Among The Trees

Origin

"Test subject 001, species Canis Lupus," The scientist scribbled down some observations and inspected the wolf from behind the plexiglass, "subject seems to have heightened aggression and large open wounds, unidentified fungi seems to be growing from the wounds and has begun to cause some decomposition on hind legs and back of the neck."

The guest scientists murmured among themselves, exchanging worried glances as the wolf lunged at the viewing window, seemingly unphased by the violent impact. This was the first recorded case of the mystery fungal infection, as if it had just materialised from nothing. The wolf circled the chamber, stopping occasionally to try and break through the thick glass. It's fur was matted and it seemed to be incredibly malnourished, yet showed no signs of weakness or lethargy. Its eyes were glazed and milky, yellowing at the edges and the skin around its eyes, nose and mouth were red and irritated. The most concerning part were the large wounds that littered the wolf's torso and legs, and the small fungi clusters that sprouted from them.

"What should we tell the people?" One scientist piped up, stepping forward tentatively and flinching as the wolf, once again, threw itself against the viewing window.

"Well," The head scientist hesitated, "seeing as this is the first and could be the only case, we will keep the subject in containment and try to identify the cause and solution to this. For now, we say nothing."

An uproar rose from the small group shouting incoherent sentences, some wanting to warn the population about this possible outbreak and the others shutting them down and wanting to keep quiet. The commotion came to a halt as the sound of cracking glass filled the room, drawing everyone's attention to the holding chamber. The infected wolf had managed to crack through the plexiglass, a splinter cutting through the thick material.

"How the..."

The wolf circled to the back of the chamber, running at the glass and slamming itself against it again and again until the crack reached all the way through the viewing window and buckled against the blunt force. The scientists crowded towards the small exit, urging each other through the door, desperate to get away from the breaking glass. Finally, the sound of creaking and tinkling suppressed the sounds of panic as horror dawned across the group.

The wolf had broken through.