Whispers in Evergreen

In the quiet town of Evergreen, the only sounds at dawn were the distant calls of early birds and the rustle of leaves dancing in the breeze. Mr. Thornwood lived in a peculiar old man's cottage at the edge of the forest, surrounded by strange artifacts and machinery. His gentle demeanor and solitary life made him a beacon of hope for the townsfolk. One morning, he noticed a group of young hikers gathering at the trailhead, eager to conquer the wilderness. The forest held many secrets, some of which were better left undiscovered. Mr. Thornwood knew the signs of something stirring, something that had grown hungry and had been dormant for many years. The townsfolk had forgotten the old legends, but Thornwood knew they would change today.