A story of a campfire story, previously believed to be a myth or a tale, that reappears in and happens the night the story is told.
In a small town, friends gather around a campfire to share spooky stories. One friend recounts an old legend about a...
As the evening approached and the sky darkened, the simple task of gathering firewood took on an eerie and unsettling quality. Even Evie couldn't shake the feeling of unease that settled over her as she ventured along the forest trail with her friends. Each step seemed to amplify the sense of foreboding that hung in the air. As they made their way through the woods, an eerie sensation surrounded them, leaving them with the unsettling notion that they were being observed by someone or something. The distant echo of a little girl's voice only added to the creeping sense of unease, as if it was a desperate plea for help that lingered in the air.
As they made their way back to their tents, a hush fell over the group. The crackling of twigs and leaves underfoot was the only sound breaking the silence. Once at the campsite, they quickly gathered the firewood in the centre, their movements swift and purposeful. Evie hoped that the flickering flames would erase the unease of their recent encounter on the trail, but little did she know that the campfire would become a source of further distress. At first, the fire burned brightly, casting dancing shadows on the surrounding trees, but everything changed when Nina began to delve into the unsettling history of the camping ground.
"This campsite has a legend. Most people think it's mythical, some believe it, but many are unsure if they want to buy into the story," Nina shared as she carefully roasted her marshmallow.
"I think it's all mythical, Nina. I don't buy into it unless I experience it myself," Lucas confidently remarked with a smirk on his face.
"We all know what happened on the trail, right? How can you still not believe it, Lucas?" Nina asked him curiously.
Lucas, ever the sceptic, snorted derisively. "Come on, guys. What are we, a bunch of scared kids? This legend is nothing but superstition and old wives' tales."
But Henry, the quiet one of the group, looked uneasy. "I've heard whispers about the curse too. It's said that those who scoff at the legend are the ones most vulnerable to its effects."
The campfire crackled, its flames defiant against the encroaching night. Evie huddled closer to the warmth, her marshmallow forgotten on the stick. And then it began—a soft pitter-patter, like a thousand tiny feet dancing on leaves. The rain, uninvited yet inevitable, descended upon their campsite. Drops kissed the flames, hissing as they extinguished embers.
Lucas, sceptic and rain-hater, scowled. "Great," he muttered. "Our mythical campfire gets a reality check."
Evie's marshmallow stick lay abandoned, its gooey prize forgotten.
"Into the tents!" Nina shouted, her voice both command and invitation. She darted toward her nylon shelter, her laughter a melody in the downpour.
Lucas grumbled. "Rain," he muttered, "the universe's way of saying, "Your campfire tales bore me."
And Evie zipped her tent shut, raindrops tapping like impatient fingers. She peeled off her wet jacket, her mind already calculating the odds of a dry morning. Inside the tents, they huddled—two souls, Evie and Nina rain-soaked and laughing.
"Should we wrap it up for the night? I'm feeling pretty exhausted," Evie said, letting out a big yawn.
Nina nodded and handed her the inflatable pillow with a smile, ensuring her friend's comfort for the night. The air mattress was large and inviting, providing ample space for two people to relax and drift off into a peaceful sleep.
As the guys' tent lights were turned off, the gentle pitter-patter of the rain outside enveloped them in a peaceful embrace, coaxing them into a deep and restful sleep. The rain arrived outside with a gentle patter, akin to secrets whispered in hushed tones. Each drop tapped the fabric, a Morse code of nature's messages.
Evie lay cocooned in her sleeping bag, eyes half-closed. The rain was always there, a familiar guest who came without warning. She pictured the droplets as tiny dancers spinning on the surface of the tent. Their rhythm matched her heartbeat, a lullaby for weary souls.
Beside her, Nina hummed an ancient tune that had been passed down through generations. Her fingers brushed the tent wall, tracing invisible patterns. The rain had finally stopped, leaving behind a profound silence that seemed to envelop everything around. Not a single chirp could be discerned in the stillness.
As Evie awoke to quench her thirst, she noticed the outline of a woman outside her tent. The woman had long, untidy hair that fell to her waist, and she was hunched over, clutching a walking stick, giving her the appearance of an elderly individual. Evie tried to wake Nina up frantically but quietly but Nina was sleeping soundly.
Then Evie heard the scratching on her tent canvas and it wouldn't be long for that old lady to open the tent too. Nina awoke to the jarring sound of scratching, initially assuming it was Evie. She narrowed her eyes, straining to see in the dim light, and was startled by the puzzling sight before her.
"There's someone outside our tent," Evie whispered to Nina, her heart racing. "She's been standing there for at least 10 minutes."
"Maybe the guys are trying to scare us. I'll go check," Nina said, brushing off Evie's concerns.
"Evie sat up, her eyes wide. "Nina," she whispered, "It's not the guys. Look," Evie whispered back to Nina.
Nina did not care for Evie's words as she wanted to check on the guys for sure so, as Nina unzipped the tent flap and stepped outside, her jaw dropped in horror. Before she stood a hunched figure cloaked in darkness, the eerie silhouette of an old woman with gnarled hands scratching at the fabric of their tent.
Heart pounding, Nina called out, "Who are you? What do you want?"
The old lady turned slowly, her eyes glinting in the moonlight, sending shivers down Nina's spine. "Beware the forest at night," she croaked, her voice filled with malice.
Evie clutched Nina's arm, fear evident in her eyes. "What does she mean, Nina? This is giving me chills."
Nina's mind raced as she tried to make sense of the cryptic warning. Ignoring the old lady, she ushered Evie back into the safety of the tent. But as they huddled together, a sense of unease lingered in the air.
With that, she disappeared, fading away like mist in the morning light.
Oops! This image does not follow our content guidelines. To continue publishing, please remove it or upload a different image.
Dear reader, if you were in Nina and Evie's shoes, what would you do next? Would you venture out to uncover the truth behind the old lady's warning, or would you stay hidden in the tent, hoping the danger would pass? 🌲🌧️🔥
