The Shadow In The Trees

Blind Trust

Mabel packed up the last of the boxes in the church, her footsteps quiet on the carpeted floor. The scent of old hymnals and fresh coffee lingered in the air. She had spent the morning helping out at the charity event, and now the sun was beginning to set, casting a warm glow through the stained glass windows.

As she finished, Orion appeared, his smile brightening the plain white walls. "Need a hand?" he asked, his eyes crinkling at the corners.

Mabel smiled back, feeling a familiar ease with her friend. "Always," she replied, and together they lifted the boxes, their movements practiced and in sync.

They carried the boxes out of the heavy wooden doors and down the concrete stairs to the parking lot. The evening air was crisp, and the sound of birds chirping filled the silence. Mabel's car was a small sedan, and Orion loaded the boxes into the trunk with ease.

As they finished, Mabel leaned against the car, surveying the parking lot. It was empty, except for a few straggling cars and the church van. Orion stood beside her, his eyes scanning the horizon.

Just as they were about to part ways, Eliza appeared, running from a direction away from the parking lot. Her long legs ate up the distance, and her dark hair flew behind her like a banner. "Guys, come on!" she called, her voice urgent. "We need to go, now!"

Orion's eyes lit up with excitement, and he nodded, already following Eliza towards the bushes outside the parking lot. Mabel hesitated, shooting him a warning look, but Orion didn't seem to notice. With a sigh, she followed, her eyes fixed on Eliza's retreating back.

As they ventured deeper into the bushes, Mabel's unease grew. The trees seemed to close in around them, casting long shadows in the fading light. What was Eliza leading them into? And why did Orion seem so oblivious to the danger?

Suddenly, Eliza stopped, her eyes fixed on something ahead. Mabel's heart skipped a beat as she realized they were standing at the edge of a dense forest, the trees towering above them like sentinels.