A town named Winter

Stephanie

The situation with Ryan was the most exciting thing that's happened all day so far. Sure the views are beautiful, but it's just been all day of the same one. We are still hiking through this large forest with the towering evergreens. It's so pretty that it could be a postcard, but I want to see something else now. I can't even tell how long we've been traveling or in which direction. The trees block out the sun and everything looks the same. We could've been walking in circles all day today and I wouldn't have even noticed. The only things that help me tell the passing of time are my tired legs and a gradually darkening forest. As the light decreases more, Todd tells us to stop and set up camp here. It's not even a clearing like last night. Just some of the same sights we've seen all day. I guess the deeper we go, the less likely the forest will clear.

We all assume the roles given to us last time to hurry before the sun completely sets. Amy tried to reassure me earlier, but at night the forest seems almost chilling. Almost no moonlight penetrates the canopy of trees above us and we have to rely on the lights from our headlamps and fire. I think the fire makes it worse though. The flames casts shadows that could be mistaken for demons dancing through the trees. I shake the thought off. I expected Jake to tell another ghost story tonight, but he was quiet. I hadn't heard a peep out of him since we set up camp. He seemed somewhat distant. Maybe he's just tired.

Time to climb in the tent was upon us and I couldn't be happier. The tent full of people made me feel safer in a way. I snagged Amy and I a spot in the middle. After settling into our sleeping bags, Amy turned to face me.

"How are you holding up?"

"I'm fine. Cold, but fine."

"You know that's not what I mean. I meant to ask if you're still spooked?"

"A bit if I am being honest."

"Well I'll be right here. There's no such thing as ghosts or witches. The worst thing out there is a hungry squirrel."

"Well those are dangerous too. Haven't you seen 'Ice Age'?"

She giggled as me and came closer so we were touching. Her face was inches from mine and I could feel her breath on my cheek.

"Seeing that you have your sense of humor back, you'll be fine. But I can assist with the coldness you mentioned earlier."

Having Amy here helped and I fell asleep along with the other campers.

Snap

I shot up from my sleeping position. I stare at the side of the tent as if trying to see through it into the wild. I turn to face the side closest to the fire. A faint light can be seen from it through the canvas wall. After what feels like minutes a shadow goes across the side of the tent. I gasp and sink back down. I hide my head underneath the sleeping bag and lay completely still. I must be dreaming. I clamp my eyes shut and try to steady my breathing. Just in case there's something out there, I'll pretend I'm asleep and maybe it'll go away. I attempt counting backwards to calm down and it works. The next thing I remember is feeling Amy shake me awake. I stir and turn to her. The look on her face is colored with terror. Something happened.