Watcher In The Woods

by Julia L. Nielsen, January 21, 2001

Carmen dusted off her pants after she stumbled down the small hill. She could have sworn she heard Olivia, her dog growling close by. The Great Dane was always chasing after something. This time, it went far into the woods and Carmen didn't have time to go chasing after her, until she heard the noise.

She began walking faster, but lost her footing---that was where she slid down the muddy hill. She cursed aloud and peered around. The woods were a peaceful place to come. Trees surrounded the area and only sparse sunlight filtered in. The faint sounds of crickets, frogs and birds kept her company.

She heard the noise again and followed the sound. It was more like a moan now, instead of the continual barking as before. Carmen felt the leaves rustle under her feet and the wind started gaining force. It was mid-April so the coolness of the woods made her skin crawl with tiny goose bumps. Folding her arms, she walked further in the woods.

A feeling of impending doom made her jerk around every few feet. Come on Carmen, there is nothing scary here. Quit imagining things. Yet, she knew something was there.

The sun hid behind a cloud and the moaning got louder, except this time, the moan didn't sound like a dog. The trees swayed in motion with the wind, yanking leaves, throwing them in all directions. Carmen wanted to leave, but something beckoned her on.

Anxiety welled up inside her and she started to panic. She had to stop watching "The Twilight Zone" on the Sci-Fi channel at night. This was beginning to really spook her.

She stopped. She couldn't hear anything. Silence.

Not even the birds or the usual sounds of the woods were present. Carmen walked slowly, looking behind her and realized there was no opening anymore. She was deep in the woods. She wondered if calling the dog's name would allay her fears.

"Come Olivia. Come on girl." She whistled. Without warning, a big gust of wind swooshed down on her, knocking her to the ground. As soon as it came, it disappeared. Carmen began to think she would never find Olivia--maybe never again.

The moaning began once again and then a screeching sound reverberated throughout the woods. Carmen began to shake. She turned and without a second thought, ran. She ran fast and furious, trying to drown out the sound. Behind her, a tree slammed to the ground and she screamed.  Whatever it was didn't want her there--or didn't want her to leave.

As she ran, branches smacked her face as the wind overpowered her. she had to get out. She ran faster but never seemed to get anywhere. The woods encircled her and she felt the same de'ja'vu repeatedly as if there was no beginning or no end.

A wicked cackle broke through the moaning; Carmen screamed louder. Suddenly, the earth opened and Carmen could feel her body slipping away, far into the crevices of the dirt. She desperately tried to grab hold of anything to keep from falling further into the pit. Her fingers clawed furiously in the earth.

She was losing strength.

The ground abruptly stopped shaking. Carmen continued digging her way through.  She got to the top, but when she saw the face staring down at her, she fainted.

***

A cold washcloth covered her eyes. She couldn't see anything. Voices could be heard, but she didn't recognize them.

"Where am I?" She pushed herself up. The doctor came over and helped her back down.

"In the hospital. There was an earthquake. Good thing someone found you and brought you here."

"Who brought me here?" Carmen was confused.

"The nice gentleman that found you. Funny--he was wearing a dark cloak." Carmen gasped. "Oh, by the way--he said he would be visiting you soon.

Return to Top