The Woods

“There was only one rule: Don’t open the door.”

I scan my surroundings from the front seat of our car. All I can see are trees and darkness.

The bare trees sway like skeletons in the wind, and the moonlight casts eerie silhouettes onto the ground. My imagination takes hold, and I’m positive I can see dark figures lurking around outside.

I had begged my mother not to leave me alone in the car.

“It’ll be fine,” she promised, “I’m going to wet myself.”

"But what about the Wood Witches?" I said, my eyes wide with fear.

She hesitated a moment and, with a disarming smile, said,

“They’re not real, darling.” With that, she opened the door and climbed out. “I won’t be long, but remember what I said: don’t open the door.”

I locked the car and watched as she ran toward the trees, the blackness swallowing her whole.

That was a while ago, and I'm worried sick. Something must have happened to her. I'm panicking, eyes wet with tears. I decide to go and find her. I take a deep breath to pull myself together and open the door.

The cold wind is howling. Shivering, I wrap my coat around myself and head toward the trees where my mother went.

"Mum, where are you? Can you hear me? Answer me, please!"

Behind me, I hear the crunch of leaves. I swing round but see no one. I’m filled with dread and run back to the car. I climb in and lock the door.

Something's wrong. The car feels deathly cold. Terror grips me as I hear rattled breathing. I try to stop myself from glancing at the rearview mirror, but it’s too late. A dark figure rises up behind me. My blood-curdling scream drowns out its malevolent cackle.