The Endless Night

Chapter 23

All of Nessie's family and friends—gone. What could have happened to them? They were never out alone...so...the shadow man couldn't have hurt them, but maybe he misled them? Or made them think Nessie was somewhere else, or...something like that? I let my thoughts play over and over, listening to each one closely as if it were a new song I had never heard. I decide to go look for them. If I find them, I can tell them where Nessie and my father are, and this whole thing can be over. The plan sounds just wonderful in my mind, but deep down I know this won't be resolved that easily.

Getting up off the cold grass I begin my trek forward—no, my trek downward. I'm peering over the edge of a fifty-foot ridge. The cave is really just a hole in the mountain. I start my descent cautiously and slowly, careful to always find a firm foothold. I have no idea how my father managed to bring Nessie up here: sheer will and determination? Probably. I get down soon enough and begin to walk towards the tree line.

I don't want the shadow man to find me again. I have to be careful, and stealthy...

I slip off my shoes and begin to quietly walk through the woods: a skill I have perfected. As I venture further, the faintest of sounds begins to slip into my ears. I don't want to take any chances. I look around and to my left I see a tree, easy enough to climb, and begin to bring myself up into nature's shelter. Over the last two years of my life, I have perfected the art of climbing trees. I have gotten so good, I can climb with two shoes in one hand (like now) without making a sound. I get about fourteen feet up, and decide that this should do for now. I tie my shoes onto a branch with the laces, and then wrap my arms around a thick branch of the tree. I have always found comfort in these trees. The way that nature just seems to wrap you up, and make you feel at home...

I snap back into reality. I'm on a mission. I can't slack off now. The sounds grow closer, and it is now evident that these sounds are not human. I cling tighter to my tree as the noises grow louder and louder. The vicious hisses. The despicable laughter. The malicious groans. This is the worst I have heard of the shadow man—he sounds demented. I grasp the branch so tight until I can't feel my arms anymore. My tennis shoes balance precariously on my thighs. I squeeze my eyes shut. The hisses continue. So does the laughter. So do the moans.

He's gone mad... I think to myself, but then immediately eliminate that possibility, he's just a twisted soul...waiting for revenge. But in reality he more than likely has already gone mad.

I listen as the horrid sounds come right under my tree, and then pass by in the direction from which I had come. I wait till the sounds are out of earshot, gather up my shoes, and silently slip down from my tree. I now find myself at a crossroads. I can't let the shadow man get to Nessie and my dad, but now is my chance to look for Nessie's family... Shouldn't I go look for them? No. Nessie's family is most likely alright, but Nessie and my father could be in immediate danger. They may not even have as much time left as they think...

I start back in the direction I had come. I have to stop the shadow man before he reaches them or else I might never see them again. This is the force that drives me forward, but another one is there as well, silently passing shame all over me.

This should have been me. Not Nessie. Not my Father. Me. I don't know what I did to deserve pardon for my mistake, but I know Nessie and my father have done far more than me. Nessie's faithfulness and sacrifice, my dad's love and courage; what pardon have they received? Guilt is a driving force.

I silently follow behind the shadow man, now within earshot, and again hear the haunting screeches and moans. I don't know if I am prepared for this, but I'm taking the chance. The shadow man has now reached the ridge and begins to laugh a loud, demented laugh at the thought of catching his prey. I move more promptly toward the figure, but as I move my foot slips, and unnecessary pressure is placed on the twig underneath me, causing the faintest of sounds. The cackling stops abruptly. I look up biting my lip, now sweaty and terrified. I hear the man turn around, and I am filled with horrible expectations of what is to come. Being taken his “prisoner.” Being beaten and tortured. Being broken—like Nessie and my father. Being trapped in an Endless Night for an eternity, never to see my mother or father again or Nessie. Of all the horrible things in my mind, I never could prepare for what the shadow man says next.