Me Myself And I

What Lurks In The Woods

As I sat in my room staring at the blank wall, I thought about how no one understood my fixation with folklore and mythology. I smiled. Finally, I was free of the shackles holding me back, a new village, maybe someone will understand me here. This was a new beginning, a new chance, a new me. I stood up abruptly. My mother was back. I quickly and quietly acted like I was making use of myself and started opening boxes. Her worried voice came ringing up the stairs. I have to act like I am sad, which I am not. But she can't know that.

I woke up, looked around, and wondered for a fleeting second where I was. Ohhh, yes, that new start. I rummaged around in some boxes and found my favourite jeans. I pulled on a boring jumper over my pj top and skipped downstairs. I was hoping for the smell of pancakes to greet me, or any food for that matter, a hope that was cast away almost immediately. I didn't fancy looking for food, so I just grabbed my keys, camera, phone, notebook, and pencil, then left.

It didn't take me long to find the nearest wood. It was 12 minute 54-second walk from my house. Now, it was time to see if it was all worth it. I pulled out my notebook and wrote down the time, date, and location. I found a good spot to sit, set everything up, and waited.

About 2 hours later, by that time, I was starving and debating giving up when I saw what I hoped was a Pooka. I had specifically chosen a spot by a crabapple tree. Pooka like apple based products, so this was the ideal spot to catch a glimpse. I moved slowly but quickly so as not to be seen. Could I really be the first person to get actual footage? Click, click, click. Did I do it? The creature turned and saw me. It wasn't a Pooka. It didn't even look like one. Not now, at least. The creature grew grotesque its limbs stretched, its hands had grown long, sharp fingers. Its head was humanoid from what I could make out, but it adorned a deer skull with antlers. Before long, the creature must have been 3.5 meters tall. Its body had developed a sort of root look, vines and leaves covering it. I came out of my hiding spot, and instead of feeling fear, I was mesmerised and in awe of this strange being. I walked up to it. Clearly, it was also in shock of my own stupid and complete lack of common sense. Foolish. I stretched my hand out, reaching for the creatures face. I meant to take its mask off. Surely, this was some kind of prank. However, as I touched the skull and gripped my fingers around the left edge and tugged, it wouldn't come off. Then I finally realised I was in deep, deep, trouble.