Stillness.
Like the Calm before a storm. With only the echo of my
footsteps for company. I unfolded the paper with the
rules again the words they're watching were hidden among the
odd capitalizations casting an unnerving Paul over my start.
I took a deep breath trying to steady my nerves and decided to
begin my rounds. The first room was just off the
main hall a gallery of sorts filled with sculptures that
seemed almost too lifelike in the dim overhead lights every
shadow seemed to flicker suggesting movement where there
was none or so I hoped Moving through the corridors the air
grew inexplicably colder my breath fogged in front of me,
and I rubbed my arms for warmth regretting the thinness of my
jacket. It was then that I first felt it
a presence as tangible as another person in the room.
But when I turned there was nothing but the lingering echo
of my own movements. Pressing on I entered what I'd
later called the Cryptid room. The door shut behind me with a
soft click that sounded like a gunshot in the silence.
The room was filled with figures a Bigfoot a Jersey Devil a
wendigo all the stuff of campfire horror stories arranged
like a twisted wax museum. My flash light beam danced
across their two realistic faces and for a horrifying second.
I saw the wendigo's head turned to follow the light.
A slip of paper was taped to the door.
The only way out is through. Taking a shuddering breath.
I moved forward keeping my eyes fixed on the ground.
My heart pounded loud enough to drown out the silent prayers
spilling from my lips. The room seemed endless and the
more I walked the more I felt eyes on me watching waiting.
A low growl echoed behind me and I resisted the urge to run.
The rules were clear. No noise.
No sudden movements. Eventually, I reached the door
on the other side. My hands shaking as I turn the
knob. The next challenge was a pitch
black room the darkness absolute swallowing the weak beam of my
flashlight as if it were nothing a rustle the slight hint of
movement and I knew I wasn't alone.
Something large moved in the shadows, its presence suggested
by a faint hissing sound and the displacement of air.
I dropped to the floor remembering the rule do not
move. The snake its presence now
unmistakable slithered passed its scales brushing against my
outstretched leg. I froze barely breathing waiting
for it to pass. The minutes stretched into
eternity until the room fell silent again.
Scrambling to my feet. I tossed the flash light ahead
of me using its light to guide my crawling Escape.
The door at the end of the room seemed miles away, but I reached
it my hands trembling as I pushed it open expecting another
round of Horrors, but the nightmare wasn't over the next
room mimicked the sky walls floor and ceiling painted and
Brilliant blues and whites creating the illusion of walking
on clouds. It was disorienting the beauty
of its Stark against the terror. I felt then the screen shattered
the illusion a sound so Primal and terrifying at froze me in my
tracks. I didn't see it at first but the
shadow grew a massive bird of prey diving towards me with
claws outstretched. I threw myself to the ground
rolling to avoid its Talons my heart hammering against the
floor. The room spun the painted clouds
swirling around me as I crawled toward the door the creatures
screeches echoing in my ears. Bursting through the exit I
slammed the door shut my whole body shaking with adrenaline and
fear. The hall outside was quiet too
quiet as if the museum itself held its breath.
I leaned against the wall trying to calm my racing heart knowing
the night was far from over each step felt heavy or each Shadow
deeper and the unknown horrors of the museum loomed larger with
every passing moment. As the first rays of dawn crept
through the Museum's tall Windows, they did little to warm
the chill that had settled deep in my bones.
I leaned against the cool marble of the hallway every muscle in
my body aching from the tension of the night The Silence of the
morning was a stark contrast to the chaos that had enveloped the
darkness hours before I was alive somehow despite
everything. The curator found me there his
slight figure emerging almost soundlessly from the shadows as
the building itself seemed to Exhale the knights Terrors with
the coming light. I see you managed to make it
through. He said a small knowing smile
playing on his lips as if he'd been privy to my every frightful
encounter. Congratulations, you're the
first one in some time. He continued handing me an
envelope thick with bills the agreed upon amount for surviving
the night. His casual dismissal of what I
just endured felt almost like an insult or worse a warning.
Would you be interested in staying on and being my
permanent nighttime guard he asked doubling the offer as if
money could erase the horrors etched into my mind.
I weighed the envelope in my hand feeling the papers
crispness a stark reminder of reality Against The Surreal
Terror of the Museum's challenges.
The money was good better than anything.
I'd find in this forgotten town, but was it worth the dread that
now clawed at my insides? I'd have to think about it.
I managed to say my voice hoarse from the night silent screams
the mention of the basement by the curators suggested as an
even greater challenge did nothing to sway me it hung in
the air between us A Veiled Threat or perhaps a morbid
invitation. He nodded accepting my
hesitation with a Grace that felt his rehearsed as everything
else in that museum. Very well, you can see yourself
out. I recommend getting that back
tended to he added his eyes flicking to the scratches that
the Eagles Talons had left on me before he disappeared as
mysteriously as he had appeared. Standing in the Now Quiet Museum
the envelope of cash in hand. I felt a tug of war Within Me.
The money was a siren Call but the knights Echoes were a
chilling deterrent with a deep weary sigh.
I made my way to the front doors the weight of decision heavy on
my shoulders. As I pushed the heavy doors open
the morning are hit me with a Clarity that sharpened my
resolve. The museum behind me felt like a
chapter. I needed to close no matter how
enticing the curators offer was. The daylight robbed the building
of its nocturnal Menace rendering at almost ordinary,
but I knew better. I paused glancing back once at
the deceptive calm of the Museum's facade.
For a fleeting moment. I thought I saw a shadow move a
reminder or perhaps a warning. Shaking off the chill that raced
up my spine. I turned away my decision firm.
The walk home was a mix of relief and introspection the
Morning Light slowly dispelling the knights darker thoughts.
As I pondered my next steps away from the dangers of the museum.
I realized that some doors once opened asked too much of us to
ever be worth the Crossing. A little background before we
begin everyone says the same thing.
I'm an avid Outdoorsman. I hunt fish camp hike and kayak.
My buddy is not an Outdoorsman. He goes party camping with me.
And that's about it. We have never experienced
anything like what I'm about to tell you.
This happened in 2018 the day before we were camping at a lake
in the Nicolae National Forest in northern, Wisconsin.
The trees were changing color at the time and the leaves were
starting to fall. It was freezing at night being
October. My buddy got cold quickly and
drove around in the mornings to warm up.
We would go into town to get gas and supplies mainly beer.
Their needed to be more to do at our Campground and with no
hiking or activities day drinking was kind of what we
relied on listening to music and talking about party camping.
The next day was going to be an overcast rainy day.
So we decided to spend it by driving around looking at other
campgrounds and scouting them out for other trips.
We partied that night and went to bed late.
Everything was normal. We heard wolves owls loons and
all the other good stuff. But after a while we heard
nothing just pure quiet. It was peaceful.
It started raining early the next day just a drizzle at first
but enough to make camping a pain.
We got up late hungover and cold.
We dressed in our hiking gear and jumped in the car to get
warm. We left the Lake campsite a
little after noon to check out the other campgrounds.
It was about five miles to the next one and basically on the
highway without privacy, we would generally check them out,
but it started raining very hard.
We stayed in the car marking down the campsites.
We like to and the ones we didn't.
This one we didn't particularly like now the thing about this
National Forest. Is there a campsites and
campgrounds spread out? Absolutely everywhere.
They need to be connected in some sort of way.
So you have to get on the highway find a little sign that
says campsites this way and then drive down a dirt road for 10 to
15 minutes to find them. We made it to about 8 before
5:00. We were at the entrance of what
was going to be our last one for the day.
It said the road was 15 miles. I went slowly not trying to kick
too many rocks up into my car. The road was honestly pretty
Eerie. The trees made the street look
like we were going down a cave. a couple of minutes in and the
rain had stopped At the campsites there was no one
there. It was beginning to get dark.
We had been in the car all day and were ready to get out and
stretch our legs. We parked at the first campsite
and got out. The birds were singing their
lullabies and everything was still.
There were five campsites in a circular clearing with thick
trees all around. The sights were open to each
other and could have been better for my camping only if you
rented all the sights. Honestly, we walked around the
circle and noticed to sign that said group Camp pointing up a
trail. We started down the gravel path
full of wet leaves to the site after walking for some time.
I realized it wasn't even close. I raise this concern with my
buddy, but we wanted to see the site.
Anyway, it was almost dark out, but we could still see rather
well. I noticed the birds had stopped
singing at this point. There was a hushed tone in the
forest. All we heard was our own
footsteps when we made it to the group site after walking for
quite a few minutes. It was still and nothing was
moving. We were at the end of the trail
looking into the area the hair on the back of my neck started
to stand up and my skin crawled. Standing about 30 feet to our
left was a very massive dark-haired creature.
I was Frozen with fear. My buddy hadn't noticed it yet
and was still walking I said his name quietly.
He must have known something was wrong because he stopped and
turned to his left immediately. We were both Frozen standing
there what felt like minutes but it couldn't have been more than
a few seconds. I knew what it was, but in my
head I was saying they were not real.
I couldn't even speak then it started slowly moving towards us
yelling some deep throaty gibberish against all my
instincts to hold my ground and fight back we ran for it.
It ran with us and it was still screaming.
We kept running for our lives. It was running parallel to us.
It scream was replaced by what I can only describe as a deep
throaty huffing noise. It was crashing through the dead
brush keeping up with us. Effortlessly.
We were running trying not to slip on the leaves or just die.
We saw the car and had hope as soon as we got to the clearing.
It stopped it hit a tree more like it punched through a tree
we heard a huge crack and crash. We were almost to the car when
this massive tree hit the ground next to us.
We then listened to what can only be described as a great ape
beating its chest in Triumph while screaming we jumped in the
car and sped away. The rest was a blur.
We got back to the campground packed up and left it night.
We never spoke about it again and haven't talked about it.
Since I'm almost entirely certain what we experienced.
That day was a Bigfoot.