Dear whoever may find this,
Sunlight crept across the floorboards in slow, golden stripes on the wooden flooring. Birds singing their morning symphony. The sweet smell of pancakes filled the air. There was a moment of peacefulness before that quickly got disturbed by the soft sound of feet pattering against the wooden floor, and in came three half-asleep children. I greeted them with a soft smile. The youngest: a brunette haired boy with hazel eyes flopped down lazily on the couch while the eldest and middle children both sat down in two separate chairs. After a while of waiting, my husband called out to the children, signaling that their pancakes were ready. I watched as they dragged themselves up and walked to the kitchen where they all received a plate of pancakes, syrup covered the pancakes, glistening in the warm summer morning. I watched as they all sat down at the table before they all started eating, i didn't eat with them due to me having eaten earlier before them. I did however get up and sit down at the table with them, asking if they slept well, and as usual, i got sleepy nods as a response, they never were lively in the morning, but after they eat they'd always start running around, my eldest being ten, the middle child being seven and the youngest being five they always had a lot of energy, except in the morning. After they had finished breakfast, I stood up and helped gather the dishes and put them in the sink. I would do the washing up in a minute while the kids all have showers. The sound of my husband telling the children to go brush their teeth mixed with the sound of hot water running as I filled the sink and grabbed the sponge and soap. I poured a bit of the soap into the washing up bowl, letting it bubble before I started cleaning the dishes.
After a few minutes, I heard them all running down the stairs, all full of energy. I smiled softly as I watched them rush outside to go play in the garden, but before they left I quickly reminded them of the rules: no eating random things you find on the ground, don't go into the woods, and to tell me if you see anything weird. They nodded quickly before rushing into the sun. It was a nice summer morning, not a cloud in the sky, and it wasn't too cold nor too warm, it was just right. I decided I'd sit outside and read for a couple of hours before doing lunch, so I grabbed my book and walked outside while my husband stayed inside to clean. He had always loved cleaning, always making sure the house looked perfect. god knows why.
As the day continued the sound of laughter and giggles filled the air. Then, I got an idea. It was such a nice day, so why not have a picnic. It was the perfect weather for it. I placed my book down and stood up before telling the kids the plan. They jumped up excitedly and rushed inside to go get their toys while I walked inside and towards the kitchen to go prepare some sandwiches, picky bits and drinks. I thought the first forest have some nice spots since people usually walk their dogs there. Unfortunately, we didn't own a dog so we only rarely went in the forest if it was a nice day like today. I packed it all into a basket and managed to fit a white and red checkered blanket with me, basic I know, but cute. I called for my husband and children and within seconds they were all near the door getting their shoes on. Then we proceeded head out.
The walk was peaceful as expected, the trees creating a barrier from the sun, the smell of wild flowers filled my lungs. It was so... peaceful... almost too peaceful. Too quiet. I ignored the paranoia, it was probably just me over reacting like usual. I kept walking, but a bit more vigilant this time. As we got deeper into the forest I noticed it got darker... not by a lot... but I noticed. A slight breeze. My husband must have noticed me constantly glancing around and my tense form because I felt him put a reassuring hand on my arm, giving that stupid smile that always calms me. I relaxed, but still remained somewhat vigilant. Constantly watching the kids to make sure they stay close, calling out to them if they go too far. After about ten minutes of walking, we finally made it to a small clearing with a few benches. I set up the picnic and we all sat down.
As we ate, I had yet again noticed it had gotten darker and more cold, a chill sent down my spine, and this time I think my husband finally noticed since he looked a bit more tense and kept the kids closer, constantly surveilling the area. Then a quiet rustle from the bushes. I must have visibly tensed since my kids asked if I was okay. I told them I was and that they should focus on eating. But something was watching us. I know it. I could feel it. A million beady eyes looking at me. I said I had forgotten something at home and said that we needed to go home. The children argued with me but I was having none of it. Then I felt my husband tap my shoulder. I looked up at him but he didn't look down at me. His face was pale. He was focused on one thing. I watched as I grabbed the kids and practically bolted out the first. The kids did not understand what was happening. I quickly followed him. Then I saw it. A boney white figure standing in the trees. At least 8 ft tall. Oh. hell. No. I quickly rushed out of the forest, telling the kids we were playing a game. They believed it.
We finally made it out the woods where it was...sunny? But how, like ten minutes ago it was dark and cold. I glanced back at the forest. Never. Again. Not ever. That's the last time we go to those woods. And I warn you too. As inviting as those woods may seem, don't6 let looks deceive you. We learnt that the hard way. Good luck
P.S remember these rules:
Never look in the trees
If you hear something far, its close
If you hear something close its far
Never whistle back
And stay inside from dusk till at least 10. Trust me. I know they are like the Appalachian rules or whatever, but it works for us. It keeps us safe.
From unknown.
