Just Creepy: Scary Stories - Scary DEEP WOODS Horror Stories | SKINWALKER, WENDIGO, FOREST, CRYPTIDS

Episode Date: October 7, 2024

These are 3 Scary DEEP WOODS Horror Stories | SKINWALKER, WENDIGO, FOREST, CRYPTIDS Linktree: https://linktr.ee/its_just_creepy Story Credits: ►Sent in to https://www.justcreepy.net/ Timestamps: 00:00 Intro 00:00:18 Story 1 00:18:04 Story 2 00:41:47 Story 3 Music by: ► Myuu's channel http://bit.ly/1k1g4ey ►CO.AG Music http://bit.ly/2f9WQpe Business inquiries: ►[e-mail] #scarystories #horrorstories #compilation #skinwalker #deepwoods #nationalpark 💀As always, thanks for watching! 💀

Kayak gets my flight, hotel, and rental car right. So I can tune out travel advice that's just plain wrong. Bro, Skycoin, way better than points. Never fly during a Scorpio full moon. Just tell the manager you'll sue. Instant room upgrade. Stop taking bad travel advice. Start comparing hundreds of sites with kayak and get your trip right.

Bad advice? You talking to me? Kayak, got that right. If data management is slowing down, business. You need the Intuit ERP. If one entity is here and one here, and one here, and one here, you need the Intuit ERP. If scaling your business feels like starting, starting, starting over, you need the Intuit ERP. Intuit Enterprise Suite is the AI native ERP solution that consolidates, migrates, and automates, all in one place. Learn more at intuit.com slash ERP.

From sauce to dust to nuggets, Diablo-dusted crispy chicken nuggets. No, they don't come in mild. That would make like zero sense with the name. New Diablo-dusted crispy chicken nuggets, only at Taco Bell. At participating U.S. Taco Bell locations for a limited time and while supplies last. The drive up to the mountains was supposed to be exciting, I guess. But honestly, I was just trying not to look out the window too much. My sister Addie, on the other hand, couldn't stop talking.

talking about how amazing it was going to be to camp in the middle of nowhere. I wish I felt the same way, but all I could think about were those deer from the movie at Tristan's house. They seemed to be everywhere, hiding behind trees, lurking in the dark, just waiting. I didn't tell anyone, though. It's not like they'd understand. How much longer? Addy asked from the back seat, practically bouncing. She was so excited, and I didn't want to ruin it for her. Almost there, Dad said, smiling at her in the rearview mirror. You're going to love it, Addy. This is the real wilderness. No phones, no distractions. Just us and nature. Great. Just us and all the deer out there, I thought. But I didn't say anything. I just forced to smile and nodded. Addy grinned at me,

her eyes sparkling with excitement. She could tell I was nervous, but she was. She was was always the type to look for the bright side of everything. When we finally pulled up to the campsite, it felt almost too quiet. The forest was dense. The trees so tall they blocked out a lot of the sunlight. The air smelled fresh and earthy, and I could hear birds somewhere in the distance, but it still felt off. Maybe it was just me. We started setting up our tents, mom and dad's big one in the middle, and then Addie's and mine a little ways away, each on opposite sides of the clearing. It was supposed to give us a sense of independence, or so Dad said, but it mostly just made me feel more alone. I looked at my tent, a small, flimsy thing that didn't feel like much of a shield

against anything, especially not a killer deer. Hey, Marlin, help me with this, Addie called out, struggling with one of her tent poles. I walked over trying to shake off the creepy feeling. Sure, I said, grabbing the pole and pushing it into place. You know, I think you're supposed to read the instructions first. Addie rolled her eyes. Instructions are for people who don't know what they're doing. We got this.

Once we finished setting up, Dad gathered us around. He had the bear mace out and the rifle next to him, looking serious. All right, everyone, listen up. We're deep in the forest here, so we've got to be careful. Stay together. Don't wander too far. and always be aware of what's around you. Got it? Addy and I nodded. I knew he meant well, but the sight of the rifle just made me more nervous. What if there was something out there that

even a rifle couldn't stop? The next morning, Addy wanted to explore, so we went down to the lake nearby. It was pretty, I had to admit, shimmering water surrounded by thick woods. Addy was fascinated by everything, the birds, the wildflowers, even the bugs. I was just trying to keep my eyes peeled for any sign of movement. Look at these tracks, Addy called out, kneeling by the edge of the water. I walked over, and my stomach did a little flip. They were deer tracks, but something was off. The prince looked almost like the deer had been walking on its hind legs.

I tried to brush it off, but a chill ran down my spine. Cool, right? Addy said, not noticing my reaction. It's probably just weird terrain or something. something. Yeah, probably, I said, but I couldn't shake the feeling that something was wrong. I glanced across the lake and froze. There, just beyond the trees, I saw it, a deer watching us. Its eyes were wide, too wide, and they looked almost human.

I blinked and it moved, slipping behind a tree. Addie, we should go, I said, my voice a little shaky. She looked up at me, confused. What? We just got here. Please, I insisted. I don't feel good about this place. She frowned, but shrugged.

Okay, fine. Let's head back. We made our way back to camp, and I kept glancing over my shoulder, half expecting to see those eyes again. When we got back, I told Mom and Dad what I saw. They just exchanged a look, then smiled.

It's probably just a dear, Marlon, Mom said. They're more scared of you than you are of them. Yeah, I wished that were true, but I couldn't help feeling that whatever was out there wasn't scared at all. It was watching, waiting, just like in the movie. That night, I was exhausted, but sleep wouldn't come easy. I kept replaying what I saw at the lake, those weird tracks, the deer's creepy eyes. Addie was snoring softly in her tent, just a few feet away, and I wished I could sleep as peacefully as she could.

But no matter how much I tried, I couldn't shake the feeling that something was out there, watching us. My tent felt so small, like it wouldn't be able to protect me from anything. I turned on my electric lamp to make the shadows go away, but after a few minutes the light flickered and died. Just my luck, right? Now I was stuck in the dark, and every little sound seemed to get louder. The rustling leaves, the snap of a twig.

My imagination was working overtime, making me. me think of that awful movie of deer with human-like eyes creeping up to the tent. I don't even remember when I fell asleep, but I must have eventually, because the next thing I knew, I was having this horrible, vivid dream. I was back at the lake, only it was dead silent, and the sky looked darker, almost like a storm was coming. I turned around, and there it was, the deer. Except it wasn't just any deer. It looked wrong. It said, face was all twisted, the snout crooked, and the jaw looked like it was barely hanging on. I wanted to run, but my feet wouldn't move. The deer stepped closer, its legs bending in a weird,

jerky way. It raised one of its front legs, and that's when I saw its fingers, long and human-like, with these sharp claws at the tips. It started tapping them against a tree slowly, like it was counting down. Tap, tap, tap. Tap. I could hear my heartbeat pounding in my ears, and then it looked right at me with those empty, lifeless eyes. I will get you, it said in this deep, gravely voice that made my skin crawl. It didn't sound like any animal I'd ever heard. It sounded, human.

I tried to scream, but no sound came out. The deer moved closer and closer until I could feel its breath on my face. I woke up with a start, my heart racing. For a second I didn't know where. where I was, but then I realized I was in my tent. It was dark, pitch black, and I was drenched and sweat. I took a deep breath trying to calm down. But then, I heard it. Footsteps. Slow, deliberate footsteps, right outside my tent. I froze, every muscle in my body tensing up. Maybe it was Dad, I thought, or Addie, but something about the way the footsteps sounded.

It wasn't right. They were too. heavy, too slow. I reached for my lamp, but remembered it was dead. I had nothing but the thin tent fabric between me and whatever was out there. I peeked through a small gap in the tent flap, and what I saw made my blood run cold. There, by the campfire, was the deer, or whatever it was. It wasn't just a deer, I knew that now. Its limbs were bent at weird angles. Its eyes were glowing in the firelight, and it was staring right at my tent. I could see its jaw, still crooked, and saliva dripping from its mouth. I wanted to scream, but I couldn't move.

My chest felt heavy, like something was pressing down on me. Then I heard another sound, a grunt, like a real deer. It was coming from the other side of the tent. It felt like there were two things out there, one real and one not. The deer by the fire opened its mouth, and I heard that awful voice again. I will get you. I felt my whole body go numb. This couldn't be real. It had to be another nightmare. I squeezed my eyes shut, hoping that if I just wished hard enough, it would all go away. But then there was a loud rustling, and the tent shook. The next thing I knew, I was being

dragged out, my fingers clawing at the dirt as I tried to hold on. The creature's grip was strong, and I could feel its claws digging into my skin. I finally found my voice and screamed. loud enough that I hoped someone, anyone would hear me. Suddenly I heard Addie's voice calling my name, and then the creature let go. I scrambled backward, my heart pounding so hard I thought it might burst. The thing by the fire, it was gone. The forest was silent again, but I knew it was still out there, somewhere in the dark, waiting. I couldn't breathe.

I was being dragged out of my tent, and everything felt like a blur. My hands were grabbing at anything they could find, the dirt, the grass, but nothing was helping. I felt the claws of that creature, sharp and relentless, pulling me away from safety. My chest was tight, and I couldn't even scream anymore. It was like the fear had just swallowed my voice. Marlin! I heard Addie's voice, shaky and terrified, calling out my name. I wanted to answer her, to let her know I was still here, but I couldn't. I could barely think. All I knew was that I had to get away from whatever was dragging me.

Suddenly, I felt something snap inside me. It was like my survival instinct just kicked in, and I started struggling as hard as I could. I twisted my body, kicking at the creature, and somehow managed to grab hold of its jaw. It was grotesque, almost rubbery, and the next thing I knew, I was pulling, tearing. The creature let out this awful, bone-chilling howl, like a mix between a human scream and an animal's cry, and its grip loosened just enough for me to break free. I scrambled backward, my hands and knees scraping against the ground, and finally found my voice. Help! Mom! Dad! I screamed, my throat burning. I heard Addy yelling too, and then I saw my parents stumbling out of their tent, my dad holding the rifle,

his face pale with shock. Get away from him, Dad shouted, aiming the gun. at the creature. I looked back, and in the dim light of the campfire, I saw it. Its face was twisted, the jaw hanging by a thread, and its eyes. Those eyes were still locked on me, full of hatred. It was like it didn't care about anyone else, just me. It wanted me. The creature let out another scream, this one even more twisted, like it was in pain, and then it turned and disappeared into the darkness. It moved so fast, almost like it was gliding, and within seconds, it was gone. The forest went silent, like nothing had even happened, but I could still hear the ringing in my ears from my own screams. Mom was beside me in an instant, her hands

shaking as she tried to check me over. Oh my God, Marlon, are you okay? She asked, her voice cracking. I could barely nod, everything hurt. My leg felt like it was on fire, and when I looked down, I saw the blood. It was everywhere. My hands were covered in it. Dad, we need to go. Addie's voice was frantic, and she was right. We couldn't stay here, not with that thing still out there.

Dad helped me up, his eyes darting around like he expected the creature to come back any second. We're getting out of here right now, he said, his voice firm. But I could tell he was scared too. I'd never seen him like that before. It made everything feel even more real, more terrifying. We stumbled around, trying to pack up as fast as we could. I could hear Mom and Addy whispering, their voices full of panic. Addy kept saying how she felt something too, like she couldn't move when the creature appeared.

I wanted to tell her I understood that I felt it too, but I couldn't find the words. Everything just felt so unreal. As Dad carried me to the car, I looked back at the campsite. The fire was still flickering, casting these long dark shadows over the trees, and for just a second, I thought I saw it again, those eyes, watching us from the edge of the woods. I blinked, and they were gone, but the feeling stayed, that heavy, awful feeling that told me this wasn't over, not even close. When we finally got to the car, Dad floored it, and we sped down the dark, one of the dark, road, leaving the campsite far behind. But no matter how far we went, I couldn't shake that feeling.

It was like the creature had left a part of itself with me, a part that was never going to let me go. Mom kept saying everything was going to be okay, that we were safe now, but I didn't believe her. I could still feel the creature's claws on my skin, could still hear its voice in my head, whispering that terrible promise. I will get you. Waking up in the hospital was strange. At first I didn't know where I was. All I knew was that everything hurt, and the bright lights above me made my head pound.

When I finally opened my eyes all the way, I saw my parents sitting beside me, their faces tired and worried. Mom was holding my hand, and when she noticed I was awake, she started crying. Marlin, she whispered, squeezing my hand. You're okay, honey. You're safe. Safe.

wanted to believe her, but I couldn't forget what had happened. I could still feel the claws of that creature on my leg, and when I looked down, I realized why I was feeling so different. My leg, one of them, was gone. I could feel my heart sink, and I looked back at my mom. She tried to give me a comforting smile, but I could tell she was scared too. It was a deer attack, dad said quietly, a terrible freak accident. But you're going to be okay, Marlon. I wanted to argue, to tell them it wasn't just a deer, it was something else, something evil. But looking at their faces, I knew they wouldn't understand. They wanted so badly for this to be something normal, something they could explain.

And maybe they were right. Maybe I'd just imagine the whole thing. Maybe it was just the trauma making my memory all twisted. But then I looked over at Addie. She was standing in the corner, her face pale and her eyes. eyes wide. She hadn't said anything, not since I woke up. When our eyes met, she gave me this tiny nod, like she knew what I was thinking. She'd seen it too. Whatever that thing was, it wasn't just in my head. Days turned into weeks, and I tried to move on to pretend like everything

was fine. I got used to the crutches, to the missing leg. I told myself over and over that it was just an accident, that nothing else had been out there in the woods. But the truth was, I never really believed it. And I knew Addie didn't either. We didn't talk about it, though. It felt like if we did, we'd be inviting that thing back into our lives. Now, years later, I've tried to leave it all behind. I'm in college, trying to live my life like a normal person, even though I know I'm anything but normal. My friends asked me to go camping with them for spring break. and I couldn't say yes fast enough. No way was I going back into the woods.

Not after everything that happened. We decided on a lakehouse instead, which seemed a lot safer. No deep, dark forests, no deer hiding behind the trees. And it was nice, you know. For the first time in a while, I felt like I could actually relax. We spent our days fishing, swimming, and just hanging out by the water. But on our last night, I was sitting by the lake, watching the sun set and I felt that old feeling again, that creeping dread like I was being watched.

I looked across the lake, my heart pounding, and there it was, a figure, just standing at the edge of the trees. It was too far away to see clearly, but I knew. I knew it was the same creature. Its silhouette was all wrong, its limbs too long, its posture twisted. It lifted one of its hands, and I saw those long fingers tap, tap, tapping against a tree. I heard my friends calling for me from the house, and I turned my head for just a second. When I looked back, the figure was gone. But the fear wasn't.

I could feel it in my chest, tightening like a vice. I knew right then that it wasn't over. That thing was still out there, waiting, watching. I don't think it'll ever stop. Own it all. Pay off your home, travel for life, drive a Ferrari. In celebration of the world premiere of the Monopoly Big Board Buckslot machine by Aristocrat Gaming,

Yamava Resort and Casino at San Manuel is giving one person a $1.6 million dream package. The biggest prize in Yamava's history. Club Serrano members can earn daily instant prizes and secure a spot in the finale May 29th. Don't pass go and own it all only at Yamava, celebrating its 40th anniversary. You win? Details at yamava.com must be 21-20. Please gamble responsibly.

Monopoly is a trademark of Hasbro. Hasbro is not a sponsor of this promotion. The right window treatments change everything. Your sleep, your privacy, the way every room looks and feels. At Blinds.com, we've spent 30 years making it surprisingly simple to get exactly what your home needs. We've covered over 25 million windows and have 50,000 five-star reviews to prove we deliver. Whether you DIY it or want a pro to handle everything from measure to install, we have you covered. Real design professionals, free samples, zero pressure.

Right now, get up to 50% off with minimum purchase, plus get a free professional measure at blinds.com. Rules and restrictions apply. The town of Bayhorse, Idaho always had this way of swallowing time. Like, it wasn't just a place where nothing happened. It was a place where it seemed like nothing could happen. And honestly, most days I liked it that way. I could drift along without much trouble. Just me, the woods, and memories of Max.

But that day, something was different. I headed out toward the mining camp like I always did when I needed to clear my head. The road there wound through the forest, a thin strip of, cracked asphalt that led you deeper and deeper into isolation. It was almost comforting, you know. The quiet, the way the wind made the leaves tremble, the crunch of gravel under my boots. But today, I felt something else. A weight I couldn't quite shake. Maybe it was because of the stories going around about the girls who'd gone missing. No one said it out loud, but you could tell everyone was scared. Not me, though. I didn't think it could touch me.

I guess that's what being young and dumb gets you. When I reached the old mining camp, the place looked as deserted as ever. Rusted out trailers and equipment sat forgotten, like relics of a time no one cared to remember. I found the spot near the fence, where we'd buried Max, a simple mound of earth, marked by a small, smooth stone I'd brought back from the river. I knelt down and traced the edge of the rock with my fingers. Max had been the best dog I could have asked for. and I hated that I couldn't save him when he ran out into the road.

That memory sat like a stone in my gut, heavy and unmovable. I don't know how long I knelt there, but after a while, the air shifted. You ever have one of those moments where the world feels like it's just paused. Like all the birds, the wind, everything stops just for a heartbeat. That's what happened. I stood up brushing the dirt off my jeans, and that's when I heard it. A scream. It wasn't a normal scream either. It was high-pitched, almost unnatural, echoing through the trees like it had no real direction.

I froze, my pulse hammering in my ears. It was the kind of sound that dug straight into your bones. I told myself someone might be in trouble, even though my gut said otherwise. The right thing to do was check it out, right? So I started walking, cautious but curious. I stepped off the past. and into the woods pushing past branches and ducking under low-hanging limbs. The scream came again, this time closer, and my stomach twisted. The forest that had always felt like a second home suddenly felt foreign, like I didn't belong. I kept going, though, because something in me needed to know. The light filtered through the trees in these odd patterns, casting long, thin shadows

that seemed to shift whenever I looked away. I must have walked for ten minutes when I saw it. The trees up ahead weren't just moving in the wind. They were thrashing, like something big was pushing them aside. My first thought was that it might be a deer, or maybe an elk, though I'd never seen one act like that. And then I saw it. The creature stepped into the clearing, and I swear my brain just stopped for a second.

It looked like an elk, sure, but wrong. The fur was matted and dark, almost rotting in places. and its eyes. They were this glowing yellow, like headlights cutting through a fog, but the worst part was what it held in its mouth. There was a human head trapped between those huge jaws, and the face on it was contorted in an endless silent scream. I couldn't breathe. I wanted to move to run, but my feet were glued to the ground. The thing, whatever it was, looked right at me, and I knew then that this wasn't just some animal. There was something in its eyes. something that understood far too much.

A branch snapped behind me, and that was enough to break the spell. I turned and bolted, the forest a blur around me. I didn't know where I was going, just that I had to get away. My heart pounded, my lungs burned, but I couldn't stop. I caught sight of an old van, abandoned and rusting away, and I dove behind it, pressing myself flat against the cold metal. For a second I thought maybe I'd lost it. I could hear my own breath,

harsh and ragged, and I tried to quiet it, to make myself invisible. I reached into my pocket and pulled out a granola bar. Don't ask me why I thought it would help, but I threw it as far as I could, hoping the noise would draw the creature away. There was a pause, and I dared to peek around the edge of the van. The creature had moved off, sniffing the air where the granola bar had landed. Relief washed over me just for a second, until its head snapped back around. those yellow eyes locking onto me again.

Panic surged through me, and I scrambled to my feet, running again. I heard the crash of branches as it followed, gaining ground. I thought that was it, that I was done for when I heard something else, the distant roar of dirt bikes. I pushed myself harder, my legs screaming in protest, until I broke through the tree line and saw them. Bikers, maybe four of them, tearing up the trail. I tried to wave them down, but both of them,

Before I could shout, the creature was there, crashing into them like a nightmare made real. One biker was swatted aside, his bike crumpling beneath him. Another tried to speed away, but the creature was too fast. I didn't stick around to watch. I turned and ran, my only thought now to survive. And that's when she showed up. A girl on a motorbike, her face half hidden behind goggles. She skidded to a stop, yelling at me to get on.

I didn't think twice. I jumped on the back, and we tore away, the wind whipping against my face. I could still hear the screams behind us, but they were fading, replaced by the roar of the engine, and the pounding of my heart. For a moment, as the trees blurred past, I almost believed we'd made it. I should have turned back. I mean anyone with half a brain would have done just that after seeing what I did. But there was something in me, a stubbornness, maybe, that kept me moving forward. know, like that feeling you get when you're watching a horror movie, and you just want to shout at the screen, don't go in there. Well, I was that guy, only no one was there to tell me to stop. The scream had left me shaken, and the sight of that creature, a rotting elk with a human head in its jaws,

had done even worse. It was the stuff of nightmares, but I couldn't let it go. I had to know what I'd seen. And honestly, part of me hoped I'd imagined the whole thing. The clearing where I'd first spotted the creature was empty now, just a mess of broken branches and torn up earth. It didn't feel right, like the air itself was tainted, thick and heavy, pressing down on me. I scanned the tree line, every shadow seeming a little too dark, every rustle of leaves making my pulse quicken. It felt like the forest was holding its breath, wading. I crouched beside one of the tracks the creature had left behind. The indent in the earth was deep, the size of my hand, but twisted in a way that made my skin crawl. I could almost picture the weight of the thing, its unnatural gait. The sight of it

made me shiver, and I had to look away. Then I heard it again, a rustling, but not from the wind. It was too deliberate for that. I stood, heart pounding in my ears, and squinted into the trees. For a second, I thought I saw movement, a shadow slipping between the trunks, there one moment, and gone the next. My mouth went dry. Hello, I called out, though I wasn't sure I wanted an answer. My voice sounded small, swallowed up by the forest. I took a step back, then another, and that's when I saw them, eyes, glowing yellow,

peering at me from the underbrush. My stomach dropped. The creature stepped out from between the trees, moving. slow like it knew I had nowhere to go. Its eyes locked on mine, and I could see the head still clamped in its jaws, the face slack and lifeless. The scream was gone, replaced by a silence that felt even worse. I couldn't move, couldn't breathe. It was like my body had forgotten how. Then something snapped inside me, instinct maybe, and I turned and ran. I crashed through the trees, branches tearing at my clothes, my feet barely finding purchase on the uneven ground.

I didn't dare look back. I could hear it behind me, the heavy thud of its steps, the sound of branches snapping like twigs. My lungs burned, and I stumbled, catching myself just before I hit the ground. There was an old van up ahead, something left behind when the mining camp shut down. I lunged for it, pressing myself against the side, trying to make myself as small as possible. I could hear my own breath, ragged and too loud, and I clamped a hand over my mouth, willing myself to be quiet. The woods had gone silent again, but I knew it was out there. I could feel it. Slowly, I peeked around the edge of the van, my heart pounding so hard I thought it might give me away.

And there it was, standing in the clearing, its head low, sniffing the air. I watched as it turned, moving toward the spot where I'd thrown the granola bar earlier. For a second, hope flared in my chest. Maybe it hadn't seen me. Maybe I'd get out of this. But then its head snapped around, those yellow eyes locking onto me like it knew exactly where I was. Panic surged through me,

and I pushed off the van, running again, my legs screaming in protest. I didn't have a plan, just the need to get away, to put as much distance between me and that thing as I could, The forest blurred around me, the world narrowing down to the sound of my own breath, the pounding of my feet, and the crash of the creature behind me. And then, through the trees, I saw them, dirt bikers, their engines roaring, tearing up

the trail ahead. My heart leapt. I waved my arms shouting, but my voice was lost in the noise. Before I could reach them, the creature burst from the trees, slamming into the bikers. like a force of nature. One was thrown to the side, his bike crumpling beneath him. Another tried to speed away, but the creature was faster. I didn't wait to see what happened. I turned and ran, the screams echoing in my ears, my only thought now to survive. Just when I thought I couldn't go any farther, I heard the rumble of another bike,

closer this time. I turned, and there she was. A girl on a motorbike, her face hidden behind goggles, her hair whipping in the wind. She skidded to a stop yelling at me to get on. I didn't think, I just did it. I jumped on to the back, my hands gripping the sides of her jacket, and we sped away. The wind tearing at my face, the world blurring past us. I could still hear the creature behind us, the crash of branches as it followed. But slowly, the sound began to fade. I didn't know who she was, didn't know where we were going. But for the first time since I'd seen that thing, I felt a flicker of hope. Maybe, just maybe, we'd make it out of this alive.

I hung on tight to the back of the bike, my fingers digging into the leather of her jacket. Honestly, I was just trying to keep from falling off. The wind whipped at my face, stung my eyes, and the forest blurred into nothing but streaks of brown and green. My heart was still pounding from the chase, and every time the bike swerved, I felt like I might just go flying off into the trees. But anything was better than being back there, facing that thing. The girl didn't say a word, and I couldn't really blame her. We were both too focused on getting away.

Still, I couldn't help noticing odd little things, like the way her jacket smelled of charcoal and mint, a weirdly calming mix in the middle of all this chaos. It's funny what your brain latches on to when it's trying not to panic. I guess I was just looking for anything that felt normal. even if it was just the smell of someone's jacket. We hit a rough patch in the trail, the bike bouncing and skidding over the rocks, and I had to bite down on a yelp.

The creature was somewhere behind us, and I wasn't about to give it any more reason to follow. I glanced over my shoulder, but all I could see was the empty trail, the dust kicked up by the bike. Maybe we'd lost it. Maybe. The roar of the engine drowned out everything else, my thoughts, the fear, the pounded out fear, the pounding of my heart. But then, through the noise, I heard something else, a scream. Not the high-pitched, unnatural one from before. No, this was different, human, terrified, and all too real. I looked back again, and that's when I saw them. The dirt bikers, the ones I'd thought

might save me. The scene was chaos. One of them was already down. His bike crumpled beneath him, and the creature was on top of him. I couldn't see much. Just a blur of the antlers and fur and the awful jerking motion of the creature's head. Another biker tried to swerve around, but the creature was too fast. It lashed out, and he went flying, his body hitting the ground with a sickening thud. I wanted to look away. I should have looked away, but I couldn't. It was like my brain couldn't quite process what was happening, like if I just kept watching, maybe it would start to make sense. But it didn't. It just got worse.

The creature turned, its yellow eyes locking onto us, and for a second I thought it might come after us again. I could see the head still hanging from its jaws, the face twisted in that awful, frozen scream. My stomach turned, and I had to force myself to look forward, to focus on the trail ahead. The girl must have seen it too, because she gunned the engine, and we shot forward,

the bike skidding and swerving as we hit another rough patch. I leaned into her, trying to make myself as small as possible, trying to disappear. I could still hear the screams behind us, but they were fading, replaced by the roar of the engine and the rush of the wind. I don't know how long we rode like that. It felt like hours, but it was probably only minutes. The forest eventually began to thin out, the trees giving way to open fields, and the sun was starting to dip below the horizon, painting the sky in shades of orange and red.

It should have been beautiful, but all I could think about was getting as far away from those woods as possible. Finally, she slowed the bike, pulling off the trail and coming to a stop near an old, rusted-out fence. I stumbled off, my leg's shaky, and took a few steps away trying to catch my breath. My whole body felt like it was buzzing, the adrenaline still surging through my veins. The girl killed the engine, and for a moment everything was quiet. Too quiet. I turned to look at her, finally getting a good look at her face. She was younger than I'd expected, maybe just a year or two older than me, with dark eyes that

seemed to take everything in. She pulled off her goggles, her expression unreadable, and for a second we just stared at each other. Thanks, I managed to say, though it felt like such a small word for what she'd done. She'd saved my life, and all I had was thanks, but she just nodded, like she understood. Do you know what that thing is? I asked, my voice barely more than a whisper. I wasn't sure I wanted to know the answer, but I had to ask. I had to know if I was losing my mind, or if this was really happening.

She looked back toward the woods, her gaze distant. No, she said finally, but it's not the first time I've seen it. A chill ran down my spine. Not the first time. That meant it was still out there, some way. and it could come back. I wanted to ask more to press her for answers, but the look on her face stopped me. She was scared too, maybe even more than I was. Come on, she said her voice tight. We need to keep moving. It might still be following us. I nodded, swallowing hard. She was right. We couldn't

stay here. I climbed back onto the bike, my hands gripping the sides of her jacket once more, and she started the engine. The roar filled the silence and we took off again, leaving the woods and whatever horrors they held behind us. As we rode, I couldn't shake the feeling that this wasn't over, not by a long shot. The creature was still out there, and now I knew I'd seen too much to ever feel safe again. When I finally made it home that night, everything felt wrong. The front door was slightly ajar, and the light in the hallway flickered as I stepped inside. My parents were in the living room, faces tense, waiting for me. I don't know what I expected, a hug maybe, relief, but the second my mom saw me, she was on her feet, her voice sharp. Where have you been,

Aaron? Do you have any idea what time it is? I opened my mouth, but no words came out. What could I say? That I'd just been chased by a monster out of some twisted nightmare, that I'd seen people die and barely escaped myself. It all sounded ridiculous, even in my head. I swallowed hard, trying to find the right words, but nothing felt right. I, I got lost, I said finally, my voice barely a whisper. It was the only thing I could come up with that might make sense. My dad sighed, shaking his head, and I could see the disappointment in his eyes. You've got to stop this, Aaron, he said, his voice low and tired. All these stories. It's too much. You're scaring your mother.

I wanted to argue, to tell them that it wasn't just a story, that what I'd seen was real, and that thing was still out there somewhere. But the look on their faces stopped me. They weren't going to believe me. No one would. I was on my own. That night, I lay in bed staring at the ceiling, the events of the day playing over and over in my mind. I could still see the creature's eyes, glowing yellow in the day.

darkness, and that awful, lifeless face hanging from its jaws. I tried to push the images away, to think of something else, but it was like they were burned into my brain. No matter how hard I tried, I couldn't shake them. The worst part was knowing it wasn't over. The girl who'd saved me, she'd said it wasn't the first time she'd seen that thing, which meant it was still out there, and it could come back. I didn't know why it was here, or what it wanted, but I knew one thing for sure, it wasn't finished. And neither was I. Years later, I found myself back in Bayhorse, standing at the edge of the forest. I'd left this place behind as soon as I could, but something had always pulled me back. It was like a loose thread I couldn't stop picking at, a question that

refused to be answered. And today I was finally ready to face it. The air was cool, the autumn leaves rustling in the breeze, and for a moment everything felt almost peaceful. but the memory of that day still lingered just beneath the surface like a shadow that refused to fade. I took a deep breath, trying to steady myself, and stepped into the woods. The path to the old mining camp was overgrown now, the trees crowding in on either side, their branches twisted and gnarled. It was hard to believe I used to come here all the time, that this place had once felt like a refuge. Now it was just a reminder of everything I'd lost.

I made my way to Max's grave, the small mound of earth almost hidden beneath the fallen leaves. I knelt down, brushing the leaves aside, and that's when I saw it, a young birch tree, its slender trunk reaching toward the sky. It wasn't much, just a sapling, but it was something, a sign that life could still find a way, even here, in a place that had seen so much death. I sat there for a while, just watching the leaves sway in the breeze, and for the first time in a long time, I felt a sense of peace. Maybe it was the tree, or maybe it was just knowing that I'd come back, that I hadn't let the fear keep me away. Whatever it was, it felt like a weight had been lifted,

like I could finally breathe again. But as the sun dipped below the horizon, the shadows began to lengthen, and the familiar feeling of unease crept back. in. The forest around me seemed to shift, the light fading, and I couldn't shake the feeling that I was being watched. I stood up, my eyes scanning the trees, but there was nothing there, just the wind, the rustling leaves, and the distant call of a bird. Still, I couldn't ignore the chill that ran down my spine, the way my instincts screamed at me to leave. I took a step back, then another, my heart beginning to race. I knew it was probably nothing, just my imagination playing

tricks on me, but after everything I'd seen, I wasn't about to take any chances. I turned and walked away, my pace quickening as I made my way back to the edge of the woods. I could feel the weight of the forest behind me, the darkness pressing in, and I didn't dare look back. Not until I was out in the open, the town lights just visible in the distance, did I finally let out the breath I'd been holding. I knew I'd be back, maybe not tomorrow, or even next year, but some day. There were still too many questions, too many things I didn't understand. But for now, it was enough to know that I'd faced it, that I hadn't let the fear win. And as I walked away, the breeze carrying the scent of the autumn leaves, I felt a strange sense.

of hope. Maybe, just maybe, I could finally start to let go. But as I reached the edge of town, I couldn't help but glance back, just once, at the dark line of the trees. And for a second, I thought I saw something, something moving, just out of sight. I blinked, and it was gone, probably just the wind I told myself, turning away. But deep down, I knew better. Some things never really leave. They just wait, biting their time, hiding in the shadows. And one day, I knew I'd have to face it again. But until then, I'd hold on to the hope that maybe, just maybe, there was still a way to find peace. The best part of waking up, a full cup of Folgers coffee, and music on full blast. Shop Fulger's K-cup pods and more at your nearest retailer.

Goldbaum knows that things are just better with a little boost. Like your music? And your skin. Check out Gold Bond's new plumping collagen, body, and face serum lotion. It's clinically shown to visibly plump and boost skin hydration by 50%, leaving your skin looking hydrated and more youthful. Turn up beautiful skin with Goldbonds new plumping collagen body and face serum lotion. Learn more on Amazon. It was a perfect autumn evening as we packed up Ben's truck and headed out of the city. Honestly, It was one of those rare moments where everything just felt right. The air had that crisp bite to it, and the leaves were all shades of orange and red,

exactly the kind of scenery you'd want for a camping trip. Ben was driving as usual, and Phil was in the back seat, fiddling with a map. We didn't actually need the map, but he liked to pretend we did. Phil was that kind of guy, always double-checking and worrying, like he didn't totally trust GPS. Are you sure we're going the right way? Phil asked for the tenth time. Ben just smirked, keeping his eyes on the road. Relax, Phil, Ben said, rolling his eyes. I know these woods better than my own apartment. He said it with so much confidence that even I started to feel a little more at ease.

I wanted to believe him, and for a while I did. But as we drove deeper into the woods, I couldn't help but notice how the trees seemed to close in around us. The further we went, the narrower the road got, until it was just a dirt path barely wide enough for the truck. It wasn't long before we finally reached a clearing. Ben parked, and we all hopped out to start setting up camp. I took a deep breath, trying to shake off the uneasy feeling that had settled in my chest. The air smelled like pine needles and damp earth, comforting at first, but then there was something else, a faint, sour smell I couldn't quite place. I tried to ignore it as we unpaired. our gear, but I kept glancing over my shoulder, half expecting to see something lurking behind the trees.

It was silly, I told myself. We were miles from civilization, just us and the forest. What could possibly be out here? We set up our tents as the sun dipped below the horizon. The sky was still a soft orange, but shadows were already creeping through the woods, and I found myself working faster, trying to beat the dark. I wasn't the only one. Phil fumbled with the poles of his tent, muttering under his breath, while Ben kept looking around like he was making sure we weren't being watched. That should have reassured me, but instead, it just made the tension grow. By the time we got a fire going, it was almost completely dark. The flames flickered and danced, casting weird shadows across the clearing. Ben plopped down on a log, grinning at us.

All right, who's got a good ghost story? He asked, rubbing his hands together like this was what he'd been waiting for all day. I tried to smile, but it felt forced. Still, I settled down next to Phil and listened as Ben launched into a story about a ghost that supposedly haunted these woods. He used a spooky voice, drawing out every detail, and Phil laughed nervously, even though I could see he was getting a little freaked out. I didn't want to admit it, but I was too.

There was something about the way the firelight flickered, how the darkness seemed to press in from all sides. It felt like the forest was watching us, holding its breath. Every time a branch snapped in the distance, I found myself tensing up, expecting, well, I didn't know what I was expecting, but it was enough to keep my eyes darting around the clearing, searching the shadows. Ben's story ended with a jump scare. He lunged at us suddenly, making Phil Yelp and all almost fall off his log. Ben laughed, a big, booming laugh that echoed through the woods, but it died down pretty quickly. I think we all realized just how quiet it had gotten, the kind of quiet that makes you feel like you're not alone. All right, enough of that,

Phil said, trying to sound casual as he stood up. I'm heading to bed. He glanced at me, and I nodded, relieved for the excuse to call it a night. The sooner I could get inside the tent, away from the dark, the better. I wasn't scared. I told myself that. But there was something about the woods tonight that felt off. Just as we were about to head to our tents, a rustling sound came from the bushes.

It was soft, but loud enough to make us all freeze. I turned to look at Ben, expecting him to say something, maybe crack a joke about rabbits or raccoons, but for once he didn't. He just stared at the bush, his expression unreadable. My heart started to pound, a cold knot of fear tightening in my stomach. Probably just a rabbit, Ben finally said, but his voice didn't sound as confident as before. He flicked his flashlight on and aimed it towards the noise. The beam cut through the darkness,

but all it showed were branches swaying gently in the wind. I tried to laugh, but it came out as more of a nervous cough. Yeah, a rabbit, I echoed. Though I didn't quite believe it, I forced myself to turn away, to head towards my tent, but that uneasy feeling wouldn't let go. It felt like we were being watched, like there was something out there, just beyond the firelight, waiting. As I zipped up my tent, I heard it again, a rustling, closer this time. My hands went still, my breath catching in my throat.

I listened, straining to hear over the pounding of my heart, but then, nothing. just the wind, or maybe the crackle of the dying fire. I closed my eyes, trying to convince myself it was all in my head. But deep down, I knew something was out there, and I had a feeling that whatever it was, it wasn't going away any time soon. It was probably around midnight when I first heard it. I was lying in my tent, trying to convince myself that everything was fine, that the woods were just, well, the woods. I mean, they're supposed to be full of weird noises right, but then I heard that sound, soft at first, almost like a whisper, but enough to make my skin prickle. It was a rustling coming from the bushes near our campfire. I held my

breath, listening. My heart was pounding so loud I was sure it would wake Phil, who was in the tent beside mine. I wanted to tell myself it was just the wind or maybe a small animal, like Ben said earlier, but there was something about it, something too deliberate. I peaked through the small mesh window of my tent, trying to see out into the darkness. The fire had mostly died down, just a few embers glowing red, casting faint, flickering light across the campsite. The shadows looked like they were moving, and I couldn't tell if it was just the wind, or something else. I heard Phil shifting in his tent. Did you hear that? he whispered, his voice buried. His voice It made me feel a tiny bit better knowing I wasn't the only one who was on edge.

Yeah, I whispered back. It's probably nothing, right? I wanted him to agree, to tell me I was just imagining things. But there was a pause, and that silence said everything. Suddenly there was a growl, low and deep, like it came from right outside. My heart stopped and I felt my entire body freeze. It wasn't like any animal I'd ever heard before. It sounds like a growl, it sounds like it sounded almost like it came from something bigger, something that shouldn't be out there. I heard Ben's tent unzip, and then I saw him stepping out, flashlight in hand. He looked annoyed, but I could tell by the way his hands shook that he was scared too. What the heck is that? Ben muttered, aiming his flashlight into the woods.

The beam cut through the darkness, illuminating the trees, but all I could see were branches and leaves swaying. Ben took a step forward, and then another. I wanted to call out to tell him to get back in his tent, but the words just wouldn't come out. I was too scared to even breathe. Then we saw them, two yellow eyes, glowing in the beam of Ben's flashlight. They were staring right at us, unblinking. My stomach twisted into a knot, and I felt a cold sweat break out on my forehead. Whatever it was, it was watching us, and it wasn't afraid.

The eyes were too high up, like they belonged to something standing on its hind legs, something tall, way taller than any animal that should be in these woods. Ben took a step back, his flashlight shaking. Get in the tense, he whispered, but I could hear the fear in his voice. I couldn't move. I was just staring at those eyes, unable to look away. They were so bright like they were glowing from within, and I swear I saw something move behind them,

a shadow, a shape. Then it stepped forward and I saw it clearly. It looked like a deer, but wrong. It was huge, towering over Ben, standing on its back legs like a person. Its antlers were twisted, almost like they were reaching out towards us, and its mouth was open, showing rows of sharp, glistening teeth. I felt my legs go weak, and I dropped to the ground, scrambling back into my tent. I could hear Phil breathing heavily, and I knew he was seeing it too. Ben shouted, and I heard the unmistakable sound of his rifle, a deafening crack that echoed through the woods. My ears were ringing, but I could still hear the growl, louder now, almost like a roar. I peaked out again, and what I saw made my blood run cold. The creature hadn't moved. It was still standing there,

staring at us, like the bullets hadn't even touched it. Its eyes were locked on Ben, and then it let out a howl, a sound so loud and so full of rage that it made me clap my hands over my ears. Run, Ben yelled, and that was enough to snap me out of it. I didn't think. I just moved. I tore out of my tent, my feet barely touching the ground as I sprinted towards the truck. I could hear Phil behind me, and Ben's heavy footsteps as he ran too. The ground was uneven, roots and rocks everywhere, and I stumbled, almost falling. But I couldn't stop. I knew if I stopped, that thing would be on me.

Phil was right behind me, and when I tripped over a route, he grabbed my arm, pulling me back up. Come on, we have to go! He shouted, his voice almost drowned out by the pounding of my own heart. We were almost at the trucks. I could see them just a few yards away, and for a second, I thought we might actually make it. Then I felt it, sharp claws raking across my back. The pain was blinding, and I cried out, stumbling forward. Phil was still holding on to me, and he dragged me the last few feet to the truck. Ben was already there, fumbling with the keys, his face pale in the moonlight. I could hear the creature

behind us, its footsteps heavy, each one making the ground shake. We scrambled into the truck, and Ben slammed the door just as the creature lunged at us. It hit the side of the truck with a force that made the whole thing rock, its claws scraping against the metal. I looked out the window, and its eyes were right there, staring in at me. They were filled with something I couldn't quite describe. Anger, hunger, something that made me feel like we were nothing more than prey. Ben started the truck, and we sped off, the tires kicking up dirt and leaves.

I looked back, and in the rearview mirror I saw it standing there, watching us. Its glowing eyes following us, until we disappeared down the road. Even as we left it behind, I knew one thing for sure. This wasn't over. Not by a long shot. I don't know how we made it to the trucks, honestly. It was all a blur of branches, shadows, and that awful sound. The heavy crashing footsteps of the creature getting closer.

I could barely breathe. My chest burning as I ran, my legs feeling like they could give out at any moment. Phil was right next to me, his face pale in the moonlight, his eyes wide with the same fear that was clawing at my insides. The trucks were right there, maybe 20 feet away, and it felt like they were miles. I could hear Ben just ahead, already fumbling with his keys, and I knew we didn't have much time. That thing, it wasn't just going to let us go. It was a It felt like it was playing with us, like a cat with a mouse, just waiting for the right moment to pounce.

I tripped over something, a root, I think, and for a second I thought that was it. I went down hard, the ground knocking the wind out of me, and all I could think was that I was done for. Phil, though, he didn't even hesitate. He turned back and grabbed me, pulling me to my feet. Come on! he yelled, his voice almost breaking. I could hear the terror in it, and somehow it got me moving again. We stumbled the last few feet to the trucks, and I saw Ben finally get the door open.

He practically dove inside, and I could hear him yelling at us, but it was like my brain couldn't make sense of the words. I could feel the creature behind us, could feel its eyes on me, and it felt like I was moving through a nightmare. Everything was too slow, and I knew that if I looked back, I'd see it, those glowing yelling, yellow eyes, the twisted antlers, the teeth. Phil shoved me towards the truck, and I grabbed the handle, yanking the door open and scrambling inside just as something crashed into the back of the truck. The whole vehicle rocked, and I heard the metal crunch. Ben was shouting, and Phil was pulling himself into the back seat, slamming the door shut. My hands were shaking so bad I could barely get the lockdown before the creature lunged again. It was on the hood now, it's

claws raking against the windshield, and for a second, I was sure it was going to come right through the glass. Its eyes were locked on mine, and they were filled with this, this anger, this hunger that made my stomach twist. I felt like I couldn't breathe, like the air had been sucked right out of the truck. It was huge, and the way it moved, the way it stared. It wasn't just an animal. It knew exactly what it was doing. Ben slammed his foot on the gas, and the truck lurched forward, throwing me back against the seat. The creature slipped, its claws leaving long, deep scratches in the hood as it fell away, and for a split second I thought we'd gotten away.

But then I heard it, a howl, so loud it made my ears ring, filled with this terrible, almost human rage. I glanced in the side mirror, and there it was, standing in the middle of the road, watching us as we sped away. I couldn't look away from it. Even as the truck bounced over the rough dirt road, even as the trees blurred past us, those eyes stayed with me. They were burned into my mind, and I couldn't shake the feeling that it wasn't over.

That thing, whatever it was, it wasn't just going to let us leave. It was like it was memorizing us, like it was making sure it knew who we were. Phil was breathing heavily in the back seat, and Ben's knuckles were white as he gripped the steering wheel. none of us said anything for what felt like forever. The only sound was the roar of the engine and the pounding of my own heart. I wanted to say something, anything, but I didn't know what. There weren't any words that could make sense of what just happened. Eventually Ben spoke, his voice shaky.

We're not stopping until we're out of these woods. No one argued. I think we all felt the same way, that if we stopped, if we even slowed down, it would be there. waiting. The road seemed to go on forever, winding through the dark woods, and every time we hit a bump, I flinched, half expecting to see those eyes again. I kept looking in the mirror, my eyes searching the darkness, but there was nothing, just shadows, and the occasional glimpse of moonlight through the trees, but I knew it was still out there. I could feel it, like an itch at the back of my mind that wouldn't go away. Finally the trees started to thin,

and I saw the lights of a house in the distance. It felt like a weight lifted off my chest, and I let out a breath I didn't even realize I'd been holding. We were almost out, almost safe. Ben didn't slow down until we hit the main road, the pavement smooth under the tires. He finally pulled over, and for a second, none of us moved. The silence was deafening after all the chaos,

and I could still hear that howl echoing in my head. Phil was the first to speak, his voice barely a whisper. What? What was that? None of us had an answer. I wasn't even sure I wanted one. Part of me just wanted to forget it, to pretend it never happened.

But I knew, deep down, that I couldn't. Those eyes, that howl. It was all still there, just under the surface, waiting. And I knew somehow that it wasn't over. Not really. We drove the rest of the way home in silence. the memory of those glowing eyes following us all the way back. We didn't talk much after that night in the woods.

I think we all just wanted to forget what happened and pretend like it was just some horrible dream. But honestly, that was impossible. Every time I closed my eyes, I saw those glowing yellow eyes staring back at me and I heard that howl, so full of rage and hunger that it made my skin crawl. It was like the creature had etched itself into my mind,

and no matter how hard I try, I couldn't shake it. Phil and Ben were the same. We avoided each other for a while, like seeing each other would remind us too much of what happened. It was easier, I guess, to just stay apart, but it didn't really work. The fear didn't go away.

It just grew. And the more I thought about it, the more I needed to know what that thing was. I couldn't just leave it alone. I had to understand, even if it scared me half to death. So I started doing some research. It was slow at first.

I didn't really know where to start. I mean, what do you even look up? Scary monster in the woods? I tried to think about everything we saw that night, the way it looked, the way it moved, and eventually I found something. It was an old legend, a story people used to tell around these parts.

It was called the Wendigo. The more I read about it, the more my heart sank. The Wendigo was supposed to be a creature of hunger. something that used to be human but had become a monster driven by an insatiable need to eat. It was said to live in the woods, to watch and wait for people who wandered too far into its territory. Everything about the legend matched what we saw, the height, the antlers, the glowing eyes, and that horrible awful hunger. It all fit.

I remember sitting at my computer staring at the screen, feeling a chill run down my spine. I'd wanted answers, but now that I had them, I almost wished I didn't. The Wendigo wasn't just some animal. It was something far worse. It was a monster, a spirit of the woods, and we'd wandered right into its territory. We were lucky to be alive. But the worst part was, as I read more, I realized that the Wendigo didn't forget. It remembered its prey, and it never stopped hunting.

I knew I had to tell Ben and Phil, even if they didn't want to hear it. I called them, and we met up at Phil's apartment. It felt weird being back together after everything. We sat in Phil's living room, and I could tell from the look on their faces that they were just as scared as I was. Ben tried to act tough, like he always did, but I could see his hands shaking. Phil just looked tired, like he hadn't slept in days. I guess none of us really had. I told them about the Wendigo, about everything I'd found.

The room was quiet as I talked, and I could feel the tension growing, like a knot tightening in my chest. When I finished, no one said anything for a long time. Finally Ben let out a long breath and shook his head. So what do we do? he asked. His voice was low, almost a whisper. We can't go back there. We can't ever go back.

Phil nodded, and I could see the fear in his eyes. We just, we just forget about it, he said. We don't talk about it. Maybe if we ignore it, it'll leave us alone. I wanted to believe him. I wanted to think that if we just stayed away, if we never spoke of it again, we'd be safe. But deep down, I knew it wasn't that simple.

That thing. It wasn't just an animal. It was smart, and it was angry, and it knew us. It had looked right at me, and I knew it wasn't going to just forget. Still, we agreed. We made a pact, right there in Phil's living room, that we wouldn't talk about it again. We wouldn't tell anyone what happened, and we'd stay as far away from those woods as we could. It seemed like the only thing we could do, even if it didn't feel like enough. After that,

we tried to move on. We went back to our lives, back to work, back to pretending everything was normal. But it wasn't. Every time I heard a strange noise. noise at night, I'd jump, my heart pounding, expecting to see those yellow eyes staring back at me. I couldn't help it. The fear was always there, lurking just beneath the surface. One night, a few weeks later, I was sitting in my apartment, trying to watch TV, when I heard it, a noise outside my window. It was soft, just a rustle, but it made my blood run cold. I got up slowly, my heart pounding and peeked through the curtain. The street was empty, just the wind blowing leaves across the pavement. But for a moment, just a

split second, I thought I saw something, a shadow moving between the trees, something tall and thin with glowing eyes. I closed the curtain quickly, my hands trembling. Maybe it was just my imagination, maybe it was nothing, but I couldn't shake the feeling that it was still out there, watching, waiting. The Wendigo didn't forget, and neither could I. We'd made a pack to stay silent, but I knew that silence wouldn't protect us. It was still out there, somewhere in the dark, and no matter how far

we ran, it would always remember us. And that honestly was the scariest part of all. Looking for the best place to shop this Mother's Day? Go with the brand that makes it easy to send something thoughtful to everyone on your list. 1-800flowers.com. Right now at

1-800 flowers, order one dozen roses and get another dozen free. More flowers mean more smiles. backed by the quality, attention to detail, and trusted delivery experience that make 1,800 flowers my top choice to send something beautiful mom will love. Make Mom's Day at 1,800flowers.com slash Spotify. That's 1,800flowers.com slash Spotify.