Chapter 1: The Woods

8 years later…

8 years already. It almost seems like a lifetime since I started doing research on my hometown's woods. In my free time or on summer break, I'd always try to venture out into them, or gather more information.

It's already starting to become Fall and I've not gotten far into the forest to help further expand my research. Everyone's home, and streets were almost covered fully in leaves. As I roamed the sidewalks, I'd come across a few kids playing in the leaves, jumping in them, chasing each other around before one got pushed in or they all jumped in. I even saw a couple of kids pile up a ton of leaves in their trampoline right before jumping into it. I admitted to myself that it looked really fun to do.

After roaming the sidewalks, I decided today would be the day that I'd explore the woods once and for all.

As day turned to midday, I packed all the things I needed to adventure with, a flashlight, trail mix, three bottles of water, a hunting knife, and if need be, a portable tent. I looked up at the time before going out. I only had four hours to adventure out before papa would return from work. He's a police officer. He's one of the most beloved officers in town and no one, even the real nasty people, attack him or wish to hurt him. I still have that small feeling he'll get himself hurt one of these days if he acts nice around those bad people.

I put on my backpack and headed out the door and turned to adventure off into the woods. I had no clue what I was getting myself into, but I was determined. I stopped right at the line of the woods and took a deep breath before entering.

I still never understood why everyone feared this place, besides the occasional howls of the wolves and coyotes. Other than all of that, it sounds and looks like a typical, standard wooded area.

"Why did you want to enter into the woods anyway," a light voice asks, "besides for research things."

I chuckle, "I enjoy the woods as well. It was a real shame I couldn't adventure sooner than when I did."

"Did you regret going?" the light voice asks.

"Never did. I would do it again if I ever went back," I reply.

"Would you take me too?"

I smile, "I would. I bet he'd like to see you too."