The Forest by Elm Street

Chapter Eight

 I began to write:

Thursday July 9, 2015

The Problem: William Jacob Palmer disappeared. Noticed as of approx. 2:15 AM 7/7/2015. Last seen in his bedroom, approx. 10:00 PM 7/6/2015.

Evidence:

The window was open at the time of the discovery that he was missing.

His school picture for the previous school year was found in a structure in a clearing in the woods.

My hand faltered. I thought about the glowing red eyes. No. I decided. I won't put it in. I don't know if it's related. But in a way, I knew that writing it down would only solidify the events.

Questions:

Who took him?

Why?

How did they get his picture? Were they the ones with his picture in the first place?

Should I tell the police about the picture?

Regarding Question #4:

Pros:

I am not the police. I do not have experience in dealing with missing persons. This picture could be used as evidence. There may be something else in the clearing that I did not see.

Cons:

I don't want to show them. I feel as though I shouldn't.

Solution: The logical thing would be to tell the police. However, as I have a gut feeling regarding this matter, I won't tell yet. I shall return to the clearing in the woods and look for more evidence. I will reevaluate the situation after returning. If logic states that I should reveal the picture to the police, I shall.

I sighed and looked at the page. Now I had to go back into the forest. As much as my heart stuttered at the thought, I had told myself that I would do it. Writing it down only made it seem more necessary, as terrifying as it was.

After all, wasn't this what detectives are supposed to do?