On Our Side of the Forest (Short Story Compilation)

Knock Knock

Knock Knock

The new house was supposed to fix almost everything. I was skeptical about leaving my city life for the small, country cottage my grandmother had left me in her will. It was not as if I had not spent enough time in this little home when I was younger. I remember, however, my brother and I was always promptly picked up right before night fell. My horns softly scratched at the roof of the car as I got out. Here it was, looming over me as the sunset in the distance. I zipped up my jacket, brisk forest air racing through my short fur. My hooves sank in the soft earth as I made my way towards the front door, but I could not help the distressing feeling that hung over me as my hand gripped the doorknob.

"You sure knew how to pick a house Grams," I worked the key into the rusted locked and sprung the door open to settled dust and stale air. The house had been left unattended for a little over a year now, maybe longer, I had got the memo late of my share of the will. My family was looking for the wrong things out of life often, I suppose that was why she had left the majority of her belongings to me, "I guess I could clean up what I can, then figure out details in the morning?" My hooves made a light click on the hardwood floors. The furniture had been covered in white sheets and various plastics to preserve it while the house set. Walking through it, I could only see the life we had before. My brother and I running and playing while our Grandma cooked dinner for us. Her wise tales and long stories we would listen to and grasp at for hours. I strode up the stairs with more soft clicks against the hardwood. Her room was exactly as it had always been. I pulled the cover from her bed, folding the blankets back and setting my bag on the end. My ears tweaked towards the small sound of a crash from the kitchen. I looked down at my phone. It was an early eight at night. My signal was very weak, but luckily I had almost a full charge. I poked my head around the doorway, looking into the landing as if I would be able to see the happenings of the kitchen. Another banging noise made me jump in place, my heart was racing, what if it was some intruder? I was alone. I took a few deep breathes, creeping down the stairs with my back pressed against the wall. My hands were trembling. Not the kind when you are cold. They shook through my whole body, raw fear. I debated on calling out into the darkness, but what would I do if someone replied back? Another crash, I just went for it. I ran through the kitchen door, flicking on the light as quickly as I could. A cat sprung from the counter towards me. I sighed, leaning down to pick it up. The soft calico purred in my arms, nuzzling me comfortingly. Nothing scary, I sat the cat down on the counter, closing the window it came in.

"You broke a lot of..." My heart sank as I turned to face the cat. A tall, dark shadow stood, staring around the corner at me. It just stood there, the cat hissing at it. I didn't know if I should pass out or scream. My chest just pounded and constricted with fear. It disappeared after a while, but I was not one to stay after that. I grabbed my bag, tripping both up and down the stairs as I ran through the house.

"Hell no," I stopped quickly, grabbing the cat too before sprinting from the cottage to my car, "Oh no, hell no!" Even pulling from the driveway, the figure stood in the upstairs window. It watched me, peering down into my car. Not for me. I cut onto the road faster than when I pulled in, speeding off into the night to stay at a hotel for the night. Good thing I never went through with that deal for my apartment, and I guess I understood why mom never allowed us to stay in this place after dark.