Whisperwood

Whispers of the Past

Chapter 5: Whispers of the Past

The memory of the eerie figure by the forest's edge was still fresh in her mind. It had appeared out of nowhere, standing just beyond the line of trees, watching her with an intensity that sent chills down her spine. And then, just as quickly as it had appeared, it was gone, leaving behind only the cryptic warning that echoed in her thoughts. 

Kisha couldn't ignore the strange sense of dread that had followed her ever since. It was as if the figure had left a mark on her, an invisible weight that pressed down on her chest and made it hard to breathe. She knew she couldn't go on like this, constantly looking over her shoulder, feeling as if she was being watched. She needed answers, and if anyone could help her find them, it was her grandmother, Lila.

Lila lived in a small, weathered cottage on the edge of the village, where the forest crept closest to the homes. The cottage had always been a place of comfort for Kisha, filled with the scent of herbs and the warmth of countless memories. It was where she had spent many afternoons as a child, listening to her grandmother's stories about the village and its history. But today, as she thought about visiting Lila, there was a sense of urgency in the air, pushing Kisha to reach her grandmother as quickly as possible.

The morning sun was just beginning to rise as Kisha set out for Lila's cottage, casting long shadows across the village. The path was unusually quiet, the usual morning sounds of birdsong and rustling leaves conspicuously absent. It was as if the entire village was holding its breath, waiting for something to happen. Kisha quickened her pace, her footsteps echoing loudly in the stillness. The trees lining the path seemed to loom closer than usual, their branches reaching out like skeletal fingers. She couldn't shake the feeling that something was watching her from the shadows, but every time she looked over her shoulder, the path remained empty.

As she neared the cottage, Kisha's heart began to race. The familiar sight of the weathered stone walls and the thatched roof should have brought her comfort, but instead, it only heightened her sense of unease. The cottage seemed different today, as if shrouded in an invisible tension that made the air feel thick and oppressive. Pushing her doubts aside, Kisha knocked on the door, her knuckles rapping against the wood with more force than she intended.

"Come in," Lila's voice called from inside, its usual warmth tinged with a hint of surprise.

Kisha entered, feeling a small wave of relief wash over her. The interior was just as she remembered—cozy and welcoming, with a fire crackling in the hearth and the scent of herbs hanging in the air. The walls were lined with shelves filled with jars of dried plants, old books, and trinkets collected over the years. A large, worn table sat in the center of the room, its surface covered in papers, jars, and a few candles that flickered softly in the dim light.

But as comforting as the surroundings were, Kisha couldn't help but notice the serious expression on her grandmother's face as she motioned for her to sit at the table. There was a furrow in Lila's brow, and her usually bright eyes were clouded with concern. It was clear that Kisha's visit had not gone unnoticed, and her grandmother was already sensing that something was wrong.

"What brings you here so early, child?" Lila asked, her voice gentle but with a hint of sharpness. She settled into the chair across from Kisha, her eyes fixed intently on her granddaughter's face.

Kisha hesitated, unsure how to begin. She hadn't told anyone about the figure she had seen or the strange sense of dread that had followed her since. The memory of it was almost too bizarre to put into words, and she feared that speaking it aloud might make it even more real. But she knew she couldn't keep it to herself any longer. If anyone could help her make sense of what she had experienced, it was Lila.