Quinn Austin had always been drawn to the woods. Growing up in the small town of Hollow Creek, the sprawling trees and winding trails felt like a second home. The local kids whispered tales of ghosts and spirits that wandered the forest at night, but to Quinn, they were just stories—harmless myths to thrill the imagination.
On the brink of her sixteenth birthday, Quinn ventured deeper into the woods than ever before. It was a Saturday, and she was alone, a rarity for her adventurous spirit. She had heard the rustling leaves and distant calls of wildlife, the sounds that usually brought her comfort. Today, however, there was an odd stillness that hung in the air, as if the forest itself was holding its breath.
As she wandered, Quinn stumbled upon an old, weathered signpost. The paint was peeling, and the words had faded, but she could still make out "Blackthorn Hollow." Curiosity piqued, she followed a narrow path that wound deeper into the trees. The further she went, the more the sunlight struggled to penetrate the dense canopy above. Shadows danced around her, stretching and shifting, creating a sense of unease that she couldn't shake.
Suddenly, Quinn heard a faint whisper, like a breeze carrying soft voices. She stopped, heart pounding, straining to hear. "Quinn... come play with us..." The voice was melodic, almost inviting. It felt familiar, tugging at her memory, but she couldn't place it. Dismissing it as a trick of her mind, she pressed on.
As she reached a clearing, Quinn discovered an abandoned cabin, its windows shattered and door ajar. It seemed to be calling out to her, and despite a twinge of caution, her curiosity overpowered her hesitation. She stepped inside, the wooden floor creaking under her weight. Dust motes floated lazily in the dim light, and the air was thick with the scent of mildew.
Inside, the cabin was surprisingly intact. An old fireplace dominated one wall, surrounded by remnants of forgotten lives—tattered books, a cracked mirror, and faded photographs of children playing in the very woods that now enveloped her. Quinn picked up one of the photos. The children's faces smiled back at her, but their eyes seemed to bore into her soul, a chill running down her spine.
"Why are you here?" a voice broke the silence. Quinn spun around, heart racing. A girl stood in the doorway, her hair dark and wild, eyes wide and glistening with a strange intensity. "You shouldn't be here."
"Who are you?" Quinn managed to ask, trying to mask her fear with curiosity.
"I'm Tessa," the girl replied, stepping closer. "And you need to leave. They don't like visitors."
"Who doesn't?" Quinn felt an overwhelming urge to bolt but was rooted in place, entranced by the girl's presence.
"The ones who play in the shadows. They're not like us." Tessa's voice trembled, and Quinn could see the fear etched on her face.
Quinn's instinct told her to turn back, but something about Tessa intrigued her. "What do you mean? Are you... are you one of them?"
Tessa shook her head vehemently. "No! I escaped. But you can't stay here. They'll come for you."
Quinn glanced outside, the trees seemed to lean closer, their branches twisting and turning, forming ominous shapes. "I don't understand. What do you mean, 'come for me'?"
"Every so often, they find someone. They lure you in, make you feel welcome. But once you're here, you can't leave. They'll play with you forever." Tessa's eyes flickered with desperation.
Just then, the whispers returned, louder this time, swirling around Quinn. "Quinn... stay with us... play forever..." The voices sounded like children, sweet yet sinister. Quinn's heart raced as she realized the tone was different from Tessa's warning.
YOU ARE READING
Short stories!
HorrorA bunch of short stories that will be based upon one topic, horror. With the main character being Quinn Austin.
