Forest of Fear (On Hold)

Forest of Fear

*THE COVER WAS MADE BY SIMMCHA1. Isn't she just a bag-o-epic? :D

I was a usually reserved man. I’m  tall and have brown hair that covers my eyes. My glasses kept falling to the bridge of my nose. The toy shop, of which I owned, was a small, cluttered place. On the top shelf, I noticed a puppet toppling over, almost about to fall. I hopped over the counter to pick it up and place it gently again on the shelf. I sighed. It had been about eleven years since the disappearance of my family. Since the notes mysteriously cautioned me. I should’ve listened when I had the chance. But it was too late for that. The door opened and a small bell ringed. It was a young girl with her mother, looking at the toys. The mother found me and walked over to me. 

“Excuse me, can you help me?”

“Yes ma’am. What do you need?”

“Well, my daughter May came to look for a toy. Do you have any suggestions what toy she should get?”

“Uh, sure. Right this way. Please be aware you have to duck once getting to the puppet sections. I already got kicked in the face by that stupid clown puppet…”

“Oh…ok. Come May, hold mommy’s hand.”

The little girl trotted to her mother, jumping with excitement and humming a tune. 

“How old are you? You look so young!”

“I’m almost 21. One more year, and I’ll be able to sit at a bar.”

“And do you run the shop?”

“Yes ma’am. Since about ten years ago.”

“My goodness! Running the store since you were ten? Did your parents help you out?”

I stiffened. It became a touchy subject to talk about, and it made everyone feel awkward. And I certainly got the butt-end of awkward. 

“Nope. All by myself.”

“That’s incredible!”

“Here’s a good choice for little May. How about a nice pony toy?”

I bent down to her level and gave her a big smile. She hid behind her mother’s leg and looked at the purple pony I picked out. Her eyes gleamed and she took the pony and hugged it. 

“I’ll take that as a yes.”

“How much for the pony?”

“Free of charge. On me.”

“No, I insist. How much is it?”

“Fine. The price is a smile. May, can you show me a big smile?”

The girl turned around and hugged me then gave me a big smile. 

I smiled back. 

“By the way, what’s your name?”

I stood up again to reach the mother’s height. I stood tall above her, towering over her really. What can I say? I have no problem with being tall. 

“Marshall. My name is Marshall.”

“That’s a nice name…Marshall. Somehow, it fits you right.”

I smiled. I said thank you and watched them leave the store. I looked over at the clock. 12:45. It’s break time. I pull out a sign with the words: ‘Out to lunch, be back in an hour.’ Written clearly and boldly over the white sign. I walk out of the store and am greeted by a nice fall air, making my hair fly all over the place. I run a hand through my hair and look ahead so I don’t run into anymore polls. Yes, this had happened a multiple number of times. Especially signs. Those hurt the most. I walk two blocks before reaching the local café and grabbing myself a seat. As per usual, my lunch consists of coffee, a sandwich, then going home to sleep a bit. I sat down, sipping my coffee, and I took out a pencil. I opened my notebook careful not to spill my coffee. In the notebook, I write:

“Another day, like always. Woke up, went to the shop, and at the café. Feeling bored, going to go home soon.” I closed the notebook and was on my way home.

When I finally reached home, there was an envelope on the doormat. I picked it up, and tore the top. I read the letter, and suddenly, my blood went cold, and I felt weak. It was the same scrawl used in the notes that cautioned me about the kidnap. 

“Hello, Marshall.

Everything ok?

Lets give you an understanding about what needs to be done.

Please listen well, for I will not wait.

My business is not over.

Everyone, so you think, has disappeared.

If you want to see your family again, follow these instructions.

Marshall, you must go to a place that is surrounded by trees,

I’m being fair, so don’t complain. 

Now, after you’ve found your destination, listen closely.

There will be a tune. It should be familiar to you.

Here, you should follow where the sound grows strongest.

Everything should be fine if you paid attention thus far.

For your family to be found, you must find the secret to open the door.

Or else, all is failed.

Really though, it’s quite simple.

Everything after you’ve found the secret to the door, should be fine.

So be prepared.

The time to come is now.”

I held the letter in my hands. Shaking. Everything was spinning, but I had to keep a firm hold on the door to stay up. I have a clue as to where they are. It’s incredibly vague and poorly written, but a clue none the less. I looked closer at the note, noticing something strange. I hit me, the first letters spelled out an entirely different message. I ran into the house and circled the first letters: 

“Help…me…I’m…in…the…FOREST!” I yelled, almost jumping with happiness. 

“I can find them! Oh where do I begin now?!”

I jumped up and down, I have hope now. Of finding them.