Just Creepy: Scary Stories - 4 TERRIFYING Encounters in the DEEP WOODS

Episode Date: May 27, 2024

Prepare to be on the edge of your seat as I reveal chilling encounters from the deep woods that will make you think twice about venturing into the outdoors! Linktree: https://linktr.ee/its_just_creepy Story Credits: ►Sent in to www.justcreepy.net Timestamps: 00:00 Into 00:00:18 Story 1 00:17:06 Story 2 00:35:20 Story 3 00:56:09 Story 4 Business inquiries: ►[e-mail] #scarystoriespodcast #horrorstories #scarystories #DeepWoodsEncounters #TerrifyingStories 💀As always, thanks for watching! 💀

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Hilton, for the stay. The cabin always had a way of haunting me, not in the supernatural sense, but with the heavy weight of memories. As I drove the winding, overgrown road leading up to it, I couldn't help but feel a familiar knot in my stomach. The gravel crunched under the tires, a sound that echoed the unsettled feelings I'd been carrying for years. My father was an enigma.

On the surface, he was the successful accountant with an office in the city, a man who wore suits that seemed to cost more than most people's monthly rent. But beneath that polished exterior, there was a darkness we only came to understand when it was too late. He always had that weary look. bloodshot eyes that suggested endless nights and hidden burdens. He was sent to prison right after my first year of college. Fifteen years, they said, for washing hundreds of millions for various cartels. It was a sentence that tore our family apart.

My mother, unable to bear the disgrace or the threat of her own impending arrest, took her own life two weeks after his incarceration. They said she was his accomplice, but I never could reconcile that with the mother I knew. the government seized everything all the properties the accounts everything except this cabin it was almost as if they'd missed it tucked away as it was in the middle of nowhere as i parked the car and stepped out i let the memories flood in this cabin had been our escape our summer retreat it was the only place where i ever saw my father relax if you could call it that His version of relaxation involved sitting on the porch with a glass of scotch, staring out into the forest like he was searching for something in the trees.

I took a deep breath, the scent of pine and earth grounding me. I hadn't been here since everything fell apart. College and therapy had consumed my life since then, and I'd managed to piece together something resembling normalcy. I graduated, got a job, and even made some friends. Jack, Pedro, and Randy were waiting back at the car, their expressions a mix of curiosity and concern. Ready?

Jack asked, his tone light, but his eyes betraying his unease. Yeah, I replied, forcing a smile. Let's get this over with. We unloaded our bags and made our way to the cabin. The door creaked open, a sound that seemed louder in the stillness of the forest. Inside, everything was as I remembered, but covered in a thick layer of dust.

The furniture stood like silence. sentinels, holding onto the secrets of the past. We spent the first few hours cleaning up, the work helping to distract from the memories. By the time evening fell, the place looked almost livable. We cracked open a few drinks, trying to inject some levity into the heavy atmosphere. This place is kind of creepy, Pedro said, looking around. Yeah, but it's got character, Randy added, always the optimist. I laughed, a short,

humorless sound. Character. That's one way to put it. As night fell, the cabin seemed to close in around us. We built a fire in the old stone fireplace, the flickering light casting long shadows on the walls. I couldn't shake the feeling that we were being watched, though I knew it was just my mind playing tricks on me. Here's to new beginnings, Jack said, raising his drink. To new beginnings, we echoed, though my mind was still tangled in the past. I stared into the fire, the flames dancing and crackling. This cabin was all I had left of my family, a tangible piece of a life that had been shattered. I hoped that by coming here, I could finally put some of those pieces back together. But as the night wore on, I began to wonder if some things were better left in the

shadows. By the third night, we'd exhausted our supplies and were left with nothing but hunger pangs and the remnants of our dwindling buzz. The cabin's isolation, which had initially seemed like a blessing, now felt like a curse. The nearest rest stop was a 30-minute walk, but it had a 24, 7 diner that I remembered fondly from past trips. Looks like we're going on an adventure, I announced, trying to keep the mood light. Jack Pedro and Randy groaned, but agreed. We set out along the narrow winding path through the woods, the night air cool and the forest eerily quiet. Our flashlights cut through the darkness, casting long, thin beams that danced with the shadows. The diner was a beacon of light and warmth when we finally arrived.

We ordered burgers, fries, and milkshakes, and the greasy, comforting food was a welcome reprieve from the tension that had been building since our arrival. We laughed and joked. the familiarity of our friendship easing the weight of my past. It was close to 2 a.m. when we decided to head back. The walk back through the woods felt different. The air was heavier, and there was a strange, acrid smell that grew stronger with each step. Do you smell that? Pedro asked, wrinkling his nose. Yeah, I replied, unease creeping into my voice.

Smells like something burning. As we got closer to the cabin, the smell became overpowering. a mix of smoke and something far more sinister. My heart began to race, a sense of dread settling in my gut. When we reached the clearing, my worst fears were realized. The cabin was completely engulfed in flames, the inferno roaring with a ferocity that made my heart pound. Dark plumes of smoke billowed into the night sky, tinged with an ominous orange glow.

I felt a scream rise in my throat, but it came out as a choked gasp. No! No! I yelled, sprinting towards the cabin. Jack grabbed my arm, pulling me back. There's nothing you can do, man. We need to call 911. I fumbled for my phone, my hands shaking as I dialed. The operator's calm voice felt out of place in the chaos, and I could barely get the words out. Fire, cabin, please hurry. They're on their way, but it'll be at least 30 minutes, the operator said. We retreated a safe distance from the inferno. standing in stunned silence as we watched everything burn. My mind raced, trying to make sense of what was happening. This cabin was supposed to be my sanctuary, the last piece of my family's legacy, and now it was being consumed by flames. Then, as suddenly as it started, the fire stopped. The roaring flames vanished, leaving the cabin a smoldering, charred skeleton. The smoke dissipated,

and the night fell eerily silent. We stared in disbelief. unable to comprehend what we were seeing. How, how did that happen? Randy whispered, his voice trembling. Using the flashlight on my phone, I began to survey the damage, expecting to find nothing but ash and debris. But then Pedro's voice cut through the silence, tinged with horror. Guys, where the hell did this thing come from?

We gathered around him, our flashlights illuminating the grotesque sight. Nestled in the charred remains was the corpse of a monstrosity. unlike anything I'd ever seen. It was about the size of a bear with patches of pale, clammy skin and deep jagged cuts etched into its flesh. Its head was smashed in, but its wide bottom jaw remained,

bearing long, blackened teeth. The creature had multiple long, thick arms, and in them, it cradled something that looked disturbingly like a human infant. The baby appeared unscathed, its skin smooth and untouched by the fire. As I stared,

I could have sworn I saw it breathing. A chilling sense of dread washed over me. This wasn't just a fire. This was something far darker, something that reached into the very depths of the past I was trying so hard to escape. We stood frozen, staring at the monstrous corpse. The air was thick with the scent of charred wood

and something far more pungent, a smell that made my stomach churn. As the shock began to wear off, a new sound reached our ears, faint at first, but growing steadily louder, chanting, rhythmic, eerie chanting that sent chills down my spine. What the hell is that? Jack whispered, his eyes wide with fear. I don't know, I replied my voice barely audible over the growing cacophony. The chanting grew louder, more insistent, and undeniably

closer. It wasn't the sound of people walking. It was as if they were sprinting through the woods. Panic set in. We needed to get out of there. Run, I shouted, and we took off like bats out of hell, our flashlights bobbing wildly as we stumbled through the underbrush. Branches slapped against my face, and I could hear Pedro cursing behind me. The chanting was deafening now, an almost inhuman roar that seemed to come from all around us. My heart pounded in my chest, and adrenaline surged through my veins. We had to make it to the car. We had to get away from whatever was coming. We burst out of the woods and into the clearing where my car was parked.

I fumbled with the keys, my hands shaking so badly I could barely get the door open. The chanting was so loud it felt like it was inside my head, reverberating through my skull. Hurry up, Randy yelled, his voice barely audible over the din. Finally, I managed to unlock the doors, and we piled in, slamming them shut. I jammed the key into the ignition and turned it. The engine roared to life, and the chanting stopped. Just like that, it was gone. The sudden silence was almost as jarring as the noise had been.

I looked up, my breath coming in ragged gasps, and saw them. Figures standing at the edge of the woods, just beyond the reach of our headlights. They were human-shaped, but far too large, their silhouettes looming menacingly in the darkness. Damn, Pedro muttered. What the hell are those things? I don't know and I don't want to find out, I said, slamming the car into drive and tearing out of there. We sped down the road, the headlights slicing through the darkness. I didn't dare look in the rearview mirror until we reached the highway.

When I finally did, there was nothing there. Just the empty road behind us. We drove until we reached the rest stop, now swarming with police cars. I parked and stumbled out of the car, my legs shaking. We approached an officer, and I asked if they were there. because of the fire. Fire? The cop looked at me, puzzled.

No. Has there been a fire? I explained about the cabin, leaving out the part about the creature and the chanting. His expression remained stoic, but I could see a flicker of something in his eyes. All right, he said. We'll look into it.

Get a hotel for the night. We'll update you in the morning. We exchanged numbers, and I thanked him. As I turned to leave, he called out to me. Hey, can I ask you something? I turned back. Yeah, sure. Are you, my dad's name, son?

I stared at him, taken aback. Yeah, I am. I thought I recognized you. He took a deep breath, looking around before continuing. I can't tell you everything. But all this. Tonight. It's connected to your father.

Cartels, right? That's what they told you. It's not the whole story. Not even close. What are you talking about? I asked, feeling a cold knot of dread form in my stomach. I'll be in touch, he said, looking around again. Just stay safe.

We left the rest stop and drove back to the city in silence. I dropped off my friends and went home, my mind racing. Sleep was impossible. The officer's words echoed in my head. The chanting, the creature, the fire. It all pointed to something far more sinister than I could have imagined. and I had a feeling it was only the beginning. Back in the city, I tried to return to normal life, but normalcy was elusive.

I couldn't shake the feeling of being watched, as if shadows clung to me even in the daylight. It started small, odd sounds in the night, fleeting shadows in the corner of my vision, but soon it became impossible to ignore. Every night, without fail, I heard a baby crying from the apartment across the hall. I knew the place was rented by a couple of college kids. They didn't have a baby. I told myself it was just my mind playing tricks, the stress from the cabin catching up with me.

But the crying persisted, growing louder and more insistent, as if it was demanding my attention. Then there were the phone calls. At first I thought it was a wrong number, but the calls came at odd hours, always the same, dead silence for nearly 30 seconds before the line clicked dead. The area code was local, but every attempt to trace the number led to a dead end. The final straw came one night when I caught sight of a figure standing in the window of the abandoned house across the street.

It had been empty for years, a failed development project left to rot. But now, there was someone, or something, watching me from the second floor window. The moment I turned to look directly, the blind snapped shut. I couldn't take it anymore. I needed answers. I tried calling the police officer who had seemed to know more than he let on, but there was no response. My frustration grew, a gnawing anger mingled with a fear I couldn't shake.

Driven by desperation, I decided to return to the cabin. I had to see for myself if there were any clues left in the ashes. As I approached the road leading to the rest stop, I saw it was blocked. Two cop cars stood guard, and an officer signaled for me to turn around. I parked on the side of the road and approached him. What's going on? I asked, trying to keep my voice steady. Emergency construction, he said, not meeting my eyes. Construction? I repeated, incredulous.

At this hour? He stared at me, his gaze unwavering. Turn around. Now. Frustrated, I drove back to the city. I felt like I was hitting a wall at every turn. It seemed like someone or something. was determined to keep me from uncovering the truth. That night, the baby's cries were louder than ever. I pounded on the door across the hall, but no one answered.

The crying continued, relentless and haunting. I sank to the floor outside the door, my head in my hands. Suddenly my phone rang, the same number. I answered my voice trembling. Hello? Silence. Then just as I was about to hang up, a voice whispered, Stay away.

The line went dead. I couldn't take it anymore. I drove to the abandoned house, determined to confront whatever or whoever was behind all this. As I approached, I saw the figure again, peering from the second floor window. My heart raced, but I pushed forward, crossing the street and forcing the door open. Inside the house was a ruin, filled with the detritus of failed dreams. I climbed the stairs, each creek echoing in the silence. When I reached the second floor, the figure was gone. but a cold chill ran down my spine. In the center of the room,

scrawled in what looked like ash and blood, was a message. It's not over. I backed away, my heart pounding, and fled the house. As I reached my apartment, my phone buzzed with a message from an unknown number. It was a photo of the cabin,

taken recently. In the background, barely visible, was the outline of the monstrous creature we had found. The message read, Your father's sins are yours. to bear. I dropped the phone, my hands trembling. I realized then that the shadows of my father's past were far deeper and darker than I had imagined, and they were coming for me. Sleep was impossible that night. I lay in bed, eyes wide open, waiting for the dawn, knowing that this was just the

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mist collection only at Sephora. Fishing had always been my refuge. The quiet of the riverbank, the gentle flow of the water, and the anticipation of a bite always brought me peace. But today was different. As I cast my line into the waters of Dismal Creek, my stomach growled, a sharp reminder of the dwindling supplies back at the campsite. My dog, Buddy, lay by my side, his eyes fixed on the rippling water. We had been out here for weeks, and our food supply was almost gone. I had always

loved this spot despite its gloomy name. Dismal Creek was a hidden gem on the Appalachian Trail, a secluded place surrounded by towering trees in the sounds of nature. The Appalachian Trail, a famous 2,200-mile trail that stretches up and down the east coast of the United States, has always been a haven for people like me. The unwritten code among hikers was that you always helped each other out here, and I hoped to meet a friendly face today. My fishing luck was running thin, though. An hour had passed with no bites, and my stomach's protests grew louder.

Buddy seemed to sense my frustration. He started whining and shifting around, his ears perked up. I looked around, scanning the dense forest. There was something unsettling about the way Buddy was acting, like he sensed something I couldn't see. Just as I was about to pack up and head back to the campsite, I heard it. A voice, faint at first but growing louder.

Someone was coming through the woods behind me. My heart leaped. Maybe it was another hiker, someone who could share some food. But there was also a nod of unease in my stomach. I couldn't shake the story. I'd heard about this trail. Murders had happened here before, not far from where I stood now. Hey there! The voice was clear now, and I turned to see a man in his early 30s stepping out from the trees. He had a friendly grin on his face, and he looked harmless enough. How's the fishing?

I forced a smile. Not great. I haven't had a bite all day. The man walked closer, extending a hand. I'm Scott, Johnston. I'm camping up the way with my friend. friend, we're out here fishing too. Relief washed over me. He didn't seem like a threat. Nice to meet you, Scott. I'm Ricky. Ricky Williams. I paused, then added, I don't suppose you have any food to spare. My dog and I are running low. Scott's grin widened. Sure thing. He reached into his backpack and pulled out a couple of energy bars and a bag of chips. He tossed them over to me. Here you go. We've got plenty. You should join us for dinner later.

My friend Sean's a great cook. I caught the food and nodded gratefully. That sounds great. Thank you. For the next couple of hours, Scott and I stood by the riverbank, casting our lines and chatting. The fish started biting, and we managed to catch a few good-sized trout. The sun began to dip behind the trees, casting long shadows over the water. It had turned into a pretty good day after all. As the sun set, Scott packed up his gear and turned to me.

Ready to head back? Dinner should be about ready. I nodded, gathering my things. Buddy perked up, sensing the end of our fishing adventure. Yeah, let's go. Scott led the way, his fishing pole getting caught on a low-hanging branch. Go on ahead, he said, untangling it. The campsites just up that hill.

You'll see it. I hesitated, but then started up the path. The forest grew darker as I walked, and a strange feeling settled over me. When I finally stepped into the clearing, I saw the campsite, and a massive figure hunched over the campfire. This must be Sean. He turned as I approached, and the look he gave me sent a shiver down my spine. Who's this? Sean's voice was deep and suspicious. I raised my hands. Scott invited me. I'm Ricky. Just then, Scott emerged from the trees, clapping me on the back. Hey, Sean, this is Ricky. He's joining us for dinner.

Sean's expression softened slightly, but the unease lingered. As I sat down by the fire, I couldn't shake the feeling that I was intruding on something I didn't quite understand. The night had only just begun, and already, it felt like it was going to be a long one. As we reached the campsite, the first thing I noticed was Sean. huge, at least twice the size of Scott, and he looked at me with narrowed eyes. The campsite itself was simple, a couple of tents, a campfire, and a truck parked nearby. Buddy stayed close to my side, sensing my unease. Hey, Sean, this is Ricky, Scott said, trying to keep things light. He's been out here fishing, too. Sean grunted a greeting, but his eyes stayed cold.

Nice to meet you, I said, trying to sound friendly, but my voice came out shaky. Scott motioned for me to sit by the fire, and I took a spot on a log, trying to make myself comfortable. As I did, Scott walked over to his truck and turned on the radio. Suddenly, loud country music blared from the speakers, shattering the piece of the woods. I winced. Scott grinned at me. Hope you like country. I forced a smile.

Yeah, it's fine, but inside I was cringing. I loved the peace and quiet of the wilderness, and the loud music felt wrong out here. Sean and Scott started prepping the fish we'd caught, using sharp knives to clean and debone them. I watched, feeling awkward and useless. Hey, can I help? I asked, hoping to break the tension. Sean shook his head.

We got it, he said curtly. Scott glanced at me and smiled, but it didn't reach his eyes. Just relax, Ricky. You're our guest. I sat back, trying to ignore the uncomfortable feeling growing in my stomach. As the two men worked, I couldn't help but notice the way they communicated with each other, quiet glances and subtle gestures. It felt like they were speaking a language I didn't understand. After what felt like an eternity, the fish were finally ready. Sean cooked them over the open flame, and the smell made my mouth water. Despite my unease, I was starved. and I knew Buddy was too. We all ate in silence, the only sounds the crackling of the fire and the music from Scott's truck. As we finished eating, the sky darkened, and the forest grew even more still. I tried to make conversation, telling Scott and Sean about my love for the Appalachian Trail, how I often came out here to escape the chaos of everyday life. I even shared how I sometimes meditated and chanted, trying to connect with nature on a deeper level.

Scott nodded along, but I could see the skepticism in his eyes. Sean just stared at me, like he was trying to figure out if I was crazy. That's interesting, Scott said finally. I could tell they thought I was strange, and I felt a wave of embarrassment wash over me. I wished I hadn't said anything. The silence that followed was heavy and awkward. Eventually I couldn't take it anymore. I stood up, brushing off my pants.

pants. Thanks for the food guys. I should probably head back to my campsite. Scott and Sean both looked at me, and for a moment I thought they were going to protest. But then Scott nodded. Sure thing, Ricky, be safe out there. I gathered my things, and Buddy and I started walking back into the woods. As we left the light of the campfire behind, the darkness seemed to close in around us. I couldn't shake the feeling that something was off about Scott and Sean. something I couldn't quite put my finger on. Buddy stayed close, his nose twitching as he sniffed the air. I kept my hand on his head, drawing comfort from his presence.

The forest was eerily silent now, the only sound our footsteps on the path. I turned back once, looking at the glow of the campfire in the distance. Scott and Sean were just shadows now, but I could still feel their eyes on me. I quickened my pace, eager to put as much distance between us as possible. something told me this night was far from over. As Buddy and I walked away from the campsite, I couldn't shake the feeling of dread. The forest seemed darker, the shadows deeper.

Every sound made me jump. I told myself to calm down, but it was no use. Something was wrong. I had barely made it a few steps into the trees when a loud explosion shattered the night. It was so sudden and loud that I almost dropped my flashlight. But he barked and growled, spinning around to face the campsite. I turned two, heart pounding in my chest.

I could see the campsite in the distance lit by the fire. Scott and Sean were standing there, looking just as shocked as I felt. Sean was clutching his face. And even from where I stood I could see the blood. My stomach twisted. What just happened? Before I could process anything, I saw Scott start running. He bolted from the campsite into the woods.

his movements frantic and uncoordinated. He was running for his life. My mind raced. What was going on? Who shot Sean? And then it hit me. I was the one with the gun. But I hadn't fired it.

I was sure of it. Yet, as I looked down at my hands, I saw the gun there, smoke still curling from the barrel. It didn't make any sense. Sean was on the ground now, struggling to get up. Blood streamed from his face. I took a step back, horrified. What had I done?

My mind was a blur of confusion and fear. I had to get out of here. I had to get away before anyone realized what happened. Buddy was already tugging at the leash, sensing my panic. We turned and ran, crashing through the underbrush, away from the campsite and the horror I had left behind. But even as we ran, I couldn't stop thinking about Scott and Sean. Scott had disappeared into the woods, but Sean was still back there.

He needed help. I couldn't just leave him. I slowed to a stop, panting, and turned back. Through the trees I could see the glow of the campfire. Sean was still there, but he wasn't moving. My heart sank. I had to go back. I couldn't leave him to die.

With a deep breath, I started back towards the campsite. My hands were shaking, my heart racing. Buddy stayed close, his ears perked up, alert to every sound. As we got closer, I could see Sean better. He was on his back, his chest rising and falling rapidly. He was alive, but just barely. I stepped into the clearing, and Sean's eyes flicked open. He saw me and tried to speak, but no words came out.

Instead, he reached up, his hand trembling. I knelt beside him, trying to keep my own hands steady. I'm sorry, I whispered, not knowing what else to say. I don't know what happened. I didn't mean to. Before I could finish, a new sound reached my ears, the sound of footsteps, fast and heavy, coming towards us. I turned and saw Scott emerging from the trees,

his face a mask of terror. He looked at me, then at Sean, and then back at me. And in his eyes, I saw something I didn't expect, fear. Run, Scott shouted. He's coming back. We have to get out of here. I didn't understand, but there was no time to ask questions. I grabbed Sean's arm and helped him to his feet. Together, the three of us stumbled away from the campsite, deeper into the forest.

My mind was a whirlwind of confusion and fear. Who was coming? Why were we running? And most importantly, what had I done? We ran for what felt like hours, but was probably only minutes. My legs burned and my lungs ached, but I didn't stop. I couldn't. Scott led the way. his flashlight cutting through the darkness.

Sean leaned on me heavily, his breath coming in ragged gasps. Finally, we burst out of the trees onto a narrow road. I looked around trying to get my bearings. We were miles from anywhere, but at least we were out of the forest. Scott waved us towards a small house in the distance,

its lights a beacon in the darkness. As we approached the house, the door flew open, and a woman stepped out, her eyes wide with shock. She took one look at us and ran back inside, shouting for someone to call 911. I collapsed onto the porch my body shaking with exhaustion and fear.

Buddy lay down next to me, his head on my lap. I stroked his fur, trying to calm my racing heart. Whatever had happened back there, we were safe now. But as I looked back at the dark line of the forest, I knew the nightmare was far from over. The flashing lights of the ambulance and police cars painted the night in red and blue. medics were rushing scott and shone away both of them barely hanging on i sat on the porch still trying to process everything my mind was a tangled mess of fear and confusion the police asked me questions but my answers felt distant and unreal all i could think about was that explosion the gun in my hand and the blood how did it all happen why did it all happen i couldn't make sense of it

One of the officers, a kind-looking woman, knelt beside me. Ricky, we need you to come with us. We found something at another campsite, and we think it might help explain what's going on. I nodded numbly, still in shock. I climbed into the back of a police car, buddy hopping in beside me. The ride was a blur, the forest outside the window, a dark, endless sea of trees. When we arrived at the other campsite, the scene was eerie. It was simple, just a little.

a tent and a campfire, but something felt wrong. The officers led me to the tent, lifting the flap to show me what was inside. My stomach churned. There were knives, dozens of them laid out in neat rows. A police scanner sat in one corner, its red light blinking ominously. There were piles of clothes, some for kids, some for adults, men and women, and in the middle of it all, a piece of paper caught my eye. It was a birth certificate. The name on it made my blood run cold, Randall Lee Smith, the infamous murderer who had killed two hikers near Dismal Creek in 1981. He had been paroled years ago, but now, here was his birth certificate, right in front of me. I looked at the officers, my heart pounding in my chest.

This can't be real, Randall Lee Smith, but I thought he was gone. The officer who had driven me here nodded grimly. We all did, but it looks like he's been living out here, hiding in plain sight, and it seems he hasn't stopped his old ways. As I stood there, trying to make sense of it all, another officer handed me a cassette tape. We found this in a radio, you might want to hear it. They played the tape, and the sound that came out was chilling. It was a man's voice, chanting and howling in a way that made my skin crawl. It sounded like some kind of ritual, a twisted prayer to something dark and evil. I shivered, the reality of it all sinking in.

Randall Lee Smith had been out here, living in the woods, and I had walked right into his trap. The thought made me sick. The officers continued their search, finding more disturbing items, women's underwear, eyeglasses, and a map of the Appalachian Trail with certain spots circled. One of those spots was Dismal Creek. Back at the hospital, Scott and Sean were being treated,

for their injuries. I learned that they had managed to survive the attack, despite the odds. Scott had been shot in the neck and back, and Sean had been shot in the face and chest, but they were alive. The news was a small comfort in the midst of all this horror. As for Randall Lee Smith, the police found him. He had crashed his truck while trying to flee and was in custody, though barely alive. He died a few days later from injuries sustained in the crash, taking his secrets with him to the grave. In the days that followed, the police tried to piece together

the full extent of Smith's crimes. They matched DNA from the items in his tent to unsolved cases but found no direct connections. The circled spots on the map remained a mystery, and the true number of his victims might never be known. Sean and Scott eventually recovered, though they bore the physical and emotional scars of that night. They told their story, making it clear

that they had only wanted to help a fellow hiker, never suspecting the true danger they were in. As for me, I couldn't shake the feeling of guilt and horror. I had come out here seeking peace and had stumbled into a nightmare. The Appalachian Trail, once my refuge, now felt tainted by the memory of what had happened. Buddy stayed close, a constant source of comfort. We still walked the trail, but it was different now. I couldn't forget the darkness I had seen. I had seen. I was seen, the evil that had lurked so close. But I also couldn't let it take away the beauty and solace the trail had always given me. Life went on, but the haunting of Dismal Creek remained a part of me, a reminder that even in the most beautiful places, darkness can hide just out of sight.

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The fire crackled softly as we sat in a circle, the darkness of the forest pressing in around us. The flames cast long dancing shadows, and the night air was crisp, carrying the scent of pine and damp earth. I glanced at my friends. their faces illuminated by the flickering light. It was our annual camping trip, a tradition we'd kept since high school.

This year, we had chosen a remote spot deep in the woods, far from the nearest town, far from civilization. It seemed like the perfect place to unwind and disconnect from our everyday lives. Everything had been going smoothly until tonight. Do you guys remember what happened? Emma asked. Her voice tinged with unease. She had always been the cautious one, the voice of reason among us. I frowned, trying to piece together the fragmented memories of the previous night.

I remembered the fire, the laughter, and the drinking. But after that, things got hazy. We were telling ghost stories, right? I said, hoping someone could fill in the blanks. Yeah, Ryan replied, but he didn't sound sure. We were, but then... I don't know. It's like I blacked out or something.

something. Luke, who had been unusually quiet, finally spoke up. I remember, he said his voice low. There was something in the woods. My heart skipped a beat, a cold wave of dread washing over me. Flashes of the night surged back into my mind, shadowy figures slipping between the ancient trees, their movements fluid and unnatural. The wind carried faint, haunting whispers that seemed to come from all directions, speaking in a language I couldn't understand. An overwhelming sense of dread had settled over me like a suffocating shroud, making it hard to breathe. Each memory felt surreal, like fragments of a terrible dream that couldn't possibly be real, yet the fear they evoked was all too tangible. What did we see? I asked, my mouth dry. Luke's eyes darted to the dark

woods surrounding us. I don't know, but I know the feeling it gave me. And, Emma shivered, pulling her jacket tighter around her. I thought it was just a nightmare. A nightmare we all had in unison? I don't think so. Luke insisted. His voice trembling. A silence fell over us.

The only sounds the crackling fire and the distant rustling of leaves. The fear in our eyes was unmistakable, but there was something else. Confusion. Like our memories were fragmented pieces of a puzzle that didn't quite fit together. Wait, Ryan said suddenly. Didn't we run? I remember running through the woods, trying to get away. I remember that, too, I said, the memory surfacing.

Branches whipped against my face, the ground uneven beneath my feet, the sensation of being chased. But we didn't all run, Emma said, her voice trembling. Some of us stayed behind. A cold chill ran down my spine. What do you mean? Emma's eyes filled with tears. I saw you, Alex. You were standing by the fire talking to him.

it, like you were in a trance. That's not possible, I said, shaking my head. I was with you guys. We all ran together. Luke's face went pale. No, she's right. I remember that too. You were saying something to it.

Panic surged through me. But that's not what happened, I insisted. I was with you guys. Then how do we all remember it differently? Ryan asked. His voice barely above a whisper. We sat in stunned silence. The fire cast.

eerie shadows around us. I could feel the weight of the conflicting memories pressing down on me, each one as real as the other, but impossible to reconcile. Suddenly a twig snapped in the darkness. We all froze, our eyes darting to the edge of the firelight. A figure stood just beyond the reach of the flames, tall and unnaturally thin. The details were obscured by the shadows, but there was something familiar about its posture, its presence. It's back, Luke. whispered, his voice trembling. Who? Who's back? Emma responded. I don't know, I replied, my voice barely a whisper.

Emma clutched my arm. We need to leave. Now. Before we could react, the figure emerged from the shadows and stepped into the flickering light of the fire, revealing a face that sent a chill down my spine. It was me, or at least it looked like me. But there was something off, something inherently wrong about the way it moved and the expression etched on its features. Its eyes, once mirrors of my own, now glinted with an unsettling darkness, devoid of any trace of humanity. They locked on to mine with a predatory intensity, and a sickening smile spread across its lips, a twisted, malevolent grin that sent a shiver down my spine. The resemblance was uncanny, yet there was an undeniable aura of menace emanating from this doppelganger,

as if it were a distorted reflection of my worst fears and darkest desires come to life. Some of us remember, it said, its voice a chilling echo of my own. Some of us don't. My friends screamed, the sound piercing the night, but I couldn't move, couldn't speak. The creature lunged forward and the world went black. I woke up with a start, my heart pounding like a drum in my chest. The remnants of a nightmare clung to my mind, but I couldn't tell if it was real or just the lingering effects of the firelight and the dark woods. The air in the tent was cold, and outside the first light of dawn was just beginning to filter through the trees. I heard the rustle of movement from the other tents. My friends were waking up too. Emma's voice broke the silence.

Alex, are you awake? She whispered, her tone tight with fear. Yeah, I replied, my throat dry. I'm awake. She unzipped her tent and stepped out, her eyes wide and haunted. We need to talk about what happened last night. I crawled out of my tent, the cold morning air biting into my skin. Ryan and Luke were already up, their faces pale and drawn. We gathered around the dying embers of the campfire, the events of the night before weighing heavily on us. We need to leave, Ryan said, his voice urgent. Whatever happened last night, it's not safe here.

Luke nodded in agreement, his eyes darting nervously to the shadows that still lingered at the edge of the clearing. I don't want to spend another night in these woods. We packed up quickly, our movements hurried and tense. As we loaded our gear into the cars, I couldn't shake the feeling of being watched. Every snap of a twig, every rustle of leaves set my nerves on edge. The forest seemed to be alive with unseen eyes, following our every move. The drive back to town was silent, the tension in the car palpable. Emma sat in the passenger seat, staring out the window, while Ryan and Luke rode in the back,

their faces drawn with worry. I glanced in the rearview mirror, half expecting to see the doppelganger standing at the edge of the road, watching us with that malevolent smile. But there was nothing, only the empty road stretching out behind us. When we finally reached town, we went our separate, ways, each of us too shaken to speak. I drove home, my mind racing with thoughts of what had happened. The encounter with the doppelganger felt like a dream, but the fear was real, and it clung to me like a second skin. That night, as I lay in bed, I couldn't shake the feeling that something was still out

there, watching me. The events of the previous night replayed in my mind, each memory more vivid than the last. I tossed and turned, unable to sleep, my mind filled with questions and fears. Just as I was drifting off, I heard a faint tapping at my window. My heart leapt into my throat, and I sat up, my eyes wide with fear. Slowly I turned to look, and there it was. The doppelganger, its expression blank, its eyes empty. It smiled, a twisted reflection of my own face, and mouthed the words. Some of us remember. I bolted upright, my heart racing as I backed away from the window. The doppelganger's eyes followed my every movement, its smile widening in a grotesque parody of my own. Trembling, I reached for my phone and dialed Emma's number, my fingers fumbling over the keys.

She picked up after the third ring, her voice groggy and confused. Alex? What's going on? It's the middle of the night. It's here, I whispered, my voice shaking. It's right outside my window, the doppelganger. There was a brief pause, and then Emma's voice came back, more alert and panicked. What? Are you sure? Did you call the police? I don't think the police can help with this, I replied, glancing back at the window. The figure was gone, leaving only the empty night behind.

I... I think it wants something from us. before Emma could respond, a loud crash came from the living room. My heart skipped a beat and I slowly crept towards the sound. The phone still pressed to my ear. Emma, stay on the line. Something's in my house. I heard her gasp on the other end. Alex, be careful.

I edge towards the living room, every shadow seeming to writhe and twist with malevolent intent. As I rounded the corner, I saw the front door swinging open. the lock splintered and broken. My breath caught in my throat. It's inside, I whispered. I stood there, frozen, as the realization hit me. Whatever we had encountered in the woods had followed us home. We gathered at Emma's house the next morning,

each of us looking more haggard than the last. The previous night's encounters had left us shaken, but we knew what we had to do. The only way to stop whatever we had unleashed was to go back to the forest, and confront it head on. The drive to the forest was tense, the silence heavy with unspoken fears. Emma sat beside me, her face pale and set in grim determination.

Ryan and Luke followed in their car, their expressions mirroring our own anxiety. The road seemed longer this time, the trees lining the way taller and more oppressive, as if they were closing in on us. When we finally reached the edge of the forest, we parked and gathered our gear. The morning light filtered through the trees, casting eerie shadows on the ground. I could feel the weight of the woods pressing down on us, a tangible reminder of the darkness we were about to face. We need to find the exact spot where we performed the ritual, Emma said, her voice steady

despite the fear in her eyes. It's the only way to reverse what we did. We started down the path, our footsteps crunching on the fallen leaves. The forest was silent, the usual. sounds of birds and insects absent. It felt as though the woods were holding their breath, waiting for something to happen. Every snap of a twig, every rustle of leaves made my heart race, my nerves on edge. As we neared the clearing, the sense of dread grew stronger. The air seemed colder, the shadows darker. The clearing was just as we had left it, the symbols we had

drawn still faintly visible in the dirt. The remnants of our fire lay in a pile of ashes, a stark reminder of the night that had started this nightmare. We need to redraw the symbols, Emma said, kneeling beside the faint lines, and we need to chant the reversal incantation from the book. We worked quickly, retracing the symbols in the dirt, our hands shaking with the effort. As we finished, Emma opened the old book we had found in the abandoned cabin. The pages were yellowed and brittle, the writing faded, but still legible. She began to read the incantial. She began to read the incantation, her voice low and steady. As she spoke, the air around us grew colder, and the shadows seemed to come alive, writhing and twisting at the edge of the clearing. A feeling

of malevolent presence filled the air, pressing down on us, making it hard to breathe. We're not alone, Ryan whispered, his eyes darting around the clearing. I followed his gaze and saw them, our doppelgangers, standing at the edge of the clearing, watching us with cold, empty eyes. They moved closer, their faces twisted into grotesque parodies of our own expressions. My heart pounded in my chest, a cold sweat breaking out on my forehead. We have to keep going, Emma said, her voice trembling but resolute. We have to finish this. We joined hands forming a circle around the symbols and began to chant the reversal incantation in unison.

The doppelgangers moved closer, their eyes fixed on us, their presence a tantal. tangible force of darkness. As we chanted, the symbols in the dirt began to glow with a faint, eerie light. The air crackled with energy, and the ground beneath us seemed to shift and pulse. The doppelgangers stopped at the edge of the circle, unable to cross the glowing line. Keep going, Emma urged, her voice rising above the growing hum of energy. We chanted louder, our voices blending together in a desperate plea. The light from the symbols grew brighter, pushing back the dark. and the doppelgangers began to dissolve, their forms breaking apart like shadows in the sunlight.

Finally, with one last powerful surge, the ritual reached its climax. The glowing symbols flared brightly and then dimmed, the energy dissipating into the air. The doppelgangers were gone, the clearing once again silent and still. We stood there, breathing heavily, the weight of our ordeal pressing down on us. The forest seemed to exhale, the oppressive atmosphere lifting slightly. It's over, I said, my voice shaky but filled with relief. We did it. But as we turned to leave the clearing, I couldn't shake the feeling that something had changed,

something deep within us. We had faced our darkest fears and come out the other side, but the shadows of that night would linger, a reminder of the darkness that lurks just beyond the edge of the light. The night seemed to stretch on forever as we drew. drove away from the clearing, the oppressive darkness of the forest finally lifting. We had succeeded in reversing the ritual, but a sense of unease still clung to us. The doppelgangers were gone, but their haunting presence lingered in our minds.

We parted ways in town, each of us heading to our respective homes. The drive back was a blur, my thoughts racing with what we had done and what we had faced. When I finally pulled into my driveway, the relief was overwhelming, but it was tempered by the lingering fear that we had only just begun to understand. The house was dark and silent as I stepped inside, my footsteps echoing in the empty rooms. I locked the door behind me, double checking the deadbolt before heading to the kitchen. I poured myself a glass of water, my hands still shaking. The cold liquid did little to calm my nerves, and I found myself pacing the room, my mind unable to settle. I glanced at the clock.

It was well past midnight, but I knew sleep would be elusive. I decided to check on Emma, Ryan, and Luke, to make sure they were safe. My phone buzzed with a message just as I picked it up. Are you okay? It was from Emma. Yeah, I replied. Just got home. You?

Same. It's over, right? Yeah, I typed back, but my fingers hesitated over the keys. I hope so. I sent a similar message to Ryan and Luke. There replies quick and equally uncertain. We had done everything we could, but there was still that nagging doubt. Exhausted, I finally went to my room and lay down, staring at the ceiling.

The events of the past few days replayed in my mind, each moment vivid and sharp. I closed my eyes, hoping for some semblance of rest, but the images wouldn't leave me. The doppelgangers, the ritual, the fear, it all swirled together in a chaotic whirlpool of emotions. Just as I was beginning to drift off, a faint tapping came from the window. My heart leapt into my throat, and I sat up, my eyes darting to the dark glass. There in the pale moonlight stood the figure that had haunted my dreams, the doppelganger, its expression blank, its eyes empty. It smiled, a twisted reflection of my own face, and mouthed the words.

Some of us remember. I bolted upright, my heart racing. as I backed away from the window. The doppelganger's eyes followed my every movement, its smile widening in a grotesque parody of my own. Trembling, I grabbed my phone and dialed Emma's number. My fingers fumbling over the keys. Emma, it's back, I whispered urgently.

What? Are you sure? Her voice was filled with a mix of fear and disbelief. It's right outside my window, I said, glancing back to see the figure still standing there, its eyes locked onto mine. I don't think it's over. Emma's silence spoke volumes. We need to meet, she finally said.

Now. We decided to gather at the diner, the one place that had become our refuge during this ordeal. As I drove through the empty streets, I couldn't shake the feeling that we were being watched, that the shadows were closing in around us. Emma, Ryan, and Luke were already there when I arrived. Their faces pale and drawn.

We sat at our usual booth, the tension palpable. It's still out there, I said, my voice barely above a whisper. Emma nodded. I saw mine too. We must have missed something. Luke frowned, his eyes dark with worry. What do we do now? Ryan leaned forward, his expression resolute.

We need to finish what we started. There must be another way to close the door completely. We poured over the book again, searching for any clues we might have missed. As the first light of dawn began to filter through the diners' room, windows, we found it, a final incantation, one that required a sacrifice. It says here, Emma read, her voice trembling, that to truly close the door, we must give something up, something important. Silence fell over us as we each grappled with the weight of those words. It was Luke who finally spoke. We have to do it, he said quietly, whatever it takes. We drove back to the forest,

the path now familiar but no less daunting. The air was thick with anticipation as we reached the clearing once more. We formed a circle around the symbols, our hands clasped together, and began the final incantation. The air crackled with energy, the ground beneath us pulsing with power. As we chanted, the doppelgangers appeared at the edge of the clearing, their eyes filled with a predatory intensity. But this time, we were ready,

With a final desperate surge of will We completed the incantation The air shimmered and the doppelgangers began to dissolve Their forms breaking apart and fading into the ether The oppressive weight lifted And for the first time in days I felt a sense of peace We stood there breathing heavily The dawn light washing over us

The door was closed and the darkness had been banished But as we left the forest I knew that the experience had changed us all we had faced our darkest fears and emerged stronger, but the memory of those haunting reflections would stay with us forever. As I drove home, I glanced in the rearview mirror one last time. The forest was behind us, but the lessons we had learned would stay with us, a reminder of the thin line between light and darkness,

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Who knew your questionable music taste would be a money-making machine? Your style can make you cash. Start selling on Deepop where Taste recognizes taste. My brothers, Luke and Gabe and I have always loved exploring nature. Since we were kids, we would go on hikes, bike rides, and camping trips with our parents. Gabe was the oldest and wisest among us, while Luke and I were not so much. Gabe was always the most adventurous. He loved climbing trees and rocks, not caring how dirty he got or how many scratches and splinters he received. One day he took a pretty big tumble from

a rocky hill, which earned him a large scar across his forehead. We enjoyed discovering new places and seeing new things, and were always curious and adventurous. You could say we had a special bond as we shared the same passion and sense of wonder. But one day, everything changed. Gabe went missing in the woods. The last time we saw him, he told us he would be exploring a small cave he had found, not too far from a hiking trail in the nearby forest. Since he was more experienced and mature than us, we didn't think he would be in any real danger, so we didn't tell our parents, but the whole day went by, and he still hadn't returned by sunset. At that point, our parents and we grew worried, so we told them the truth.

They quickly called the police, and they began a search and rescue operation soon after. In the end, they never found Gabe. It was like he disappeared from the face of the earth. To this day, Luke and I blame ourselves for Gabe's disappearance. If we had just told our parents sooner, maybe the the police would have been able to find Gabe and rescue him. Because of that, every year on the day he went missing, Luke and I go cave exploring in his memory. Many years have passed since his disappearance, and we still do it to this day. One year, on the day of his disappearance, when I was 24 and Luke was 22 years old, we heard about a cave located deep in the forest near our town, which we had never visited before. We decided to explore it and take a look inside. So we packed our backpacks with flashlights, water, snacks, and a first aid kit, just to be safe. We also brought a map and a compass just in case we got lost. We were feeling pretty down, as we always feel on this day, but we knew we had to do this for our brother.

We set off early in the morning, riding on mountain bikes to the edge of the forest. We hit our bikes behind some bushes and followed a trail that led us into the forest. We walked for about an hour, enjoying the sights and sounds. of the forest. We saw all kinds of birds and other little animals like squirrels. The walk was quite peaceful. Eventually, we reached a clearing where we saw a small marking on a nearby tree that pointed to the cave. It was a small opening in the side of a hill covered with vines and moss. It looked like a secret passage. At first we were hesitant to enter because the opening was small and looked rough around the edges. Also, the inside of the cave seemed pretty dimly lit and

wet. However, we eventually decided to enter the cave in Gabe's memory. We pushed aside the vegetation and entered the cave. Almost immediately after we entered, we felt a sudden drop in temperature and a dampness in the air. We turned on our flashlights and started to explore. About 10 minutes into our exploration, the cave started to get more narrow and winding, with stalactites hanging from the ceiling and stalagmites rising from the floor. From time to time, we would hear water dripping from the side walls and pieces of rock falling from the ceiling. After a few meters, we entered what seemed like the main part of the cave. Up to this point, the cave was very narrow, but the main room we entered was much wider. We could even stand up and stretch for a moment. We

saw some bats sleeping on the ceiling. After resting for 20 minutes, eating our sandwiches, and drinking our favorite energy drink, which rejuvenated us, we continued our exploration. We came to a fork in the cave where two passages diverged. One of them looked very narrow and seemed to be going nowhere, so in fear of getting stuck, we decided to take the second one. The second passage didn't seem much better, but at least we could walk straight. After some time walking through the passage, we came across a blockage. It looked like we had reached some kind of old mine shaft. We wanted to enter and explore further, but it was blocked by wooden planks at the main entrance. There was also a sign that said, keep out. Luke and I were in a

dilemma. We didn't know if we should stop here and return home or continue. We were already very deep inside the cave, and by continuing, we risked getting lost. After thinking for some time, we decided to go all the way. We found a large rock nearby and used it to break the wood. After a few minutes, we managed to remove the planks and enter the passage. It was much darker and colder than the rest of the cave, and we felt a chill run down our spines. We continued to walk, hoping to find something interesting.

At the time, we didn't notice that the passage was sloping downwards, but we did notice one thing. The air was getting thinner and starting to smell. foul, extremely foul, to the point I almost threw up. But we continued walking ahead, curious about what we would find. Our best bet was that an animal had gotten inside the mine shaft, gotten lost, and starved to death, and that's what was producing that smell. As we walked deeper into the passage, we heard a noise coming from the deeper parts of the cave ahead of us. We couldn't quite make out what the noise was, but we carefully continued to

onwards. After a few more meters, the noise became louder, and it sounded like very aggressive breathing. We stopped in our tracks, but it was already too late. We saw what was making that noise. In front of us was a pale, thin, humanoid creature, its eyes sunken into its skull with long, lanky limbs. It didn't have any clothes on and had sharp, overgrown fingernails protruding from its bone-like fingers. The most terrifying part of that thing, however, was its face. It had an unnaturally big mouth full of sharp teeth, and its creepy yellow eyes looked like they were staring into our souls. It was holding a bone in its hand, which it used as a weapon.

It looked like it had been living in the cave for a long time, feeding on whatever it could find. We weren't sure if it could notice our presence or not, but we were deeply disturbed. We thought about just leaving quietly, hoping it wouldn't notice us, but to our horror, it did. In just a few seconds, it lunged at us, snarling and hissing. It attacked Luke first, scratching his arm and biting his leg. As Luke screamed in pain, I rushed to help him, but at that moment I saw something that

made the blood in my veins freeze. I saw its body closer. It was very scar-ridden, and one of those scars reminded me of Gabe, because the scar on that thing, 's head looked eerily similar to his. But I didn't have time to think about that. I needed to help my brother Luke. I quickly looked around and found a large piece of metal. I grabbed it from the ground and hit the creature as hard as I could on the head. It fell to the floor, and that gave me enough time to help Luke. I somehow helped him stand up, and we started running away from the creature, but it got up quickly and charged towards us. I could hear its raggedy breath as it was running behind us. It was faster than us because of Luke's injured leg. We dodged its attack,

and I hit it again. This time it looked like it was enough to scare it away because after I hit it, it started running back deep inside the mine shaft, disappearing into the darkness. We didn't know if it was gone for good, or if it would come back with more of its kind, but we knew one thing. We needed to get out of this cave as soon as possible. We were terrified. After running for some time, we reached the main entrance of the cave. As I was not a paramedic or a doctor, I clumsily bandaged Luke's wound as best as I could, just enough to keep him alive until we got him proper help from the experts. I helped Luke get on my mountain bike, and I drove us out of those woods.

We never told anyone what happened in the cave. We were too scared and ashamed. We didn't want to be laughed at or called liars. We also didn't want to attract any attention to the cave in case the creature came back. We kept it a secret between us. After that horrifying experience, we never went cave exploring again. We just lost our courage. We realized that some things are better left unknown and untouched.

We decided that we would rather just visit our brother's grave instead of risking our lives in the caves. I tried to forget what happened in the cave, and for the most part I did. but sometimes I wonder about that creature. What was it? Was it human? Are there more of those things out there? And that scar on its forehead.