Moth Wings: A collection of horror stories

Moth Wings

"Do not pick up anything. We don't know what dangers are in this jungle."

     My name is Jennifer and, like my dad, I am a collector. When my friends walk into my room, they always tell me that it's like walking into a museum. I have seashells that I have found on the beach. I have rocks, lots and lots of rocks. My favorite thing that I collect, though, are butterflies and moths. They are, of course, already dead when I find them. I could never, ever kill a living thing. Well, except for maybe mosquitoes. In class, we did a poll of what we think the most dangerous job is. Most people thought that being a firefighter or a police officer is the most dangerous career. Not me, though. I put something else. I put a collector. Wondering why? It's because of an accident that happened not too long ago.

A year ago...

     My alarm's shrill shriek pierced the air, disturbing the silence and my sleep. I jumped out of bed and quickly got dressed. Today was the day I got to go with my dad to Central America! I grabbed my suitcase and quickly finished packing. My dad worked for the government, exploring new and unmapped places. Today he would be flying to a small island near Central America to explore a jungle that was recently found by one of the locals. The jungle was called Moth Jungle, and apparently, there had been ancient documents found that mention this jungle, but they had been missing for a long, long time. My dad somehow managed to allow me to come with him. I have been looking forward to this trip all month. I hurried downstairs and grabbed myself a piece of toast. After finishing that off and guzzling down some milk, I quickly brushed my teeth and slipped on my shoes. I hurried into my dad's room and shook him awake. 

     "Dad! I'm ready to go! When do we leave?"

     "Jennifer... It's three in the morning! Our flight doesn't leave until seven!"

     "Whoops. I thought you said it left at five!"

     "Yes, yes. That's nice. Now go back to sleep!" my dad groaned rolling back over.

     I grumbled, walking back downstairs. There was no way that I was getting back to sleep. Once I got up, I was up. I turned the television to the animal planet and plopped down on the couch. I can't wait until we arrive at Moth Jungle. There are going to be so many cool things to see, so many places to explore. I... can't... wait!!!

...

    "Hurry, Dad! The plane's going leave without us!" I exclaimed tugging on his sleeve.

     "Well, if I had known it would take this long to get checked in, I would have woken up at three!"

     "See!" I said triumphantly. "I had a reason for waking you up!"

     "Yes, yes..." he sighed. "Rub it on in, why don't you."

     "Gladly. You see, it's like I have a sixth sense! You should have gotten up when I did..."

     We walked through the plane gate and showed the ticket collector our tickets. She looked them over, and her eyes went wide. She gulped and managed to stutter, "P...please enjoy your flight." She then quickly ran off and headed towards the restrooms. 

     My dad and I looked at each other before shrugging it off and boarding the plane. When we entered, I noticed that the pilot was lounging back in his seat looking bored. He must have noticed me staring at him because he bolted upright and stared straight ahead looking very serious. The flight attendant looked at us funny as we walked into the passenger area.