Short Stories

7. When darkness falls

Eden was a bit paler than usual when she and Sam walked up to Cora. Even Sam looked tense. Cora scanned the surroundings once more before they caught up to her and they all started walking back the way they came.

Cora knew something in the house had spooked them, but she didn’t feel like asking yet. She wanted to get as far away from the area first without running in wild panic. Running would make them tired and might trigger what ewer was watching them.

Down by the stream, Cora glanced over her shoulder. The mist that seemed to swallow the forest behind them appeared a bit thicker than the mist in front of them. She thought she could see a shadow crawl over the ground in the mist, but she wasn’t sure.

Cora quickly turned her gaze forward and followed Sam over the stream.
The woods were as silent as before and the only thing they could hear was their footsteps and panting breaths. The walk should take about three hours, but it was turning in to the longest hours of her life.

It was a relief when the old log cabin came in sight. Sam looked behind them for the first time and Cora followed his gaze. She saw nothing but empty forest in light fog.

Eden stopped and waited for them when they both slowed down.

“I just need to ask what you saw in the old house. You looked so serious when you came back, unless it was just the creepy atmosphere that made you look nervous”, Cora said.

Eden looked hesitant and clearly didn’t want to talk about it, but she still answered. “We thought we heard her… There are two rooms in there. One kitchen and one bedroom further in. The stone came from the stove and when I placed it there I thought I heard breathing from the bedroom. It felt more like a presence that and actual sound, but I’m pretty sure she was in there… Or if it was something else...”

Cora was lost for words for a moment until she nodded. She didn’t know what to say. She had to admit Eden was pretty brave to finish her task, even though she must have been terrified.

“Let’s get inside. I’ve had enough of this mission”, Sam said and walked pass them.

Cora and Eden followed him to the cabin.

Zander stood and waited for her at the beginning of the hallway, while the others sat spread out by the dining table and the couch.

“We’re done. Everything is back where it’s supposed to be”, Sam said, and took off his raincoat and boots by the door.

Cora felt a relief to close and lock the door behind them.

“Can we all agree on going home tomorrow?” Alder asked.

They all nodded, but at the same time they gave Cora a glance, as if to look for her approval.

She sighed and thought about it.

“Do you think the ground would have dried enough until then?” Sam asked.

“Maybe. If it doesn’t rain anymore, it might be possible, but we need to be prepared to tow if needed. The risk of getting stuck is high, but my car should be able to tow a car if it’s not too muddy.”

“Can’t we pack the cars now and get out of here as soon as we have enough light tomorrow?” Everly asked with an anxious gaze at the others.

Most of them seemed to like the idea to leave as soon as possible.

Cora shrugged when they looked at her.
“It wouldn’t hurt to be prepared. We can keep the most important necessities in here and make sure we can leave as early as possible tomorrow.”

The eager packing started right away. Cora walked to her and Zander’s room to pack some of their things.

Zander stepped in to the room and closed the door. “Hey.”