Shivers 2

Below

On the first warm day of summer, a gaggle of fresh college graduates packed their bags and headed out to Clearwater Lake, their youthful spirits high with the intoxicating blend of freedom and uncertainty that came with the ending of one chapter and the beginning of another. The quaint lake house where they'd be staying for the weekend was nestled on the bank of the lake, with breathtaking views of the serene water body, and the evergreen forests beyond.

As the group of friends unpacked and settled into the lake house, an old man, with a weathered face and rheumy eyes, trudged up the driveway. He wore a faded fishing hat, and his hands shook with the tremors of age as he leaned heavily on his gnarled cane.

"Evening," he rasped, his voice dry like autumn leaves. "I'm Old Man Walker, from over the hill. Just thought I'd come and give you folks a friendly warning."

A few members of the group exchanged glances, but Ben, a broad-shouldered English major with a kind smile, approached the old man. "Nice to meet you, Mr. Walker. What's the warning about?"

Old Man Walker peered out towards the shimmering lake. "People go missing in those waters," he said, his voice tinged with a dark undercurrent of fear. "Has been happening for years now. Whatever you do, don't go swimming."

The group fell silent, exchanging glances. Chuckles bubbled up from some, while others wore a somber expression. Most of them shrugged it off, chalking it up to local lore and the rants of an old man. However, Emily, an anthropology major with a love for folklore and local legends, was visibly unsettled.

The sun started sinking, tinging the horizon with hues of orange and red. Ignoring the old man's warning, the group decided to head out to the lake on their boat, their laughter echoing off the encircling hills. The cool lake water was a welcome respite from the summer heat, and one by one, they plunged into the water, their apprehensions forgotten.

It wasn't long before the water rippled around them, growing increasingly turbulent. The boat began to rock, jostling them around, their laughter dying into surprised yelps. A shadowy form flickered beneath the surface, its enormity turning the water into a dark abyss.

"Guys... I think there's something in the water," Emily's voice wavered, her wide eyes locked onto the moving shadow beneath them.

The group turned to look at her, their mirth fading away as they too noticed the unsettling movements under the water. An eerie silence fell over them, punctuated by the lapping of water against the boat.

Suddenly, a huge, prehistoric creature erupted from the lake, its scaly skin glistening under the twilight sun, teeth gleaming as they caught the waning light. The water frothed and crashed around the creature as it roared, the sound echoing off the hills, turning the once serene lake into a scene from a nightmare. The monster was from a bygone era, a leftover from the time when ancient beasts roamed the Earth, and it was hungry.

The group froze in terror, their joyful day taking a horrifying turn as they realized they were not alone, and certainly not welcome, in the waters of Clearwater Lake.

As the creature descended back into the water, the boat was tipped over, throwing them into the freezing water. The terrifying realization hit them as they frantically tried to get back to shore, but the creature was faster, more adapted to the water than they ever could be.

The moon bathed the lake in a haunting glow as their screams pierced the twilight, echoing off the mountains, swallowed by the roiling lake. Ben was the first to recover, his eyes wide with terror. He shouted over the chaos, "Swim! Get back to the shore!"

Despite the adrenaline coursing through their veins, the icy grip of fear held them in place. Emily was clutching the side of the overturned boat, her breath hitching in short, ragged gasps. Ben reached for her, the reassuring grip of his hand a stark contrast to the pandemonium surrounding them.

One by one, they tried to reach the shore, the threat of the creature making their movements erratic and panicked. Their splashing drew the beast's attention, its prehistoric eyes glowing under the water, tracking their movements.

One by one, the lake's surface erupted with panicked yells and cries as the creature claimed its victims. The last echoes of their desperate cries permeated the air, creating a haunting melody of despair.

Drew, an art major and an accomplished swimmer, was leading the group back to the shore when he suddenly disappeared below the surface, his scream cut off abruptly. The remaining friends frantically searched for him in the dark water, but all that was left was the ripple from his descent.

The creature, with its monstrous size and power, was relentless. It claimed them one by one, their numbers dwindling rapidly as the shore seemed to drift further away. Emily and Ben were the last two, swimming desperately towards the shore. Just as Emily reached the shallows, a massive tail rose from the depths and with a swift, brutal movement, it swept Ben back into the lake. Emily watched in horror, helplessly, as the creature claimed its final victim.

The night was silent again, save for Emily's hysterical sobs. She stumbled onto the shore, her heart pounding a wild rhythm against her ribs. The quaint lake house, which had earlier seemed inviting, now appeared ominous in the face of the night, a silent witness to the unfolding horror.

Meanwhile, on a distant hill, Old Man Walker stood, watching the horrifying scene unfold through his binoculars. A grimace etched into his wrinkled face. His ancient eyes, filled with a lifetime of sadness, watched as the lake returned to its deceptive calmness.

"Well, I did warn them," he sighed, a strange mix of resignation and regret tingeing his voice. He turned and began his slow, solitary walk back home, leaving the silent lake behind, its secrets buried deep in its murky depths.