True Scary Stories Told to the Sound of Rain | Relax and Fall Asleep Quickly Vol. 13 l Black Screen

hello everyone I am the Storyteller and I am here to help you today I know you use this video to fall asleep so before that like the video and subscribe to the channel also where are you from and what time are you watching now get comfortable and relax the Mansion loomed before me a behemoth of stone and Shadow against the fading Twilight as I fumbled with the keys a chill ran down my spine that had nothing to do do with the crisp autumn air I told myself it was just nerves after all it's not every

day you get asked to house sit a sprawling estate that looks like it jumped straight out of a Gothic novel I pushed open the heavy oak door wincing at the loud Creek that echoed through the cavernous entryway hello I called out my voice small in the vastness silence answered me broken only by the ticking of an antique grandfather clock get it together Sarah I chided myself you're alone here just like Mrs Blackwood said you'd be no need to jump at Shadows I lugged my suitcase up the grand staircase my footsteps muffled by the plush carpet

the bedroom Mrs Blackwood had directed me to was larger than my entire apartment with a four poster bed that could easily sleep four I unpacked quickly eager to explore the rest of the house before it got too dark room after room revealed itself to me me each more opulent than the last a library with floor to ceiling bookshelves a music room with a grand piano Gathering dust a sun room filled with exotic plants I couldn't name it was like stepping into another world one of old money and Faded glamour as night fell I retreated to

the kitchen to make dinner the modern appliances stood out starkly against the Vintage Decor a jarring reminder of the present day I ate my pasta in silence the scrape of my Fork against the plate uncomfortably loud that first night I slept fitfully the house creaked and groaned around me settling in ways my City Apartment never did every noise had me sitting bolt upright heart racing before I remembered where I was by the time Dawn broke I felt more exhausted than when I'd gone to bed the next day passed uneventfully I worked remotely from the library

the Wi-Fi surprisingly good for such an old house as evening approached I decided to run myself a bath in the claw foot tub hoping it would help me relax I was just sinking into the steaming water when I heard it a thud followed by the unmistakable sound of footsteps my blood ran cold I held my breath straining to listen there it was again the slow deliberate tread of someone trying trying to move quietly it's just the house settling I told myself or your imagination running wild but deep down I knew better with shaking hands I

got out of the tub and dressed quickly I crept to the bathroom door and pressed my ear against it the footsteps had stopped but now I could hear something else the sound of drawers opening and closing someone was in the house searching for something Panic clawed at my throat my phone was in the bedroom the landline was downstairs I was trapped think o Sarah think I looked around the bathroom desperate for anything I could use as a weapon my eyes fell on a heavy Crystal soap dish it wasn't much but it was better than nothing

taking a deep breath I eased the bathroom door open the hallway was empty but I could hear movement coming from one of the spare bedrooms as quietly as I could I crept toward Wards the stairs I had just reached the top of the staircase when a floorboard creaked beneath my foot the noise from the bedroom stopped abruptly heart pounding I flew down the stairs taking them two at a time I could hear heavy footsteps behind me giving Chase I ran for the front door only to find it locked in my panic I couldn't remember which

key was which a hand grabbed my shoulder spinning me around I lashed out blindly with the soap dish feeling feeling it connect with something solid there was a grunt of pain and the grip on my shoulder loosened I didn't wait to see who my attacker was I ran for the kitchen thinking of the back door behind me I could hear the Intruder recovering their footsteps pounding after me the kitchen was dark lit only by The Faint glow of the microwave clock I stumbled through it hands outstretched searching for the door my hips slammed into the

kitchen island and I bit back across of pain where was the damn door my fingers brushed against cool glass the door I fumbled for the handle my sweaty hands slipping on the smooth metal got it I yanked the door open and burst out into the cool night air the vast manicured lawn stretched out before me the trees at its Edge a dark forbidding wall I ran towards them The Damp grass soaking through my socks I had just reached the tree line when I heard the back door clam open stop a deep voice bellowed the sound

spurred me on pushing me deeper into the woods branches whipped at my face as I ran Roots threatening to trip me with every step I had no idea where I was going no plan Beyond get away get help I don't know how long I ran it could have been minutes or hours my lungs burned and my legs felt like lead but fear kept me going the certainty that if I stopped something terrible would happen finally when I felt I couldn't take another step I saw lights through the trees a house I stumbled towards it relief

making me dizzy as I broke through the tree line I realized with a start that I recognized this house it was the Mansion somehow in my blind panic I had run in a circle for a moment I stood Frozen unsure what to do then I saw a car in the driveway that hadn't been there before a police car safety I ran towards it waving my arms help I screamed oh please help me the front door of the Mansion opened and a police officer stepped out followed by Mrs Blackwood oh thank God Mrs Blackwood said rushing

towards me Sarah dear are you all right we've been so worried I stared at her uncomprehended rending there's someone in the house I managed to gasp out an intruder he chased me Mrs Blackwood and the officer exchanged a look Sarah Mrs Blackwood said gently there's no Intruder it's just Harold Harold as if summoned by his name a man appeared in the doorway he was tall and lean with graying hair and a kindly face there was a bruise forming on his cheek I'm so sorry for frightening you he said his voice deep and apologetic the same

voice that had shouted after me in the woods I should have announced myself Sarah this is my husband Harold Mrs Blackwood explained he wasn't supposed to be back until next week but his business trip ended early he came home to surprise me not realizing I had asked you to house sit the adrenaline that had been keeping me going suddenly evaporated leaving me laded but the noises the searching Harold looked sheepish I was looking for my reading glasses I didn't want to wake you so I was trying to be quiet when I heard you run I

tried to explain but he gestured to his bruised cheek you have quite an arm I felt my face burn with embarrassment I'm so sorry I stammered I thought I mean I didn't no no no it's my fault entirely Harold insisted I should have called ahead or at least turned on some lights Mrs Blackwood put an arm around my shoulders come inside dear you're shaking like a leaf let's get you warmed up and we'll sort this all out as we walked back to the house the police officer following behind I couldn't help but laugh all that

Terror all that running and it had been a simple misunderstanding but later that night night as I lay in bed listening to the blackwoods move about the house a small part of me wondered what if it hadn't been Herald what if it had been a real Intruder I pulled the covers up higher suddenly aware of just how big and empty the Mansion was and how many places there were for someone or something to hide sleep was a long time coming that night the first rays of sunlight had just begun to pierced through the dense canopy

when I realized I was hopelessly lost what was supposed to be a rejuvenating solo hike through the Cascade Mountains had turned into a nightmare and I was about to stumble into something far worse than I could have imagined I've always prided myself on my Outdoorsman skills growing up in the Pacific Northwest I spent more time in the woods than I did in my own backyard but as I stood there my worn hiking boots sinking slightly into the damp Earth I felt a chill that had nothing to do with the crisp Mountain Air the trail I'd

been following for the past 2 days had gradually become less defined until it disappeared altogether i' pushed on confident in my ability to navigate by the Sun and my trusty Compass but now surrounded by towering Pines and Jagged rocks everything looked the same I took a deep breath trying to quell the Panic rising in my chest stay calm Jake I muttered to myself Panic is the enemy I decided to climb to Higher Ground hoping to spot a landmark or maybe even catch a glimpse of the highway in the distance The Climb was Steep and my

muscles protested with every step I was rationing my water unsure of when I'd find a stream to refill my bottles as I neared the top of the ridge I heard something that made me freeze mid-step voices human voices relief washed over me other hikers maybe they could help me get my bearings I quickened my pace and ignoring the burning in my thighs but as I got closer the voices became clearer and my relief turned to unease these weren't the cheerful tones of fellow hikers enjoying nature the voices were low angry and punctuated by the occasional

sound of metal clanging against metal I slowed down moving as quietly as I could years of hunting with my dad had taught me how to move through the forest without making a sound I crouched behind a large Boulder peering around it cautiously what I saw made my blood run cold in a small clearing about 50 yards away I could see three men they were roughl looking with unkempt beards and dirty clothes but it wasn't their appearance that sent a jolt of fear through me it was what they were doing the men were gathered around what

looked like a makeshift lab plastic contain containers tubing and propane tanks were scattered around one of the men was carefully measuring out a white powder while another stirred a bubbling pot over a portable stove I didn't need to be a chemist to know what I was looking at this was a meth lab hidden deep in the wilderness where no one was likely to stumble upon it except I had I held my breath not daring to move a muscle these men were dangerous that much was clear if they caught me I doubted they'd simply let me

go on my way damn it Tony one of the men suddenly shouted making me Flinch I told you to watch the temperature you're going to ruin the whole batch screw you Mike the man stirring the pot shot back I know what I'm doing both of you shut up the third man growled he seemed to be the leader we don't need any noise carrying last thing we need is some Ranger stumbling on us If Only They knew how close they were to the truth I knew I needed to get out of there and fast but which

way I was lost to begin with and now I had to factor in avoiding these criminals one wrong move one sna twig and I could be discovered slowly carefully I began to back away from my hiding spot my heart was pounding so loudly I was sure they must be able to hear it crack the sound of a branch breaking under my foot was like a gunshot in the quiet Forest I froze my whole body tensing what was that one of the men said sharply probably just a deer another replied but he didn't sound convinced check

it out the leader commanded could be a bear attracted by the smell I heard footsteps coming in my direction Panic overtook me and I ran I no longer cared about being quiet all that mattered was putting as much distance between myself and those men as possible behind me I heard shouts of alarm they had spotted me I ran like I'd never run before crashing through underbrush leaping over Fallen logs branches whipped at my face leaving stinging Cuts but I didn't slow down I could hear them pursuing me their heavy footfalls and angry shouts spurring me

on I had no idea where I was going my only thought was to keep moving to not let them catch me my lungs burned and my legs felt like they were on fire but fear kept me going suddenly the ground disappeared from under my feet I had run right off the edge of a steep incline I tumbled down the slope my world becoming a dizzying blur of Earth and Sky I came to a stop at the bottom the breath knocked out of me for a moment I lay there dazed and gasping for air then I

heard the voices again closer now ignoring the pain radiating through my body I forced myself to my feet and started running again the forest seemed to close in around me the trees becoming a green blur as I ran I had no idea how long I'd been running or how far I'd gone my throat was raw my mouth dry as dust but still I pushed on just when I thought I couldn't take another step I burst out of the tree line and onto a Road an actual paved Road I could have cried with relief but I

wasn't safe yet I could still hear shouts in the distance they were still after me I looked up and down the road praying to see a car aim a truck anything but it was deserted left with no other choice I started running down the road it had to lead somewhere right to civilization to safety I don't know how long I ran along that road Road time seemed to lose all meaning my whole world narrowed down to the rhythmic pounding of my feet on the asphalt and the burning in my lungs and then like a mirage

in the desert I saw it a gas station never in my life had I been so happy to see one of those garish neon signs I staggered into the parking lot startling an old man filling up his pickup truck please I gasped out my voice horse I I need help call the police the man took one look at me wild-eyed covered in cuts and bruises gasping for breath and hurried into the store moments later he came back out with the clerk who was already on the phone with 911 as I sank to the ground my

legs finally giving out I heard the clerk describing my condition to the dispatcher the old man draped his jacket over my shoulders murmuring words of comfort it wasn't until I heard the whale of approaching Sirens that I finally allowed myself to relax I was safe I had made it the aftermath was a blur of police statements and medical checks I told the authorities everything I had seen and they assured me they would investigate they found the lab abandoned but with clear evidence of recent activity the men however had vanished into the vast Wilderness it took

me a long time to feel comfortable in the woods again after that the forest once My Sanctuary had become a place of Terror but slowly I found my way back I still hike still seek out the Solitude of nature but now I'm always aware that even in the most remote places you're never truly alone and sometimes that's not a comforting thought at all the flickering fluorescent lights cast an eerie glow over the empty corridors as I made my rounds it was just another quiet night at Westfield mall or so I thought little did I know

that in a matter of hours I'd be fighting for my life against an unseen enemy in a place I once considered mundane my name's Mike and I've been the night security guard at Westfield for the past 3 years it's usually a boring job walk around check the locks make sure no one's trying to camp out in the food court overnight but that night that night was different it started like any other shift I arrived at 10: p.m. just as the last of the cleaning crew was leaving I nodded to Janice the elderly woman who always

stayed late to make sure the floors were spotless all quiet tonight Mike she said with a smile see you tomorrow if only she knew I settled into the security office a small room filled with monitors showing feeds from the mall's numerous cameras I did a quick scan nothing but empty doors and darkened corridors perfect around midnight I started my first round of the night the mall was eerily silent my footsteps echoing off the tiled floors I'd never tell anyone but these walks always gave me the creeps something about the mannequins and the store Windows their

blank faces seeming to follow me as I passed I was on the second floor passing by the large fountain in the center Atrium when I heard it a faint noise no like metal scraping against metal I froze straining my ears there it was again hello I called out my voice sounding unnaturally loud in the empty space no response I pulled out my flashlight sweeping its beam across the darkened stores nothing seemed out of place must be the old pipes I muttered to myself trying to shake off the uneasy feeling creeping up my spine I continued

my r but now I was on high alert every shadow seemed deeper every noise Amplified by the time I made it back to the security office my nerves were frayed I sank into my chair eyes scanning the monitors everything looked normal but I couldn't shake the feeling that something was off that's when I saw it a shadow moving quickly across one of the screens I leaned in heart racing it was gone as quickly as it appeared leaving me wondering if I'd imagined it I rewound the footage watching carefully there in the corner of the screen

a figure darted past too fast to make out clearly my mouth went dry someone was in the mall I grabbed my radio ready to call for backup but hesitated what if I was overreacting I didn't want to be the guard who called the cops over a trick of the light I decided to investigate myself first armed with my flashlight and a heavy wrench I kept in the office for emergencies I ventured out into the mall the corridor seemed different now menacing every storefront could be hiding an intruder every shadow concealing a threat I moved cautiously

ears straining for any sound out of place as I rounded a corner near the electronic store I heard it again that scraping sound louder this time it was coming from inside the store I approached roed slowly flashlight beam trembling slightly the store's security gate was intact but as I got closer I could see it wasn't fully closed there was a gap at the bottom just big enough for someone to squeeze under my heart was pounding so hard I could feel it in my throat I should go back call the police but curiosity and a misplaced

sense of Duty pushed me forward I ducked under the gate wincing at the noise it made the store was Pitch Black the displays of TV and computers looming like silent Sentinels my flashlight beam seemed pathetically small in the darkness security I called out trying to keep my voice steady Show Yourself silence then a crash from the back of the store I swung my flashlight toward the sound catching a glimpse of movement someone was definitely here I moved deeper into the store wrench gripped tightly in my my sweaty hand another crash a closer this time I

spun around but saw nothing they were toying with me I realized whoever they were they were enjoying this game of cat and mouse suddenly the lights in the store flickered on I blinked momentarily blinded when my vision cleared I saw them three men dressed all in black wearing masks that covered their faces they were spread out blocking my exit one of them held a crowbar another a knife well well the one in the middle said his voice muffled by the mask looks like we've got company boys I raised my wrench trying to look more confident

than I felt you're trespassing I said surprised at how steady my voice sounded leave now and I won't call the cops they laughed a chilling sound that echoed through the store I don't think you understand the situation rant a cop the leader said we're not going anywhere and neither are you they started to advance spreading out to surround me I backed up mind racing I was outnumbered and out armed I needed a plan fast my back hit a display stand and an idea struck I grabbed the laptop off the stand and hurled it at the

nearest Intruder he ducked and in that moment of distraction I ran I darted between the aisles knocking over displays as I went to slow them down I could hear them cursing giving Chase I reached the security gate and slid under it not stopping to catch my breath I ran through the mall the sound of pursuit close behind I needed to get to the security office how to call for help but they were between me and the office I took a sharp turn heading for the service corridors if I could lose them in the Maze of

back hallways I might have a chance the service door slammed behind me as I entered the narrow Corridor it was darker here the emergency lights casting Long Shadows I ran taking random turns hoping to throw off my pursuers left right another right I was quickly lost in the Warren of corridors but I could still hear them their footsteps echoing off the concrete walls I found myself in the mall's basement surrounded by hulking Machinery generators HVAC systems water heaters the noise was deafening masking any sounds of pursuit I crouched behind a large boiler trying to catch

my breath and think I needed to get to a phone to call for help but my radio was back in the security office you and my cell phone was in my locker I was on my own a noise to my left made me freeze one of them was close searching methodically I could could see his flashlight beam sweeping across the floor I held my breath as the beam passed inches from my feet for a heart stopping moment I thought he'd seen me but the light moved on I waited until I could no longer hear him

then started to move I needed to get back upstairs to find a way out I crept through the basement every nerve on high alert I'd almost made it to the stairs when a hand grabbed my shoulder I spun swinging my wrench blindly it connected with something solid and I heard a grunt of pain I didn't wait to see who I'd hit I ran taking the stairs two at a time I burst back into the main mall I could hear shouts behind me they were all after me now I ran faster than I ever had in

my life my lungs burning legs pumping I rounded a corner and saw it the exit freedom I slammed into the door at full speed already Imagining the cool night air on my face but the door didn't budge it was locked of course it was locked I had locked it myself at the start of my shift Panic threatened to overwhelm me as I fumbled for my keys behind me I could hear them getting closer my hands were shaking so badly I could barely get the key in the lock turn damn you turn just as I heard

them around the corner the lock clicked I yanked the door open and burst out into the the night I ran across the parking lot not daring to look back I didn't stop until I reached the 24-hour diner across the street I burst in startling the lone waitress call the police I gasped please the next few hours were a blur of police statements and questions they searched the mall but found no sign of The Intruders just some broken displays in the electronic store and a crowbar left behind I quit my job the next day I couldn't

face going back into that mall couldn't shake the feeling of being hunted sometimes late at night I still wake up in a cold sweat the echo of footsteps in my ears and I wonder what if I hadn't made it to that door in time the crackling of our campfire did little to mask the Eerie silence that had fallen over the forest what had started as a peaceful getaway for me and Sarah had turned into a nightmare as I stared into the darkness beyond our small circle of light I couldn't shake the feeling that we were

being watched little did I know our idyllic camping trip was about to become a desperate fight for survival my name's Alex and I've always loved the Great Outdoors when I suggested to my girlfriend Sarah that we take a weekend camping trip to celebrate our anniversary she was all for it we picked a spot deep in the Ozarks far from the usual tourist Trails we wanted solitude a chance to reconnect with nature and each other be careful what you wish for I guess the first day was perfect we hiked through Lush forests the canopy above us

alive with bird song we set up our tent in a small clearing near a bubbling stream the sound of the water a soothing backdrop to our quiet conversation as night fell we sat by our campfire roasting marshmallows and pointing out constellations in the clear sky above it was on the second day that things started to feel off we were exploring a nearby Ridge when Sarah stopped suddenly did you hear that she asked her voice tight with tension I listened but heard nothing beyond the usual forest sounds hear what I thought I heard voices she said

her eyes scanning the trees around us like someone shouting I strained my ears but still heard nothing unusual probably just other hikers I said trying to sound reassuring but a small knot of unease had formed in my stomach we continued our hike but the Carefree mood of earlier had evaporated I found myself jumping at every snapping twig every russle in the underbrush Sarah kept close to me her earlier enthusiasm replaced by nervous glances over her shoulder as we made our way back to our campsite I couldn't shake the feeling that we were being followed every

time I turned to look behind us I saw nothing but trees and shadows but the feeling persisted growing stronger with each step we reached our clearing just as the sun was setting painting the sky in brilliant shades of orange and pink but even the beautiful sunset couldn't dispel the unease that had settled over us maybe we should pack up and head back Sarah suggested as we prepared dinner I've got a bad feeling about this place I was tempted to agree but my pride got in the way let's stick it out one more night I said

it's probably just our imaginations running wild we came out here for an adventure right Sarah nodded but I could see she wasn't convinced neither was I if I'm being honest as Darkness fell we huddled close to our campfire the Flames casting flickering Shadows on the surrounding trees we spoke in hushed tones as if afraid of being overheard every snapping twig every rustle of leaves had us on edge it was just after midnight when we heard it a long low whistle followed by an answering call from the other side of our clearing Sarah grabbed my arm

her fingers digging into my skin Alex she whispered her voice trembling there's someone out there before I could respond a figure stepped into the edge of our fire light a man tall and lean with a scraggly beard and clothes that had seen better days he was holding a hunting rifle well well he said his voice rough looks like we've got company boys as if on q more men emerged from the darkness I counted five in total all armed all looking at us with a mixture of curiosity and something darker more predatory I stood up slowly

pulling Sarah with me we don't want any trouble I said trying to keep keep my voice steady we're just camping we'll pack up and leave right now if you want the first man clearly the leader laughed it was not a pleasant sound oh you're not going anywhere he said see we've got ourselves a little operation out here and we can't have you two running off and telling anyone about it my mind raced what kind of operation could they be running out here in the middle of nowhere then it clicked drugs we must have stumbled too

close to their setup we haven't seen anything Sarah said her voice high with fear we don't even know where we are exactly please just let us go the leader pretended to consider this for a moment then shook his head can't take that risk sweetheart no I'm afraid you'll be staying with us for a while the other men started to move closer forming a tight Circle around us I looked around desperately for a way out but we were completely surrounded that's when I saw it a flash of metal in the fir light one of the men

had pulled out a length of rope in that moment survival Instinct took over I grabbed a burning log from the fire and hurled it at the nearest man he yelled in pain and surprise as Embers scattered across his chest run I shouted at Sarah pushing her towards the darkest part of the Forest we took off crashing through the underbrush behind us I could hear shouts of anger and the sound of pursuit my heart was pounding so hard I thought it might burst out of my chest we ran blindly Through The Dark Forest branches whipping at

our faces Roots threatening to trip us with every step I had no idea where we were going only that we needed to put as much distance between us and those men as possible Sarah stumbled and I caught her before she could fall keep going I gasped pulling her along we can't stop the sound of our pursuers seemed to be getting closer they knew these Woods better than we did and they were gaining on us just when I thought we couldn't run any further we burst out of the tree line and found ourselves at the edge

of a Steep Ravine the stream we had camped near had carved a deep Gully into the Earth the water now a rushing torrent far below us what do we do do Sarah cried her eyes wild with fear I looked back at the forest saw flashlight beams dancing between the trees they were almost upon us we have to jump I said gesturing to the other side of the Ravine it wasn't too wide maybe 10 ft across we could make it we had to make it Sarah looked at me like I was crazy but the sound of

voices growing nearer made up her mind she nodded on three I said gripping her hand tightly 1 2 3 we leaped together the ground disappearing beneath our feet for a heart-stopping moment we were suspended in the air the Roar of the water below us drowning out everything else then we hit the other side rolling to break our fall pain shot through my ankle but adrenaline kept me moving I pulled Sarah to her feet and we staggered into the cover of the trees on this side of the ravine behind us I heard shouts of frustration they

had reached the Ravine but it had bought us precious time we kept moving pushing our exhausted bodies to their limits the rest of the night passed in a blur of fear and desperate flight every sound had us freezing in Terror certain we were about to be discovered as the first light of dawn began to filter through the trees we finally heard what we had been praying for the distant sound of traffic we had reached a road stumbling out of the forest we flagged down the first car we saw an old pickup truck driven by an

elderly farmer the look on his face when he saw us dirty bleeding wild-eyed with fear must have been something to behold we babbled out our story as he drove us to the nearest police station the authorities took our statement and sent out search parties but they never found any trace of the men or their operation maybe they had cleared out knowing we would bring the law down down on them it took a long time for the nightmares to stop for us to feel safe again Sarah and I are still together stronger for having survived that

night but we don't go camping anymore some scars run too deep some fears are too Primal to ever fully shake off sometimes when I'm lying awake at night I can still hear those whistles echoing through the trees still feel the terror of being hunted and I wonder about those dark forests about what other Secrets they might be hiding waiting to be stumbled upon by unsuspecting campers looking for a peaceful getaway the highway stretched endlessly before me a ribbon of asphalt cutting through the night I'd been driving for hours the monotony broken only by the occasional

flicker of my truck's headlights catching a road sign or a startled animal's eyes I never expected that picking up a stranger would turned my routine Hall into a nightmare but that's exactly what happened on that moonless night in the middle of nowhere my name's Jack and I've been a long haul trucker for the better part of two decades I've seen my fair share of weird stuff on the road but nothing could have prepared me for what happened that night it was just past midnight and I was hauling a load of electronics from Chicago to Phoenix

the radio was playing softly some late night talk show about alien abductions I chuckled to myself thinking how some people would believe anything to make their lives more exciting that's when I saw him a lone figure on the side of the road thumb out hoping for a ride now I'm not usually one for picking up hitchhikers too many horror stories too many risks but something about this guy made me slow down maybe it was the late hour or the fact that we were miles from anywhere or maybe I was just tired of my own company

I pulled over the air brakes hissing as the truck came to a stop the man jogged up to the passenger side and I leaned over to open the door where you headed I asked as he climbed in West he said simply as far as you're going I gave him a once over as he settled into the seat he was younger than me probably in his early 30s lean with close cropped hair and intense eyes that seemed to take in everything at once he had a small duffel bag bag that he kept clutched tightly on his

lap I'm Jack I said pulling back onto the highway Mike he replied not offering a hand to shake we drove in silence for a while the only sound the rumble of the engine and The Whisper of tires on asphalt I tried to make conversation ask him where he was from what he did for a living but Mike's answers were short evasive after a while I gave up and focused on the road it was about an hour later that I first noticed something was off Mike had been fidgeting in his seat constantly checking the side mirrors

at first I thought maybe he was just nervous about hitching a ride with a stranger but then I caught him glancing at me a calculating look in his eyes that sent a chill down my spine everything okay I asked trying to keep my voice casual fine he said quickly too quickly just not used to being in a truck this big I nodded but I didn't believe him my instincts honed by years on the road were screaming that something wasn't right we were passing through a particularly desolate stretch of highway when Mike suddenly spoke up pull

over he said his voice tight what I said pull over now I glanced at him and felt my blood run cold Mike had a gun in his hand pointed straight at me my mind raced was this a robbery was he going to kill me and take the truck I thought about my wife back home about our kids would I ever see them again look man I said trying to keep my voice steady if you want money I've got some cash in my wallet just take it and go no need for this to get ugly Mike

laughed a harsh humorless sound this isn't about money Jack this is about survival now pull over before I decide to redecorate your cab with your brains I did as he said guiding the massive truck onto the shoulder as soon as we came to a stop Mike was in motion he reached across me and grabbed the keys from the ignition get out he ordered gesturing with the gun I climbed out of the cab my legs feeling like Jelly Mike followed keeping the gun trained on me what do you want I asked hating how my voice shook

I need your truck Mike said and I need you to drive it drive it where you'll know when we get there now get back in you're driving as I climbed back into the driver's seat my mind was working overtime I needed to find a way out of this situation maybe if I could distract him I could make a grab for the gun or maybe I could intentionally Drive badly try to attract the attention of a highway patrol car but as if reading my thoughts Mike spoke up don't try anything stupid Jack I've got nothing to

lose which means you've got everything everything to lose just drive normally and do what I say so I drove hours passed the landscape outside changing as we headed west all the while Mike kept the gun trained on me his eyes constantly scanning the road behind us who are you running from I finally asked unable to contain my curiosity any longer Mike was quiet for so long I thought he wasn't going to answer then bad people he said softly people who want me dead why he laughed again that same humorless sound because I know things things

they don't want anyone to know my mind raced with possibilities was he some kind of whistleblower a witness to a crime whatever it was I was now involved whether I wanted to be or not as Dawn began to break painting the sky in shades of pink and gold Mike suddenly tensed he muttered staring intently at the side mirror I glanced in my rear viw mirror and saw a black SUV gaining on us fast drive faster Mike ordered his knuckles white around the gun I pressed down on the accelerator the engine roaring as we picked up

speed but the SUV was faster sleeker it pulled alongside us and I saw the passenger window roll rolling down get down Mike yelled just as the sound of gunfire erupted I ducked instinctively feeling the truck swerve as bullets pinged off the metal Mike was returning fire leaning out the window to shoot at our pursuers the next few minutes were chaos I struggled to keep the truck on the road while trying to stay low the sound of gunfire was deafening in the confined space of the cab suddenly there was a loud bang and the truck lurched

violently they had shot out out one of our tires I fought with the steering wheel trying to keep us from Jack knifing there Mike shouted pointing ahead pull into that rest stop I saw the sign for the upcoming rest area and made for it the truck swaying dangerously on its blown tire we skitted into the parking lot coming to a stop in a cloud of dust and burning rubber run Mike yelled already jumping out of the cab I didn't need to be told twice I was out of the truck and running before I even had

time to think I could hear car doors slamming behind us shouts of anger Mike and I ran towards the small cluster of buildings that made up the rest stop it was early and the place was deserted we burst into the main building startling a sleepy looking attendant call the police I gasped out are there are men with guns but before I could finish the door burst open again three men entered all holding weapons the attendant screamed and ducked behind the counter Mike shoved me behind a rack of snacks and opened fire the men returned fire

and suddenly the quiet rest stop was transformed into a war zone chips bags exploded sending a rain of potato shards everywhere the acrid smell of gunpowder filled the air I cowered behind the rack my heart pounding so hard I thought it might burst out of my chest this was insane how had my normal Knight turned into this the gunfight seemed last forever but it was probably only a few minutes then suddenly silence fell I peered around the edge of the rack Mike was still standing his gun still raised the three men were on the ground

not moving I felt bile rise in my throat and had to swallow hard to keep from throwing up in the distance I could hear sirens approaching someone probably the attendant had managed to call the police Mike turned to me his face Grim I'm sorry he said I never meant for any of this to happen before I could respond he was gone running out the back door of the rest stop I thought about following him but my legs wouldn't move I just sat there surrounded by the debris of the gunfight waiting for the police to arrive

the aftermath was a blur of police statements and questions I told them everything about picking up Mike about the chase and the shootout they seemed skeptical at first but the evidence backed up my story it turned out Mike was indeed a whistleblower set to testify against a powerful crime syndicate the men chasing us were Hitmen sent to silence him Mike was never found having vanished into the desert as for me I was cleared of any wrongdoing but the experience changed me I still drive my roots still haul my loads across the country but I'm more

cautious now more aware of the darkness that can lurk behind a friendly face and I never ever pick up hitchhikers anymore the first sign of trouble was the sputtering of my car's engine a sound that sent a chill down my spine on that desolate stretch of highway as the vehicle lurched to a stop I had no idea that this breakdown would be the beginning of a nightmarish encounter that would test my will to survive sometimes the most terrifying monsters aren't the ones in our imagination but the ones masquerading as Good Samaritans my name is Emily

and I've always prided myself on being independent and resourceful but on that fateful night those qualities would be pushed to their limits I was on my way back from a job interview and the next state over it was a long drive but I was riding the high of what I felt was a successful meeting the sun had set hours ago and the highway had thinned out to just the occasional passing truck I was tired but determined to make it home that's when my trusty old sedan decided it had had enough the engine made a horrible

grinding noise and despite my pleading and cajoling the car rolled to a stop on the shoulder of the road no no no I muttered turning the key and the ignition repeatedly nothing not even a sputter I sat there for a moment trying to calm my racing heart I was in the middle of nowhere my cell phone showing no bars of service the moonless night seemed to press in on all sides the darkness beyond my headlights absolute taking a deep breath I popped the hood and got out of the car I didn't know much about engines

but I hoped it might be something simple something I could fix as soon as I lifted the hood I knew it was hopeless the engine was a maze of pipes and wires that meant nothing to me I was just about to close the hood when I saw saw headlights approaching in the distance relief washed over me maybe they would stop and help or at least let me use their phone the vehicle an old pickup truck slowed as it neared me it pulled over and a man got out in the glow of my headlights I could

see he was middle-aged with a weathered face and calloused hands he wore worn jeans and a flannel shirt looking every bit the part of a local farmer or Rancher car trouble he called out walking towards me yeah I replied trying to keep the nervousness out of my voice it just died on me I don't suppose you know anything about engines he chuckled I might know a thing or two mind if I take a look I stepped aside allowing him to peer into the engine compartment he poked around for a few minutes making thoughtful noises well

looks like your timing belt shot he finally said not something we can fix out here I'm afraid my heart sank I don't suppose you have a cell phone I could borrow mine's not getting any service out here he shook his head sorry don't believe in those things but tell you what I can give you a ride to the nearest town There's a mechanic there who could help you out I hesitated every Instinct was screaming at me not to get into a car with a stranger especially out here in the middle of nowhere but what choice

did I have I couldn't stay here all night and who knew when another car might come along that would be great thank you I heard myself say he smiled but something about it didn't quite reach his eyes happy to help name's Tom by the way Emily I replied grabbing my purse from my car as we drove Tom kept up a steady stream of small talk he asked about where I was from where I was headed I answered vaguely not wanting to give away too much information something about him was making me increasingly uneasy though I

couldn't put my finger on why we had been driving for about 20 minutes when I realized something was wrong we should have reached a town by now or at least seen some signs of civilization but there was nothing but Darkness outside the windows um how much further is it to town I asked trying to keep my voice casual Tom glanced at me and this time there was no mistaking the coldness in his eyes oh we're not going to town Emily my blood ran cold what do you mean where are we going he didn't answer just

pressed down harder on the accelerator the truck picked up speed eating up the empty road ahead Panic surged through me I reached for the door handle but it wouldn't budge child lucks I realized with horror please I said my voice shaking just let me out I won't tell anyone I swear Tom laughed a harsh sound that made my skin crawl oh I know you won't tell anyone no one ever does the implication of his words hit me like a physical blow this wasn't the first time he had done this how many other stranded motorists had

he picked up promising help only to I couldn't even finish the thought my mind raced trying to think of a way out I could try to grab the wheel Force us off the road but at this speed that would likely kill us both I could try to reason with him appeal to his Humanity but the cold gleam in his eyes told me that was a lost cause as we sped through the night Tom started talking again but this time his words chilled me to the Bone you know Emily you really shouldn't trust strangers he said

said his tone conversational as if we were discussing the weather bad things happen to girls who aren't careful but don't worry it'll all be over soon I felt tears welling up in my eyes but I forced them back I refused to give him the satisfaction of seeing me cry suddenly an idea struck me it was risky potentially fatal but it was the only chance I had I started coughing violently dou pull in over in my seat what the hell Tom said glancing over at me I continued coughing making choking noises can't breathe I gasped out

Tom looked uncertain for the first time hey cut that out he said but I could hear a note of concern in his voice I slumped in my seat my coughs turning to wheezes I closed my eyes letting my body go limp Tom muttered the truck began to slow down I felt the vehicle pull over to the side of the road Tom put it in park and leaned over me hey wake up he said shaking my shoulder roughly this was my chance my eyes snapped open and I drove my elbow into his face with all the

strength I could muster I felt his nose crunch under the impact and he reeled back with a howl of pain in his moment of distraction I lunged for the keys in the ignition I yanked them out and scrambled for the door my fingers scrabbling at the Lock Tom recovered quickly grabbing for me his fingers Tangled in my hair yanking me back I screamed more en rage than fear and twisted in his grip my free hand found his eyes and I dug my fingers in without Mercy he let go with a scream of Agony and I

tumbled out of the truck onto the hard ground pain shot through my body but adrenaline kept me moving I staggered to my feet and ran I could hear Tom behind me cursing and stumbling in the darkness but I had the advantage now my eyes had adjusted to the darkness and I was younger faster I ran like I had never run before my lungs burning my legs pumping I didn't know where I was going only that I had to get away the keys were still clutched in my hand cutting into my palm I don't know how

long I ran it could have been minutes or hours eventually I couldn't hear Tom anymore but I didn't slow down the night was alive with noises the rustle of wind through grass The Hoot of an owl the scurrying of small animals but to my terrified mind every sound was Tom coming to finish what he had started just when I thought I couldn't take another step I saw it lights in the distance a town or at least a gas station civilization safety with a final burst of energy I didn't know I possessed I sprinted towards the

lights as I got closer I could make out the shape of a small gas station alone beacon in the darkness I burst into the fluorescent lit store startling the Sleepy looking clerk behind the counter please I gasped out call the police there's a man he he tried to I couldn't finish the sentence the adrenaline that had kept me going suddenly drained away leaving me shaky and weak my legs gave out and I sank to the floor the events of the night finally catching up with me the clerk to his credit didn't hesitate he grabbed the

phone and dialed 911 while keeping a wey eye on the door the police arrived quickly their flashing lights a welcome sight I told them everything everything describing Tom and his truck in as much detail as I could remember they found him a few hours later trying to fix his truck on the side of the road the keys I had taken were the only copy he had in his truck they found evidence linking him to several unsolved disappearances in the area as for me I was lucky apart from Some Cuts and bruises I was physically unharmed

the mental scars took longer to heal for months after I couldn't drive at night without breaking into a cold sweat every passing truck on the highway made my heart race but I survived I outsmarted a predator and lived to tell the tale and if my story can serve as a warning to others to trust their instincts and be cautious then maybe some good can come from that terrifying night I still drive that stretch of highway sometimes and every time I pass the spot where my car broke down I say a silent thank you to whatever

force was looking out for me that night and to the strength I found within myself when I needed it most the crumbling facade of the abandoned milbrook Factory loomed before us its broken windows staring down like Hollow eyes we were just a group of friends looking for a thrill Urban explorers seeking the perfect spot for some cool photos little did we know we were about to stumble into a nightmare that would test best our will to survive and change us forever my name's Jake and I've always been fascinated by abandoned places there's something haunting yet

beautiful about a building left to Decay nature slowly reclaiming what man has discarded so when my friends and I heard about the old milbrook factory on the outskirts of town we knew we had to check it out there were five of us that day me my best friend Tom his girlfriend Sarah and our friends Mike and Lizzie we'd done this kind of thing before but never in a place quite this big or isolated as we approached the factory I felt a familiar mix of excitement and apprehension the chain link fence surrounding the property was rusted

and bent easy enough to slip through we made our way across the overgrown parking lot our footsteps crunching on broken glass and gravel this place is creepy as hell Lizzie whispered her camera already out and snapping pictures that's the point isn't it Mike grinned but I could see he was a bit on edge too we found a side door that was hanging off its hinges and slipped inside the interior was dark and musty years of dust and Decay filling our nostrils beams of sunlight stream through holes in the roof Illuminating dancing Moes of dust let's

split up Tom suggested we'll cover more ground that way I wasn't too keen on the idea but everyone else seemed excited about it we agreed to meet back at the entrance in an hour and set off in different directions I made my way deeper into the factory my flashlight beam cutting through the Gloom the place was a maze of rusted machinery and collapsed shelving every step echoed ominously and more than once I spooked myself with my own reflection in a grimy window I was in what looked like an old office area when I heard it

a shuffle of movement too heavy to be a rat or other small animal I froze my heart suddenly pounding guys I called out my voice sounding small in the vast space no answer I turned slowly sweeping my flashlight around the room nothing seemed out of place but I couldn't shake the feeling that I wasn't alone that's when I saw it a shadow moving quickly past a doorway at the end of the hall it was too big to be any of my friends fear gripped me but curiosity won out I moved towards the doorway every nerve

on high alert as I reached the threshold I heard voices low rough Whispers that definitely didn't belong to any of my friends I peered around the corner and my blood ran cold in what must have been the Factory's main floor I saw three men they were gathered around a collection of crates passing packages between them even from a distance I knew what what I was seeing this was a drug deal I must have made a noise a gasp or a shifting of my feet because suddenly one of the men looked up our eyes met and

for a moment time seemed to stand still then all hell broke loose hey the man shouted reaching for something at his waist I didn't wait to see what it was I turned and ran I could hear shouts and footsteps behind me as I tore through the factory my mind was racing I knew needed to find my friends to warn them we needed to get out of here now I rounded a corner and slammed right into Tom we both went down in a tangle of Limbs Jake what the hell man Tom groaned rubbing his head no

time I gasped scrambling to my feet we need to go now where are the others the urgency in my voice must have gotten through to him because he didn't ask any more questions Sarah's just down there he pointed I don't know where Mike and Lizzy went we found Sarah quickly and I gave them a rushed explanation as we moved their eyes widened in fear as they realized the danger we were in we need to find Mike and Lizzy Sarah said her voice shaking I nodded but before we could decide on a plan we heard a

scream it was Lizzy we ran towards the sound caution forgotten in our desperation to reach our friend we burst into a large room and saw Lizzy backed into a corner one of the men advancing on her Mike was on the ground not moving without thinking I grabbed a piece of rusted pipe from the ground and charged I caught the man by surprise swinging the pipe and connecting with his shoulder he went down with a yell of pain run I shouted at Lizzy she didn't need to be told twice Tom was checking on Mike he's breathing

he reported I think he's just knocked out the man I'd hit was getting to his feet murder in his eyes behind him I could see his two companions entering the room you kids picked the wrong place to play Explorer one of them growled we were trapped the only exit was behind the men and they were blocking our path my mind raced trying to find a way out of this nightmare that's when I saw it a conve belt leading up to a higher level if we could get up there maybe we could find another way out

the belt I hissed to Tom we need to get up there he nodded understanding immediately on three he whispered 1 2 3 we moved as one Tom and I grabbed Mike under the arms and ran for the conveyor belt Sarah and Lizzy were right behind us the men caught off guard by our sudden movement took a second to react but that second was all we needed we scrambled up the Rusted conveyor belt the sharp edges cutting into our hands I could hear the men shouting their footsteps pounding as they gave Chase we reached the upper

level and found ourselves in a maze of catwalks and suspended walkways the factory stretched out below us a Labyrinth of Shadows and rusted metal Which Way Sarah panted I looked around frantically there I pointed to a door on the far side of the room it was marked with a faded exit sign we ran across the catwalks the whole structure shaking under our feet behind us I could hear the men climbing up after us we reached the door and I yanked it open revealing a rusted fire escape without hesitation we started down we were about halfway

down when I heard a gunshot the sound echoed through the factory making us all Flinch keep moving I shouted we practically fell down the last few flights our feet clanging on the metal steps as soon as we hit the ground we ran we didn't stop running until we reached Tom's car parked a few blocks away we piled in Mike still groggy but conscious now and Tom peeled out of there like the Devil Himself was chasing us it wasn't until we were miles away the factory long out of sight that we finally allowed ourselves to breathe

what what just happened Lizzie asked her voice barely above a whisper I told them everything I had seen about the drug deal and the chase as I spoke the reality of what we' just been through began to sink in we debated about whether to go to the police but fear won out what if those men had connections what if they came after us or our families in the end and we made a pact to never speak of what happened to anyone that day changed us all we'd gone looking for a thrill and found Terror instead

the nightmares lasted for weeks months for some of us every unexpected noise made us jump every stranger on the street a Potential Threat but it also brought us closer together we'd face death and come out the other side that kind of experience bonds you in ways nothing else can we never went Urban exploring again after that the thrill wasn't worth the risk but sometimes when I pass an abandoned building I can't help but wonder what Secrets it might be hiding and I shudder remembering the day our curiosity almost got us killed the milbrook factory still

stands as far as I know a decaying Monument to a dying industry and a reminder of the darkness that can lurk in forgotten places if you ever find yourself tempted to explore such a Place remember our story sometimes the real monsters aren't the ghosts of the past but the very real dangers of the present the flickering fluorescent light above me buzzed like an angry insect casting an eerie glow over the empty corridors it was just another quiet night at Oakridge office complex or so I thought little did I know that in a matter of hours

I'd be fighting for my life trapped in a place I once considered mundane and safe my name's Carlos and I've been the night janitor at Oakridge for the past 5 years it's not a glamorous job but it pays the bills and lets me work on my novels during the quiet hours I know every nook and cranny of this place from the CEO's corner office on the top floor to the musty Supply closets in the basement but on that fateful night even my intimate knowledge of the building wouldn't be enough to keep me safe it started

like any other shift I arrived at 10 p.m. just as the last of the Workaholics were trudging out to their cars I nodded to margorie from accounting as she passed her arms full of files she was probably taking home to work on she gave me a tired smile in return another late night margerie I asked holding the door open for her you know how it is during tax season Carlos she sighed see you tomorrow if only I'd known those might be the last words we'd ever exchange I started my rounds on the top floor working

my way down vacuum the carpets empty the trash wipe down the surfaces it was mindless work leaving my imagination free to wander I was deep in thought about the plot of my latest story when I heard it a crash followed by muffled cursing I froze my hand still on the handle of the vacuum cleaner the sound sound had come from downstairs maybe the third or fourth floor my first thought was that marjerie had come back for something she'd forgotten but margorie didn't curse like that cautiously I made my way to the stairwell the emergency lights

cast Long Shadows as I descended my heart pounding louder with each step as I reached the fourth floor Landing I heard voices low urgent Whispers that definitely didn't belong to anyone who should be in the building at this hour I eased the door open just a crack peering into the darkened office space what I saw made my blood run cold three men dressed all in black were methodically going through the desks and filing cabinets they moved with purpose clearly looking for something specific one of them held a small flashlight its beam dancing across the room

as they searched Intruders thieves and here I was alone in the the building with them I let the door close silently my mind racing I needed to call the police but my cell phone was in my locker in the basement the land lines on this floor would be useless the phone system automatically shut down after hours to prevent long distance abuse I had to get to the security office on the ground floor it had a separate phone line and direct access to the police as quietly as I could I started down the stairs I had

just reached the third floor when I heard the stairwell door above me open they were coming down Panic surged through me I yanked open the third floor door and ducked inside praying they hadn't seen me I could hear their footsteps echoing in the stairwell as they descended check this floor I heard one of them say we need to find those files my heart was pounding so hard I was sure they'd hear it I looked around frantically for a place to hide the open Office layout left few options but then I spotted it the Supply Closet

I darted across the room wincing at every footfall that seemed to Echo in the silence I had just closed the closet door behind me when I heard them enter the floor pressed against the back wall of the closet surrounded by the smell of cleaning products and paper I tried to steady my breathing through the slats in the door I could see flashlight beams sweeping across the office nothing here one of them growled after what felt like an eternity let's try the next floor I waited until I couldn't hear their footsteps anymore before allowing myself to

breathe normally but I knew I couldn't stay here I had to get to that security office easing the closet door opened I peered out into the darkness the floor seemed empty I crept towards the stairwell every nerve on high alert I had just reached the stairs when I heard a shout from above hey there's someone down there they'd seen me I ran taking the stairs two at a time I flew down towards the ground floor I could hear them behind me their heavy footfalls echoing off the concrete walls I burst out of the stairwell and

into the main lobby the security office was just across the atrium I was halfway there when a figure stepped out in front of me I skitted to a stop nearly falling in my haste to change direction the man lunged for me but years of maneuvering around office furniture with my cleaning cart had made me Nimble I ducked under his grasp and sprinted for the elevators I jabbed the call button repeatedly knowing it was useless the elevators were shut down for the night but next to the elevators was a door marked maintenance Beyond it a ladder

that led to the roof I yanked the door open and started climbing my arms burning with the effort above me I could hear the maintenance door slam open again they were following me up I reached the roof access hatch and pushed it open gulping in the cool night air as I pulled myself up onto the gravel covered roof Stars twinkled overhead oblivious to the drama unfolding below them I ran to the edge of the roof looking for a way down there was none I was trapped the hatch banged open behind me I turned to see

the three men climbing onto the roof their faces Twisted with anger and exertion nowhere to run now one of them sneered advancing towards me I backed up until I felt the low wall at the edge of the roof against my legs look I said trying to keep my voice steady I don't know who you are or what you want but I won't say anything just let me go the man in the lead a tall broad shouldered figure with a scar running down his cheek laughed sorry pal can't take that risk he lunged at me in

that moment time seemed to slow down I saw his hand reaching for me saw the malice in his eyes and I made a decision I vaulted over the low wall for a heart-stopping moment I was in freef Fall then my feet hit something solid the window washing platform left in place by the crew earlier that day I heard shouts of surprise from above as I frantically worked the controls the platform lurched into motion slowly descending the side of the building but I wasn't safe yet I could see one of the men leaning over the edge

of the roof taking aim with what looked like a gun I pressed myself against the side of the building as the first shot pinged off the metal platform the second shot shattered one of the support cables the platform tipped dangerously and I had to grab onto the railing to keep from falling I was still four stories up too high to jump that's when I saw it a window left open on the third floor it was a long shot but it was my only chance as the platform swung wildly I timed my move 1 second 2

3 I leapt for a moment I thought I'd miscalculated then my hands caught the window sill pain shot through my arms as I hauled myself inside collapsing onto the floor of an empty office I didn't allow myself a moment to rest I could hear commotion in the stairwell they were coming down after me I ran for the elevators they were still powered down but there was an emergency phone inside I wrenched open the doors and grabbed the phone 911 what's your emergency I've never been so glad to hear those words in my life the next

few minutes were a blur I stayed on the phone with the dispatcher hidden in the elevator until I heard the beautiful sound of police sirens approaching the Woodby thieves were caught trying to flee the building it turned out they were were after confidential client information information that could have ruined lives if it had fallen into the wrong hands as I sat in the back of an ambulance a shock blanket around my shoulders I watched the men being led away in handcuffs one of them the scarred leader caught my eye as he was put into a

police car the look he gave me sent chills down my spine I gave my statement to the police then went home to my worried wife and sleeping kids as I hug them tight I realized how close I'd come to never seeing them again I don't work nights anymore the company offered me a day position with better pay partially out of gratitude partially out of guilt for the lack security that had put me in danger sometimes when I'm leaving the office in the evening and I see the night janitor starting his shift I feel a Pang

of something fear sympathy I'm not sure I want to warn him to tell him to be careful to always be on y but I don't I just nod and smile and hope that his nights will be quieter than mine were and as I drive home I'm grateful for the mundane for the ordinary because I know now how quickly it can all change how thin the line is between routine and Terror and I never ever take an uneventful night for granted again the soft glow of the TV flickered in the darkened living room casting Eerie Shadows

on the walls little Timmy had been asleep for hours and I was settling in for a quiet night of babysitting but as I absentmindedly scrolled through my phone a message popped up that made my blood run cold in that moment I realized this ordinary Suburban home had become the stage for a terrifying game of cat and mouse my name's Amy and I've been babysitting for the Johnson's for about 6 months now they're good people with a sweet kid and the gig helps pay for my college textbooks it was supposed to be just another Friday night

job but it turned into the most horrifying experience of my life the evening had started normally enough I arrived at 700 p.m. just as Mr and Mrs Johnson were heading out for their date night Timmy their 8-year-old son was already in his pajamas eager to show me his latest Lego creation Now Amy Mrs Johnson said as she put on her earrings Timmy's allowed 1 hour of tablet time before bed the parental controls are on so he should only be able to access his games and approved websites I nodded having heard this Spiel before no worries

Mrs Johnson we'll be fine if only I'd known how wrong I was after the Johnson's left Timmy and I had dinner he chatted excitedly about school and his friends and I Len listened with half an ear smiling and nodding at the right moments around 8:00 p.m. I handed him his tablet for his allotted screen time remember just 1 hour buddy I said then it's bedtime Timmy nodded already engrossed in whatever game he was playing I settled onto the couch with my own phone scrolling through social media and texting friends at 900 p.m. I told Timmy

it was time for bed he grumbled a bit but handed over the tablet without too much fuss as I tucked him in he seemed a little quieter than usual everything okay Timmy I asked he hesitated for a moment then said Amy is it okay to have secret friends something about the way he said it made me uneasy what do you mean by secret friends Timmy he Shrugged not meeting my eyes just someone I talk to sometimes but it's a secret alarm Bells started ringing in my head Timmy who is this secret friend how do you

talk to them but Timmy had clammed up he rolled over pulling the covers up to his chin never mind good night Amy I stood there for a moment unsure of what to do should I press him for more information call his parents in the end I decided to check the tablet first maybe I was overreacting back in the living room I I unlocked the tablet at first glance everything seemed normal just the usual games and child-friendly apps but then I noticed an app I didn't recognize it looked like a harmless puzzle game with a colorful

icon of interlocking blocks when I opened it my heart dropped it wasn't a game at all but a messaging app and there in the chat history was a conversation that made my skin crawl the messages were from someone calling themselves game Master Mike at first they seemed innocent enough talking about games and school but as I scrolled the tone changed remember Timmy this is our secret don't tell your parents or your babysitter I can't wait to meet you in person it'll be so much fun I'll be coming to see you very soon maybe even tonight

my hands were shaking so badly I nearly dropped the tablet this wasn't just some online Predator grooming a child from afar this Mike was planning to come here tonight I grabbed my phone ready to call the police when a message popped up on the screen it was from an unknown number hello Amy Timmy's asleep now isn't he why don't you let me in so we can surprise him Terror washed over me in an icy wave he was here outside that the house watching I ran to the windows making sure they were all locked I could

see nothing but Darkness outside but I felt exposed vulnerable I quickly Drew all the curtains my mind was racing I needed to call the police wow but what if he heard me what if he decided to break in before help could arrive another message pinged on my phone come on Amy don't be rude I've come all this way I muted my phone my heart pounding so hard I could feel it in my throat I had to protect Timmy I had to think I crept upstairs wincing at every Creek of the floorboards Timmy was still asleep

blissfully unaware of the danger I gently shook him awake Timmy I whispered trying to keep my voice calm we need to play a game it's called hide and seek but we have to be very very quiet okay Timmy nodded still half asleep I led him to his parents room to the walk-in closet I knew was there you hide in here I said pushing aside hanging clothes to reveal a small space at the back don't come out until I come get you no matter what you hear okay it's very important Timmy nodded again his eyes wide

he could sense my fear I think even if he didn't understand understand it I closed the closet door then the bedroom door hoping it would be enough to keep him safe back downstairs I grabbed the largest knife from the kitchen it felt awkward and heavy in my hand but it was better than nothing another message on my phone I'm getting impatient Amy maybe I'll just let myself in I heard a noise from the back of the house the sound of the patio door sliding open he was inside I pressed myself against the wall next to

the kitchen doorway knife raised barely daring to breathe I could hear footsteps slow and deliberate moving through the house Timmy a man's voice called softly it's me game Master Mike I've come to play the footsteps were getting closer I could see a shadow approaching the kitchen doorway in that moment time seemed to slow down I saw a hand appear around the door frame then an arm then a shoulder without thinking I swung the knife there was a yell of pain and surprise the man stumbled back clutching his arm where I'd slashed him he was tall

heavy set with a scraggly beard and wild eyes nothing like the friendly Persona he'd created online you little he snarled lunging at me I dodged but he was faster than I expected he grabbed my wrist squeezing until I dropped the knife it clattered to the floor we grappled his strength overwhelming me he slammed me against the wall knocking the wind out of me his hand found my throat squeezing where is he he growled where's Timmy I clawed at his hand gasping for air black spots were dancing at the edges of my vision this was it

I thought I was going to die then through the Roaring in my ears I heard the most beautiful sound in the world police sirens the man's grip loosened in Surprise and I took my chance I brought my knee up hard catching him in the groin he doubled over with a grunt of pain and I shoved past him I ran for the front door yanking it open just as a police car screeched to a halt in the driveway help I screamed he's inside the next few minutes were a blur police officers swarmed the house the man

whose real name I later Learned was Gerald Hoffman was tackled trying to escape through the back door Timmy was found safe in the closet scared but unharmed as I sat in the back of an ambulance answering a detective's questions I watched them lead Hoffman away in handcuffs he caught my eye as they put him in the police car and the look he gave me was pure hatred I shuddered knowing that if the police hadn't arrived when they did things could have ended very differently it turned out that one of the neighbors had seen a strange

man lurking around the house and called the police I've never been so grateful for nosy neighbors in my life the Johnson arrived home to a scene of chaos police cars an ambulance their house a crime scene they were horrified by what had almost happened and Incredibly grateful that I had protected Timmy in the days that followed as the the story hit the local news I was hailed as a hero but I didn't feel like one I felt scared violated and angry angry at Hoffman for praying on an innocent child angry at myself for not realizing

sooner what was happening angry at the world for being a place where such monsters exist I don't babysit anymore the trauma of that night left scars that are still healing but I did start volunteering for an organization that teaches kids about Online safety if I can prevent even one child from going through what Timmy almost did maybe some good can come from that terrifying night every time I pass the Johnson's and house I remember I remember the fear the adrenaline the moment I thought it was all over but I also remember that I survived that

I protected Timmy and I know that no matter how dark the world can be there's always hope as long as there are people willing to stand up to the darkness the acrid smell of chemicals burned my nostrils as I crouched behind a Fallen Tree my heart pounding so hard I was sure it would give away my position what had started as a peaceful hiking trip had turned into a desperate fight for survival I never imagined that stumbling upon a hidden meth lab deep in the woods would put me and my friends in Mortal danger but

here we were being hunted like animals in a forest that had suddenly become our prison my name's Alex and I've always loved the outdoors so when my friends Jake and Sarah suggested a weekend hiking trip in the Ozarks I jumped at the chance we were all experienced hikers confident in our ability to handle whatever nature threw our way but nature as it turned out wasn't the threat we needed to worry about we set out early Friday morning the air crisp and filled with the promise of Adventure the Trail we' chosen was off the beaten path

recommended by a local guide as a challenging but rewarding Trek for the first day in a half it was exactly that we navigated steep inclines crossed babbling streams and marveled at the Lush canopy above us it was late Saturday afternoon when things took a turn we had veered slightly off the marked Trail following what looked like a game path in search of a good spot to set up camp for the night guys do you smell that Sarah asked wrinkling her nose I sniffed the air there was definitely an odd odor sharp and chemical it reminded

me of the time I'd accidentally left a can of paint thinner open in my garage maybe there's a factory nearby Jake suggested But he sounded uncertain we should have turned back then but curiosity got the better of us we pressed on following the strengthening scent as we pushed through through a dense Thicket the trees suddenly opened up into a small clearing what we saw made us freeze in our tracks in the middle of the clearing stood a dilapidated cabin but it wasn't the building that caught our attention it was the collection of equipment scattered around

it plastic containers tubing propane tanks and other paraphernalia that I'd only ever seen on crime shows holy Jake whispered is that what I think it is before either Sarah or I could respond we heard voices rough angry voices coming from inside the cabin get down I hissed dropping to the ground behind a fallen log Jake and Sarah followed suit our bodies pressed into the damp Earth through a gap in the log I could see two men emerge from the cabin they were arguing about something supplies I think they looked nothing like the stereotypical meth Cooks

I'd seen on TV these guys were Burly with hard eyes and clothes that had seen better days and they were armed we need to get out of here Sarah whispered her voice trembling I nodded slowly starting to back away but as I moved my backpack caught on a branch the resulting snap seemed to echo through the clearing the men's heads whipped in our Direction what was that one of them growled probably just an animal the other replied but he didn't sound convinced we lay there barely breathing praying they wouldn't investigate further for a moment it

seemed like luck was on our side the men turned back to their conversation then Jake sneezed it wasn't loud but in the tense silence it might as well have been a gunshot there's someone out there one of the men shouted we didn't wait to see what would happen next we scrambled to our feet and ran crashing through the underbrush with no regard for stealth behind us I could hear shouts and the sound of pursuit split up I yelled to Jake and Sarah meet back at the car if you can it was a risky move but

I hoped it would confuse our pursuers I veered left while Jake and Sarah went right I ran like I'd never run before branches whipping at my face Roots threatening to trip me with every step my lungs burned and my legs felt like lead but fear kept me going I could hear someone behind me gaining ground I risked a glance over my shoulder and saw one of the men his face Twisted with rage not 20 yards behind me in my moment of distraction my foot caught on a route I went down hard tumbling down a small

incline pain shot through my ankle as I tried to get up got you now you little bastard the man snarled emerging from the trees above me in desperation I grabbed a handful of dirt and leaves and threw it at his face he cursed momentarily blinded and I used that moment to stumble to my feet and keep running the pain in my ankle was excruciating but adrenaline pushed me forward I had no idea where I was going no plan Beyond getaway as I ran the forest seemed to close in around me the trees were denser here

the undergrowth thicker it was getting darker too the sun setting behind the mountains I don't know how long I ran it could have been minutes or hours every sound made me Flinch was it my pursuer or just the natural noises of the forest finally when I felt I couldn't take another step I saw it a small cave half hidden by a curtain of vines without hesitation I dove inside the cave was shallow more of an overhang really but it was enough I pressed myself against the back wall trying to quiet my ragged breathing outside I

could hear movement heavy footsteps branches snapping he was close I know you're around here somewhere the man called out his voice was closer than I expected and I had to stifle a gasp I closed my eyes willing myself to become invisible the footsteps Drew nearer then paused right outside my hiding spot for a moment that felt like an eternity there was silence I didn't dare breathe then mercifully the footsteps started to move away I waited until I could no longer hear any sound before allowing myself to relax slightly but I knew I couldn't stay here

I had to find Jake and Sarah had to get help as quietly as I could I eased myself out of the Cave the forest was dark now the trees casting Long Shadows in the fading light I had no idea which direction to go but I knew I couldn't go back the way I'd come I picked a direction and started walking trying to favor my injured ankle every snapping twig made me jump every rustling Leaf had me looking over my shoulder after what felt like hours of aimless wandering I heard something that made my heart leap

the sound of running water a stream and if I could find the stream I might be able to find my way back to the trail I followed the sound hope giving me Renewed Energy as I pushed through a d dense patch of undergrowth I suddenly found myself face to face with Sarah we both stifled screams of surprise then hugged each other fiercely oh my God Alex Sarah whispered I thought I didn't know if I'm okay I assured her though okay was a relative term at this point have you seen Jake she shook her head Tears

In Her Eyes we got separated I've been hiding trying to figure out what to do together we decided to follow the stream it had to lead somewhere and it was our best chance of finding our way out of this nightmare we walked through the night jumping at every sound expecting to see one of our pursuers behind every tree as Dawn broke we finally heard something that filled us with relief and Dread in equal measure the distant sound of vehicles cautiously we approached the sound through the trees we could see a road and on that road

a welcome sight police cars it turned out that Jake had managed to find his way back to our car and had immediately driven to the nearest town to get help the police had been searching for us all night as we were escorted to safety I looked back at the forest somewhere in there were dangerous men and their illegal operation but they'd be found soon enough our ordeal had ensured that the aftermath was a blur of police statements and medical checks the meth lab was raided the men arrested we were hailed as Heroes by the local

media though it certainly didn't feel heroic at the time it took a long time for the nightmares to stop for me to be able to hear a twig snap without flinching but eventually I found my way back to the trails the forest once a place of peace and Adventure had shown me its darker side but it had also shown me My Own Strength my will to survive now when I hike I carry with me the knowledge that danger can lurk in the most unexpected places but I also carry the certainty that I can face that

danger and overcome it the forest May hide Secrets some of them deadly but it can't hide the human spirit's capacity for Survival the golden light of sunset painted the forest in warm Hues but a chill ran down my spine that had nothing to do with the dropping temperature as I peered through my camera's viewfinder I caught a glimpse of something that shouldn't be there a pair of gleaming eyes watching me from the shadows in that moment I realized I had become the prey and the hunter was unlike anything I had ever encountered before my name

is Jack and I'm a wildlife photographer I've spent years tracking and photographing some of the most elusive creatures on the planet from the snow leopards of the Himalayas to the Jaguars of the Amazon I thought I'd seen it all but nothing could have prepared me for what I was about to face in the remote Wilderness of the Pacific Northwest I'd come to this particular stretch of old growth forest following rumors of an undocumented species local tribes spoke of a creature that walked on two legs but was covered in fur with eyes that glowed in the

dark most dismissed as folklore but I've learned over the years that Legends often have a kernel of Truth for days I'd been setting up camera traps and staking out promising locations I'd seen nothing but the usual Wildlife deer elk the occasional black bear but as the sun began to set on my fifth day in the forest everything changed I was perched in a tree blind my camera ready watching a small clearing where I'd noticed unusual tracks earlier the light was fading fast and I was considering packing up for the night when I heard it Alo

guttural growl that seemed to come from everywhere and nowhere at once my heart rate spiked but years of experience kept me still I raised my camera scanning the tree line through my telephoto lens that's when I saw them two eyes reflecting the last rays of sunlight set in a face that was almost but not quite human I snapped a series of shots instinctively the camera's shudder sounding unnaturally loud in the hushed forest as soon as I as I lowered the camera the eyes were gone but I could still feel its presence watching waiting with trembling

hands I checked the photos I'd just taken most were blurry useless but one the last one was crystal clear what I saw made my blood run cold the face was aplike but with an intelligence in its eyes that was undeniably sensient this was no known animal this was something else entirely as Darkness fell I knew I had to get out out of there whatever this creature was it was clearly aware of me and I didn't want to find out if it was as curious about me as I was about it I began to pack up

my gear as quietly as possible all too aware of the rustling sounds coming from the underbrush around me just as I was about to descend from my perch a blood curdling Screech pierced the night it was close too close I froze one hand on the tree trunk the other clutching my camera bag the forest had gone deathly quiet as if every living thing was holding its breath then I heard it the sound of something large moving through the forest heading straight for my tree Panic surged through me I dealt with charging elephants and stalking Tigers

but always from a safe distance or with guides nearby here I was alone and whatever was coming was unlike anything in my experience I scrambled down the tree no longer car caring about Stealth as soon as my feet hit the ground I ran I had no plan no direction in mind pure Instinct drove me forward crashing through undergrowth leaping over Fallen logs behind me I could hear it pursuing the creature moved with an eerie silence broken only by the occasional snap of a branch or rustle of leaves it was toying with me I realized with

growing horror it could have caught me at any time but it was dro drawing in out the chase my lungs burned and my legs felt like lead but Terror kept me moving in the darkness I could barely see where I was going branches whipped at my face Roots threatened to trip me with every step but I didn't dare slow down suddenly the ground disappeared from beneath my feet I plunged forward tumbling down a steep embankment pain shot through my body as I rolled unable to stop my descent when I finally came to a stop I

lay there for a moment dazed and winded the sound of rushing water filled my ears I had landed near a river as I struggled to my feet wincing at the pain in my ankle an idea struck me the creature whatever it was seemed to rely heavily on scent if I could cross the river I might be able to throw it off my trail I limped towards the sound of water my eyes slowly adjusted to the darkness the river loomed before me a black ribbon cutting through the forest it was wide and fast moving far more

dangerous than I had hoped but I could hear movement in the forest behind me I was out of options taking a deep breath I waited in the icy water took my breath away but I pushed forward the current tugged at my legs threatening to sweep Me Away by the time I reached the middle the water was up to my chest my C camera bag felt like it weighed a ton dragging me down just as I thought I wouldn't make it my feet found purchase on the other side I dragged myself onto the bank soaked and

shivering but I couldn't rest yet I had to put more distance between myself and whatever was chasing me I stumbled through the forest my wet clothes clinging to me my teeth chattering every shadow seemed to hide a threat every sound a potential pursuer but gradually I realized I couldn't hear anything following me anymore as the adrenaline began to wear off exhaustion set in I needed to find shelter to rest and try to figure out where I was in the dim pre-dawn light I spotted a large Hollow log it wasn't ideal but it would have to

do I crawled inside curling up as best I could as I lay there shivering and aching I thought about the photos in my camera camera if I had managed to capture what I thought I had it would change everything but at what cost was any Discovery worth this Terror I must have dozed off because the next thing I knew sunlight was streaming through the gaps in the log for a moment I was disoriented then the memories of the night before came flooding back cautiously I peaked out of my Hiding Place the forest looked different in

the daylight less menacing more familiar but I knew appearances could be deceiving whatever had chased me last night could still be out there I checked my GPS unit relieved to find it had survived the river crossing I was about 5 miles from my campsite it would be a tough hike with my injured ankle but I had no choice I needed to get back to civilization to show someone the photos I had taken the journey back was a blur of pain and paranoia every snapping twig made me Flinch every rustling Leaf had me looking over my

shoulder but nothing appeared no glowing eyes no inhuman shrieks just the normal sounds of a forest going about its day when I finally stumbled into my campsite I almost wept with relief my tent was still there untouched I quickly packed up my hands shaking with exhaustion and lingering fear I needed to get out of these Woods back to my car back to safety the hike to the trail head was the longest two miles of my life when I finally saw my beat up Land Rover I could have kissed it I threw my gear in the

back and peeled out of there not caring about the dust cloud I was kicking up it wasn't until I was Miles Away the forest nothing but a green smudge in my rearview mirror that I allowed myself to relax I had made it I had survived but as the fear faded excitement began to take its place I had seen something extraordinary something that could rewrite our understanding of the natural world and I had proof as soon as I had cell service I called my editor Mark I said my voice horar from exhaustion and emotion you're not

going to believe what I've got the photos caused a sensation of course scientists cryptozoologists and curiosity Seekers descended on the forest but despite EXT ensive searches no one ever found concrete evidence of the creature I encountered sometimes in the dead of night I still wake up in a cold sweat the echo of that unearthly shriek ringing in my ears I've never gone back to those woods and I never will some Mysteries I've learned are better left unsolved but I'll never forget the night I became the Quarry hunted by something that shouldn't exist it changed me

reminded me that in the grand scheme of things humans are not always the apex predator and somewhere out there in the depths of the forest something is watching waiting reminding us that there are still wild places in the world where we are not in control the first scratch in the wall was so faint I almost missed it but as I traced my fingers over the rough surface a chill ran down my spine something was in the wall of this old cabin something alive and moving and as the sun began to set casting Long Shadows across

the room I realized with growing horror that I was trapped here with whatever it was my name's Daniel and I've always been a bit of a loner so when I inherited my great uncle's Cabin in the Woods it seemed like the perfect opportunity for some peace and quiet I'd been feeling burnt out from my job in the city and the idea of spending a few weeks surrounded by Nature was incredibly appealing the cabin was exactly as I remembered it from childhood visits a small rustic structure nestled in a clearing miles from the nearest neighbor as

I pulled up in my rental car a wave of nostalgia washed over me I could almost smell great uncle Frank's pipe tobacco and hear his deep rumbling laugh the first few days were Blissful I hiked during the day marveling at the Lush forest and the Crystal Clear streams in the evenings I'd sit on the porch with a book listening to the chorus of crickets and watching the fireflies dance in the Gathering Darkness it was on the fourth night that I first heard it a soft scratching sound coming from inside the walls at first I dismissed

it as mice the cabin was old after all and it wasn't surprising that some Critters might have made their home in it but as I lay in bed that night the scratching grew louder more insistent it seemed to be moving traveling from one wall to another this was no mouse the next morning I examined the walls carefully that's when I found the first scratch marks long deep gouges in the wooden panels they were too big to be from any rodent I knew of I tried to rationalize it maybe it was a raccoon that had somehow

gotten into the walls but deep down I knew that didn't fit the scratch were too deliberate too purposeful as the day wore on I found myself jumping at every Creek and groan of the old cabin the scratching had stopped but the silence felt oppressive like the Calm before a storm that night I couldn't sleep I lay in bed every nerve on high alert waiting for the sound to start again when it did it was different not just scratching now but a soft thudding like something heavy moving through the walls I got up grabbing a flashlight

from the bedside table my hands were shaking as I Shone the beam along the walls the scratching seemed to be coming from behind the old fireplace as I approached the noise stopped abruptly I stood there heart pounding straining my ears in the silence then I heard it a sound that made my blood run cold a low guttural growl coming from inside the wall I stumbled back nearly dropping the flashlight this was no animal at least no animal I'd ever encountered I spent the rest of the night huddled on the couch jumping at every sound as

soon as the first light of dawn broke I was in my car driving towards town the local Diner was just opening when I arrived I must have looked a sight pale disheveled with dark circles under my eyes the waitress a kindly older woman named Betty took one look at me and brought over a strong cup of coffee you all right honey she asked concern etched on her face you look like you've seen a ghost I laughed nervously not a ghost I said but something I'm staying at my uncle's old cabin and there's something in the

walls Betty's expression changed a flicker of was that fear Frank old place she asked up on Willow Creek Road I nodded surprised you knew my uncle she sighed glancing around the empty Diner before sliding into the booth across from me everyone around here knew Frank she said and everyone knows about that cabin my heart sank what do you mean Betty leaned in lowering her voice there's always been stories about that place even even before your uncle bought it people say it's not right that there's something living in the walls something that's been there for a

long long time I felt a chill run down my spine what kind of something she shook her head nobody knows for sure some say it's a spirit angry at being disturbed others think it's some kind of creature hibernating for years at a time your uncle he never believed the stories said it was just Superstition I thought about the scratches the growl I'd heard it's real I said whatever it is it's real Betty reached out patting my hand listen honey if I were you I'd pack up and leave some things it's better not to mess with

but I couldn't just leave the cabin was mine now my responsibility and a part of me the part that had always been drawn to mysteries in the unknown wanted to know what was hiding in those walls I spent the day in town researching the cabin's history and buying supplies including a sturdy axe as the sun began to set I stealed myself and drove back up to the cabin the scratching started as soon as night fell but this time I was prepared or so I thought I approached the wall where the sound was loudest Axe in

Hand with a deep breath I swung the blade biting into the old wood the scratching stopped abruptly for a moment there was complete silence then a roar That Shook the very foundations of the cabin the wall in front of me bulged outward wood splintering I stumbled back raising the axe defensively but I wasn't prepared for what emerged it was like nothing I'd ever seen before vaguely humanoid but covered in thick matted fur its eyes glowed in the dim light fixed on me with an intelligence that was terrifyingly unnatural for a moment we stared at each

other Frozen in mutual shock then it lunged I swung the axe wildly feeling it connect with something solid the creature howled a sound of pain and rage that sent me scrambling towards the door but it was faster a clawed hand grabbed my ankle pulling me down I kicked out my foot connected ING with its face it let go and I scrambled to my feet running for the car I could hear it behind me its heavy breathing and the thud of its footsteps spurring me on I reached the car fumbling with the keys just as I

got the door open it slammed into me from behind we went down in a tangle of Limbs rolling across the forest floor its face was inches from mine hot breath wreaking of Decay I could see my terrified reflection in its glowing eyes in Des spiration I grabbed a rock from the ground and smashed it against the creature's head it reared back momentarily stunned I took my chance scrambling into the car and locking the doors the engine roared to life and I floored tires spinning on the dirt road in the rearview mirror I could see the

creature standing in the middle of the road watching me drive away its howl of frustration followed me all the way down the mountain I didn't stop driving until I reached the city limits my hands were shaking so badly I could barely grip the steering wheel I never went back to the cabin I sold it at a loss to a developer who planned to tear it down I didn't tell him about what lived in the walls maybe I should have but who would have believed me sometimes late at night I still wake up in a cold

sweat the echo of that unearthly howl ringing in my ears I'll never forget those glowing eyes that ancient alien intelligence and I can't help but wonder if there was one of those creatures could there be more how long have they been hiding in the walls of old houses in the dark places we never think to look one thing's for certain I'll never look at an old Cabin in the Woods the same way again because now I know that sometimes the walls really do have eyes and Claws and an appetite for unsuspecting visitors the neon sign

flickered ominously as I pulled into the parking lot of the Starlight Motel little did I know that checking in for the night would be the beginning of a nightmare that would haunt me for years to come sometimes the most terrifying monsters aren't supernatural beings but the seemingly Ordinary People we encounter in our daily lives my name's Sarah and I've always been a bit of a Restless soul I was on a CrossCountry road trip trying to find myself or whatever it is that people say doing when they don't know what to do with their lives it

was late I was exhausted and the Starlight Motel was the first place I'd seen in miles that looked like it might have a vacant room the parking lot was nearly empty just a couple of beat up trucks in my own Dusty sedan as I killed the engine I noticed a curtain twitching in the office window someone had been watching me pull in the office Bell jangled as I pushed open the door behind the counter stood a man who who looked like he'd been carved from Granite all hard angles and cold eyes his name tag read

Earl need a room I said trying to sound more confident than I felt Earl's eyes roamed over me in a way that made my skin crawl just you he asked his voice raspy like he'd swallowed gravel I nodded suddenly wishing I wasn't alone got a single on the end 30 bucks cash only as I counted out the bills I could feel Earl's eyes on me when I looked up he was smiling it wasn't a pleasant smile enjoy your stay he said handing me a key attached to a plastic fob shaped like a star my room

was at the far end of the motel away from the office and the other occupied rooms as I unlocked the door I couldn't shake the feeling that I was being watched the room was about what you'd expect for 30 bucks a night a sagging double bed a TV that looked older than me and a bathroom that had seen better days but it was a place to sleep and that's all I needed I was just about to collapse onto the bed when I noticed something odd there was a small hole in the wall about eye level

partially hidden behind a tacky landscape painting I peered closer it looked like it went right through to the Next Room a chill ran down my spine I quickly covered the hole with the painting trying to convince myself it was just damage from a previous guest sleep didn't come easily that night every Creek and groan of the old building had me on edge and I couldn't shake the feeling that there were eyes on me even though I'd covered the hole I must have dozed off eventually because I woke with a start in the early hours of

the morning something had woken me but I wasn't sure what then I heard it a soft scratching sound coming from the wall my heart began to race I lay there hardly daring to breathe straining my ears in the darkness the scratching continued sometimes stopping for a few seconds before starting again suddenly a shaft of light appeared on the wall the painting was moving I watched paralyzed with fear as the painting slowly shifted to one side the hole in the wall was exposed and pressed against it was an eye I must have made a sound a

gas or a whimper because the eye suddenly widened then disappeared I heard hurried footsteps moving away that got me moving I leapt out of bed throwing on my clothes and shoving my belongings into my bag I had to get out of there as I burst out of my room I nearly collided with someone it was Earl standing right outside my door everything all right Miss he asked his voice far too Cal calm for someone who'd just been caught peeping I'm leaving I said trying to keep my voice steady now Earl's face hardened now don't be

Hasty it's the middle of the night not safe for a young woman to be driving alone he took a step towards me and I noticed for the first time how big he was how he seemed to block out the light from the parking lot stay away from me I warned fumbling in my bag for my car keys that's when I saw the glint of metal in his hand a knife can't let you leave Miss Earl said his voice almost regretful you've seen too much I didn't think I just reacted I swung my bag at his

face with all my strength he staggered back momentarily stunned and I ran I could hear him behind me his heavy footsteps pounding on the concrete I reached my car my hand shaking so badly I could barely get the key in the lock just as I wrenched the door open a hand grabbed my shoulder spinning me around Earl loomed over me his face Twisted with rage you shouldn't have done that he growled I saw the knife coming towards me and I did the only thing I could think of I brought my knee up hard right between

his legs Earl doubled over with a grunt of pain the knife clattering to the ground I shoved him as hard as I could sending him sprawling and dove into my car the engine roared to life and I floored it tires squealing as I peeled out of the parking lot in my rearview mirror I could see Earl staggering to his feet growing smaller as I sped away I drove for hours my heart pounding jumping at every set of headlights I saw it wasn't until the sun started to rise that I finally felt safe enough to pull

over at a busy truck stop my hands were shaking as I picked up my phone to call the police I told them everything about the hole in the wall Earl's Behavior the knife they took my statement and assured me they'd investigate as it turned out I wasn't the first person to have a terrifying experience at the Starlight Motel the police investigation uncovered a history of missing persons cases linked to the motel going back years they found evidence that Earl had been spying on guests through holes in the walls choosing his victims carefully those he thought

wouldn't be missed solo Travelers runaways people down on their luck in the end they arrested Earl and his wife who had been his accomplice the full extent of their crimes was never made public but the rumors were horrifying I gave more statements testified at the trial it was a long and draining process but I was determined to see Justice Done not just for me but for all of Earl's victims who couldn't speak for themselves it's been years since that night at the Starlight motel but I still have nightmares sometimes I see Earl's cold eyes feel

the terror of being hunted I can't stay in motels anymore the sight of those identical doors those neon vacancy signs it all brings it rushing back but I've grown stronger too I've learned to trust my instincts to listen to that little voice that says something isn't right and I've learned that sometimes the most ordinary looking places and people can hide the darkest Secrets I still travel still explore but now I do it with my eyes wide open always aware that danger can lurk in the most unexpected places and every time I pass a rundown Motel

on a lonely stretch of highway I say a silent prayer for those who might be trapped inside fighting battles that no one knows about because the truth is you never really know what's happening behind closed doors or who might be watching from the other side of the wall the moment I saw the ornate mask something deep within me screamed danger but surrounded by the laughter and music of the Halloween party I pushed the feeling aside if only I'd listen to that instinct because as the night wore on I realized those masks weren't just hiding faces

they were concealing murderous intentions my name's Alex and I've always loved Halloween the costumes the atmosphere the way reality seems to bend just a little on that one magical night so when my friend Jen invited me to EXP exclusive Halloween bash at some rich guy Mansion I jumped at the chance it's going to be epic Jen had gushed over the phone this guy goes all out and get this it's a masquerade theme everyone has to wear a mask the whole night Isn't that cool it did sound cool mysterious even I spent weeks putting together the

perfect costume a steampunk inspired outfit complete with a bronze and leather mask that covered the top half of my face the night of the party Jen picked me up in her beat up Corolla as we drove out of the city the houses got bigger and farther apart finally we turned down a long treelined driveway holy I breathed as the Mansion came into view it was massive all Gothic spires and gargoyles like something out of a horror movie Jacko lanterns lined the steps their flickering light casting Eerie Shadows told you it was epic Jen grinned adjusting

her feathered mask inside the party was already in full swing the foyer was packed with people in elaborate costumes all wearing masks that ranged from simple dominoes to intricate full-face Creations music pulsed from hidden speakers and waiters and skeleton makeup circulated with trays of drinks and ORD deras wow I said taking it all in who did you say was throwing this party again Jen Shrugged friend of a friend come on let's get a drink we made our way to the bar squeezing past a group of people in animal masks as the bartender mixed our drinks

I felt a prickle on the back of my neck I turned to see a tall figure in a Red Cloak and a white beaked mask like something a plague doctor would wear staring at me at least I thought they were staring it was hard to tell with the mask creepy costume I muttered to Jen she followed my gaze oh yeah I've seen a few of those around I think they're part of the staff or something really adds to the atmosphere right I nodded but couldn't shake the uneasy feeling as the night went on I started

to notice more of the redcloak figures they never spoke never danced they just watched every time I spotted one that feeling of unease grew stronger I was just about to suggest to Jen that we leave when the music suddenly cut out the crowd fell silent as a man in an ornate golden mask stepped onto a small stage at one end of the room welcome honored guests he said his voice smooth and cultured I hope you're enjoying the festivities but now it's time for the main event a murmur ran through the crowd this hadn't been mentioned

on the invitation as you may have noticed the man continued some of our guests are wearing rather special masks he Gest Ed to one of the redcloak figures these individuals have been chosen for a very important role in tonight's entertainment the man clapped his hands and suddenly the redcloak Figures were moving they converged on the crowd grabbing people seemingly at random I watched in horror as they dragged struggling partygoers towards the exits what the hell Jen gasped beside me before I could respond I felt a hand clamp down on my arm AR I turned to

see one of the redcloak figures looming over me no I yelled trying to pull away but their grip was like iron all around chaos had erupted people were screaming running trying to fight off the masked asants but there were too many of them and they moved with a cold efficiency that spoke of planning and practice I lost sight of Jen in the Mayhem the figure in the Red Cloak was dragging me towards a door I hadn't noticed before half hidden behind a tapestry I fought every step of the way but it was useless as we

neared the door I heard the man in the golden mask speak again his voice cutting through the panic don't be afraid he said sounding almost amused think of it as a game a very high stakes game of hide-and seek if you can evade our Hunters until dawn you win your freedom if not well let's just say the consequences will be rather permanent my blood ran cold as the implications of his words sank in this wasn't a party it was a hunt and we were the prey the redcloak figure shoved me through the door I stumbled

nearly falling down a narrow flight of stairs when I looked back the door had already slammed shut I was in some kind of Cellar dimly lit by flickering torches other partygoers were there too all looking as terrified as I felt some were crying others were pounding on the door we'd come through we have to get out of here someone said their voice shaking but how another responded they'll be guarding the exits as if in answer a section of the far wall ground open revealing a dark passageway your hunt begins now the golden masked man's voice

echoed from hidden speakers you have until dawn good luck for a moment no one moved then as if a spell had been broken everyone rushed for the passage I hesitated wondering if it was a trap but what choice did I have I plunged into the darkness the sounds of panicked breathing and hurried footsteps all around me the passage twisted and turned sometimes splitting into multiple Roots I tried to keep track of where I was going but it was hopeless this place was Amaze after what felt like hours of wandering I found myself in a large

circular room room passages LED off in all directions and in the center stood a fountain dry and covered in cobwebs I wasn't alone a handful of other partygoers were there all looking as lost and scared as I felt one of them a guy in a wolf mask was Examining The Fountain I think I figured it out he said as I approached this place it's not just a basement it's a whole network of tunnels and rooms like a mini city under the Mansion but why a woman in a butterfly mask asked why go to all this

trouble before anyone could answer we heard it footsteps coming from one of the passages and with them a sound that made my blood run cold the soft metallic scrape of a blade being drawn run someone yelled and we scattered each diving for a different passage I ran blindly my heart pounding in my ear ears behind me I could hear screams echoing through the tunnels I wanted to help but the Instinct for survival overrode everything else I don't know how long I ran or how many twists and turns I took eventually I found myself in a

small deadend room there was nowhere else to go panic threatened to overwhelm me but I forced it down I had to think I looked around the room desperate for anything that might might help that's when I noticed it a small grate near the floor just big enough for a person to squeeze through I didn't hesitate I pried the great open and crawled inside it was a tight fit and the metal was cold against my skin but I didn't care anything was better than being caught by those masked Killers I crawled through the duct for what

felt like miles every sound making me freeze in Terror finally I saw light ahead I emerged into what looked like a garage filled with expensive cars and there like a Beacon of Hope was a door marked exit I ran for it half expecting it to be locked but it opened easily and suddenly I was outside the cool night air hitting my face I didn't stop running until I reached the main road only then did I allow myself to collapse gulping in great lungfuls of bear I had escaped but as police sirens began to wail in

the distance I thought of all those still trapped in that underground maze how many of them would see the dawn the aftermath was a blur of police statements and news reports the man behind it all a wealthy recluse with a twisted sense of entertainment was arrested but many of his Hunters were never caught they never found Jen or many of the others who went missing that night the tunnels under the Mansion went on for Miles they said some bodies might never be recovered I still have nightmares about that night about masks hiding in human eyes

about running through endless dark tunnels but mostly I dream about the ones I left behind and I wonder if I'd been braver could I have saved them Halloween isn't fun for me anymore because now I know that sometimes the monsters aren't just people in costumes sometimes times they're all too real and sometimes they win the Mist rolled across the lake thick and impenetrable as I cast my line into the inky Black Water I'd come out here for Solitude for peace instead I found a nightmare floating in the fog a ghost ship that would turn my

quiet fishing trip into a fight for survival against an unspeakable evil my name's Mike and I've been fishing these Waters since I was a kid Lake Erie might not be the most glamorous of the Great Lakes but it's always been my Sanctuary when life gets too hectic too noisy I come out here just me my little fishing boat and the vast expanse of water that night started like any other I'd pushed off from the dock just as the sun was setting planning to do some night fishing the weather report had mentioned fog rolling in but

I wasn't worried I knew these Waters like the back of my hand as Darkness fell the fog grew thicker than I'd ever seen it I could barely see the bow of my own boat but I wasn't concerned the fish were biting and the Eerie calm of the fog shrouded Lake was soothing in its own way it was close to midnight when I first heard it a low mournful sound echoing across the water at first I thought it was just the wind playing tricks but then I heard it again louder this time a ship's horn but

unlike any I'd heard before it sounded old rusted like something that hadn't been used in a very long time I peered into the fog straining my eyes that's when I saw it a massive shape looming out of the Mist as it drew closer I could make out more details it was a ship all right but not like any that should have been on Lake Erie this was an old steamer the kind they used to use for hauling iron ore back in in the early 1900s its Hull was rusted its deck empty of any signs of

life my first thought was that it must be some kind of historical Recreation but as it drifted closer I realized something was very very wrong the ship was moving silently with no sound of engines or sight of crew and there was something off about it like I was looking at it through a heat Haze even in the cool night air curiosity overrode my growing sense of unease I started my engine moving closer to the mysterious ship as I drew alongside I could make out the name painted on the hull Edmund Fitzgerald my blood ran cold

the Edmund Fitzgerald was Infamous in these parts a massive ore freighter that had sunk in a storm on Lake Superior in 1975 taking all 29 crew members with it what I was looking at was impossible I was about to turn my boat around and get the hell out of there when I heard it a voice calling out from the deck of the Ghost Ship help us it cried weak and desperate please help us every Instinct I had was screaming at me to flee but I couldn't just leave if there was someone in trouble swallowing my

fear I maneuvered my small boat alongside the Towering Hull of the frighter there was a rusted ladder hanging down the side taking a deep breath I grabbed hold and started to climb the metal was ice cold under my hands covered in a slick layer of algae that made the clim treacherous as I hauled myself onto the deck the full weight of my mistake hit me the deck was empty devoid of any signs of life but more than that it felt wrong the air was thick heavy with a scent I couldn't quite place like rust and

seaweed and something else something rotten hello I called called out my voice sounding small and insignificant in the vast emptiness of the ship is anyone here I heard a call for help silence was my only answer I took a step forward and nearly fell as the deck seemed to shift under my feet it wasn't the gentle roll of waves it was as if the very structure of the ship was unstable changing that's when I saw them shadowy figures moving at the edges of my vision every time I turned to look directly at one it would

vanish but I could feel them watching me their unseen eyes boring into my back I knew I needed to get off this ship and fast but as I turned back to where I'd climbed aboard my heart sank the ladder was gone the edge of the deck now hung over empty air fog swirling below where my boat should have been Panic started to set in I was trapped on a ghost ship surrounded by something entities I couldn't see but could feel all around me I had to find another way off I made my way towards what

I hoped was the bridge figuring there had to be some kind of radio or Emergency Equipment there the door was rusted shut but adrenaline gave me the strength to Wrench It open the bridge was like stepping back in time ancient looking equipment lined the walls dials and levers that looked like they belonged in a museum and there slumped over the ship's wheel was a figure hope surged through me hey I called out moving closer are you all right the figure didn't move as I approached I realized why what I had thought was a person was

nothing but a skeleton clothed in the tattered remains of a captain's uniform I stumbled back a scream caught in my throat this was Madness impossible I had to be dreaming a noise behind me made me whirl around there blocking the doorway stood a man but not a living man his flesh was bloated and pale his eyes milky white seaweed clung to his clothes and water dripped constantly from his form welcome aboard he said his voice gurgling as if he were speaking underwater we've been waiting for you I backed away my mind reeling what what are

you the thing that had once been a man smiled revealing rows of sharp fish-like teeth we are the crew of the Edmund Fitzgerald lost but not gone and now you'll join us more figures appeared behind him all in various states of Decay they began to advance into the bridge their hands outstretched towards me in that moment survival Instinct took over I grabbed a heavy log book from a nearby desk and hurled it at the lead figure it passed right through him but the action startled them enough for me to make a break for it I

shoved past them they're cold wet hands grasping at me as I ran I could hear them behind me their water logged footsteps pounding on the deck I ran without Direction taking random turns through the labyrinthine interior of the ship every door I passed through seemed to lead somewhere different than it should have as if the internal geography of the vessel was constantly shif ing finally I burst out onto the deck again but it wasn't the same deck I'd first climbed onto this one was tilted at a sickening angle water sloshing over one side with a

jolt of horror I realized the ship was sinking the ghostly crew was still behind me getting closer in desperation I ran for the railing and without allowing myself time to think I jumped the shock of the cold water drove the air from my lungs for a moment I was sure I was going to drown but then my survival training kicked in I fought my way to the surface gasping for air the ghost ship was gone there was nothing but fog all around me I treaded water trying to get my bearings that's when I heard it

the distant sound of a motor I shouted for help my voice horse and desperate the sound grew closer and suddenly a beam of light cut through the fog it was a coast guard boat boat as they pulled me from the water I babbled about the Ghost Ship the undead crew the Coast Guard officers exchanged worried glances clearly thinking I was delirious it wasn't until later after I'd been checked out at a hospital and declared physically fine that I learned the truth there had been a rash of disappearances on the lake over the past few months

all on foggy nights all in the same general area where I'd had my encounter the official report ruled it Mass hallucination possibly caused by some kind of toxic algae bloom but I know what I saw what I experienced I don't go out on Lake Erie anymore can't bring myself to set foot on a boat but sometimes on foggy nights I find myself drawn to the shore and as I stand there watching the Mist roll in I swear I can hear it the low mournful sound of the Edmund Fitzgerald's horn calling out across the water calling

for new souls to join its damned crew and and I wonder how many more will answer that call before the Ghost Ship is finally laid to rest the howling wind drowned out the sputtering of my car's engine as it finally gave up the ghost surrounded by a white out of swirling snow I realized I was stranded in the middle of nowhere little did I know my desperate search for shelter would lead me into the clutches of a Madman and the cozy cabin I thought was my salvation would become a prison of Terror my name's Claire

and I've always prided myself on being prepared but nothing could have prepared me for that night I was driving back from a work conference taking the scenic route through the mountains it was supposed to be a peaceful drive a chance to decompress before diving back into the chaos of City Life the storm came out of nowhere one minute I was admiring the snowcapped Peaks the next I could barely see 2 ft in front of me I slowed to a crawl my Knuckles white on the steering wheel as I struggled to keep the car on the

road that's when I heard it a sickening clunk from under the hood the car shuddered coughed and died I coasted to a stop on the shoulder if you could call it that on one side was a sheer rock face on the other a steep drop off Into Darkness I tried to restart the engine but it was no use the battery was dead and even if it wasn't I suspected the problem was much worse I was stuck I reached for my phone already knowing it was feudal no signal of course not out here in the middle

of nowhere the temperature was dropping rapidly I could see my breath fogging up the windshield I knew I couldn't stay in the car in weather like this that was a death sentence I had to find shelter grabbing my emergency kit thank God I'd remembered to pack one I stepped out into the storm the wind hit me like a physical Force nearly knocking me off my feet snow pelted my face sharp as needles I picked a direction and started walking one arm up to Shield my eyes from the driving snow every step was a battle against

the wind I couldn't feel my fingers or toes and my face was numb with cold just when I thought I couldn't go on I saw it a faint glow in the distance a light my heart leapt where there was light there had to be people shelter I pushed on with Renewed Energy as I got closer I could make out the shape of a cabin smoke curled from the chimney promising warmth and safety I stumbled up to the door and pounded on it with frozen fists hello I shouted my voice nearly lost in the howling wind

please I need help for a long moment there was nothing then I heard movement inside the door creaked open and I found myself face to face with a man he was tall and lean with a wild beard and eyes that seemed to Glow in the lamp light he looked at me with surprise then concern good Lord Miss he said his voice gravy what are you doing out in this storm come in come in I all but fell through the doorway the sudden absence of wind making me stumble the man caught me his hands strong and

sure thank you I gasped shivering violently my car broke down I didn't know what to do you poor thing he said leading me to a chair by the fireplace you're half Frozen Here let me get you something warm to drink as feeling slowly returned to my extremities I took in my surroundings the cabin was cozy if a bit cluttered books and papers were strewn everywhere and the walls were covered in maps and Di diagrams I couldn't make sense of the man returned with a steaming mug it's just tea he said handing it to me but

it'll warm you up I took a grateful sip I'm Claire I said thank you so much for helping me I don't know what I would have done if I hadn't found your cabin he smiled but it didn't quite reach his eyes Jack he said and think nothing of it I couldn't very well leave you out there to freeze could I as we talked I began to relax Jack seemed nice enough if a bit odd he told me he was a researcher studying weather patterns in the mountains that explained all the maps and equipment I could

see scattered around the storm's not likely to let up until morning he said glancing out the window you're welcome to stay here for the night I'm afraid I don't have a guest room but the couch is comfortable able enough I hesitated staying the night in a stranger's cabin wasn't ideal but what choice did I have that's very kind of you I said if you're sure it's no trouble no trouble at all Jack said that strange smile back on his face as the night wore on my unease grew there was something off about Jack something I

couldn't quite put my finger on the way his eyes would Linger on me when he thought I wasn't looking the way he'd sometimes pause mids sentence as if listening for something I tried to Shake it Off he'd saved my life after all I was just being paranoid it wasn't until I got up to use the bathroom that I realized how wrong I was as I walked down the narrow hallway I noticed a door that was slightly a jar I wouldn't have thought anything of it except I heard a sound coming from inside a muffled thump

like someone moving around my curiosity got the better of me I pushed the door open a little wider and peered inside what I saw made my blood run cold the room was some kind of Workshop filled with strange equipment and jars of unidentifiable substances but that wasn't what caught my attention there strapped to a table in the center of the room was a person they were gagged and bound their eyes wide with Terror as they struggled against their restraints I must have made a sound because suddenly Jack was there his hand clamping down on my

shoulder now now he said his voice eerily calm you shouldn't go poking around in other people's business CLA I tried to run but his grip was like iron he dragged me into the room ignoring my struggles I really wish you hadn't seen this he said forcing me into a chair things could have been so much simpler as he tied me up he kept talking his voice taking on a manic Edge you don't understand none of you understand the storms they're not natural there's something out there something in the mountains I'm trying to stop it don't

you see I didn't see all I saw was a Madman a monster wearing the face of my rescuer please I begged tears streaming down my face let us go we won't tell anyone I swear Jack just shook his head I'm afraid I can't do that you're part of it now part of the experiment the next few hours were a blur of Terror Jack moved between us injecting us with something that made the room spin in our minds fog he muttered constantly scribbling notes and adjusting equipment through the haze I tried to think of a way

out the ropes were tight but maybe if I could work them loose I don't know how long it took but finally I felt the ropes give Jack was focused focused on his other victim his back to me it was now or never I lunged from the chair grabbing the nearest object a heavy glass jar and brought it down on Jack's head with all my strength he went down hard crumpling to the floor I didn't wait to see if he was out cold I untied the other person a hiker I learned later who'd gone missing weeks

ago and we ran the storm had passed the world outside blanketed in pristine white snow we stumbled through drifts the cold biting at our skin but fear kept us moving it wasn't until we reached the main road and flagged down a passing truck that I finally allowed myself to believe we were safe the aftermath was a blur of police statements and hospital visits they found Jack's cabin but he was long gone the things they discovered there I try not to think about it they never caught him sometimes when the wind howls outside my window I

imagine I can hear his voice Whispering about experiments and things in the mountains I don't drive those back roads anymore I don't go anywhere remote if I can help it because now I know that sometimes the real monsters aren't in the storm outside sometimes they're waiting behind a friendly smile ready to turn your salvation into a nightmare and in those moments when you're most vulnerable most in need of help that's when they strike so be careful who you trust in the dark and the cold you never know what's really waiting behind that cabin door the

crack of a twig snapping underfoot echoed through the forest freezing us in our tracks we'd come to these Woods for a peaceful camping trip but in that moment I realized we'd stumbled into a deadly game of cat and mouse the hunters had become the hunted and our fight for survival was about to begin my name's ER and I've always loved the Great Outdoors so when my boyfriend Tom suggested a weekend camping trip deep in the Ozark National Forest I jumped at the chance we'd been planning this getaway for months pouring over maps and plotting the

perfect route to take us far from the usual tourist Trails we set out early on a crisp Friday morning our backpacks loaded with supplies and our hearts full of excitement the first day was everything we'd hoped for challenging hikes through pristine Wilderness breathtaking views and the kind of solitude you can only find miles away from civilization as the sun began to set we found the perfect spot to make Camp a small clearing near a Babbling Brook sheltered by towering Pines we set up our tent built a fire and sat down to enjoy a simple dinner

of Trail Mix and dehydrated camping meals this is perfect Tom said his face glowing in the fir light just us and nature no cell phones no internet no distractions I nodded taking in the peacefulness of our surroundings the stars were starting to come out brighter than I'd ever seen them in the city it was magical we were just about to turn in for the night when we heard it voices carried on the wind at first I thought it might be other campers but something about the tone made the hair on the back of my neck

stand up Tom must have sensed it too stay here he whispered grabbing our flashlight I'm going to check it out I wanted to protest to tell him we should both go or neither of us should but before I could say anything he disappeared into the darkness minutes ticked by each one feeling like an eternity the voices grew louder then suddenly cut off the silence that followed was deafening just as I was about to go looking for Tom he burst back into our campsite his face pale with fear we need to go he said already starting

to break down the tent now what why what did you see I asked my heart racing Tom's hands were shaking as he stuffed our sleeping bags into their sacks poachers he said at least three of them they've got guns Sarah big ones and they they didn't look like the type to ask questions first my blood ran cold poaching was a problem in these parts but I'd never thought we'd actually run into any did they see you I asked helping Tom pack up our gear as quietly as possible he shook his head I don't think so

but they're close too close we need to get out of here we doused our fire and shouldered our packs Tom took one last look at our GPS before stowing it away there's a ranger station about 10 Mi north of here he said if we push hard we can make it by morning with only the dim light of the Moon to guide us we set off into the forest every shadow seemed to hide a threat every rustle of leaves a potential enemy we moved as quickly and quietly as we could but in the darkness it was

slow going we'd been walking for maybe an hour when we heard it the unmistakable sound of voices and heavy footsteps behind us the poachers had found our campsite and now they were on our trail run Tom whispered grabbing my hand we took off no longer caring about Stealth branches whipped at our faces as we crashed through the underbrush I could hear the men behind us their voices angry and getting closer suddenly the ground disappeared from under my feet Tom and I tumbled down a steep embanked bment landing hard at the bottom pain shot through my

ankle as I tried to stand I think it sprained I gasped leaning heavily on Tom he looked back up the slope his face Grim we can't outrun them now we need to hide Tom helped me limp to a dense Thicket of bushes we crawled inside pulling our dark colored packs in after us I bit my lip to keep from crying out as Tom gently examined my ankle in the dim light it's swollen he whispered but I don't think it's broken we'll need to wrap it once we're safe the voices were getting closer I held my

breath as flashlight beams swept the area where we'd Fallen they've got to be around here somewhere one of the men growled find them we can't let them report US my heart was pounding so hard I was sure they'd hear it Tom's arm tightened around me and I buried my face in his chest afraid even my breath might give us away the poachers searched for what felt like ours their lights probing every shadow their voices growing more frustrated by the minute finally they moved on the sound of their footsteps Fading Into the distance we waited until

we couldn't hear them at all before daring to move Tom helped me out of the thicket his face etched with worry in the pre-dawn light we need to keep moving he said they'll be back once the sun's up using a branch as a makeshift crutch I hobbled along as Tom led the way we stuck to the densest parts of the forest using every bit of cover we could find every snapping twig every bird call made us freeze certain we were about to be discovered as the sun rose painting the forest in shades of gold and

green we heard the poachers again they were spread out now sweeping the area in a system of IC search we were running out of places to hide there Tom whispered pointing to a rocky outcropping ahead if we can make it up there we might be able to see the ranger station it was a difficult climb made worse by my injured ankle Tom practically carried me the last few yards but when we reached the top The View took my breath away miles of unbroken Forest stretched out before us and there in the distance was a plume

of smoke Rising above the trees that has to be it I said hope surging through me for the first time since this nightmare began but our relation was short-lived a shout From Below told us we'd been spotted the poachers were coming and we were trapped we'll have to climb down the other side Tom said his voice tight with tension it's steep but it's our only chance The Descent was terrifying loose rocks slid under our feet and more than once I thought we were going to fall but somehow we made it to the bottom we could

hear the poachers cursing as they tried to follow us down it bought us precious time but we knew it wouldn't be long before they caught up the ranger station seemed to get no closer no matter how fast we moved my ankle was on fire each step sending jolts of pain up my leg but the sound of pursuit kept me going we burst out of the tree line into a small clearing the ranger station stood before us a simple wooden structure that looked like salvation help Tom shouted pounding on the door please someone help us for

a heart-stopping moment there was no response then the door flew open revealing a startled looking Ranger what in the world he began but Tom cut him off poachers he gasped they're right behind us they've got guns the Ranger's expression hardened he ushered us inside and locked the door then grabbed a rifle from a rack on the wall stay here he said moving to the window I've called for backup but it'll take time for them to get here the next few minutes were tense we could hear the poachers approaching their voices raised in Anger as they

realized where we'd gone the ranger stood his ground ordering them to drop their weapons for a moment I thought there would be a shootout but faced with an armed official the poachers nerve broke they fled back into the forest just as the sound of approaching Vehicles echoed through the trees the aftermath was a blur of police statements and medical attention for my ankle the poachers were caught a few days later trying to flee the state Tom and I never did finish our camping trip but in a way we got more Adventure than we' bargained for

we saw firsthand the Dark Side of nature not the animals or the elements but the human Predators who exploit the Wilderness for their own gain we still go camping but now we're more cautious we know that even in the most beautiful places danger can lurk but we also know that we're stronger together that we can face whatever comes our way and sometimes when we're sitting around a campfire Under the Stars we remember that night not with fear but with a sense of Pride we survived we protected each other and in doing so we found a

strength in ourselves we never knew we had the moment I stumbled upon the first makeshift grave I knew my peaceful hiking trip had turned into a nightmare the forest floor was Disturbed unnatural Mounds dotting the landscape like gruesome landmarks as I stood there Frozen in horror one thought echoed through my mind I had just walked into a Serial Killer's Dumping Ground and I needed to get out before I became the next victim my name's Alex and I've always been an avid hiker there's something about losing myself in nature that helps clear my head and puts

life into perspective so when I had a few days off work I decided to tackle a new Trail in the Cascade Mountains one that was off the beaten path and promised Solitude and breathtaking views the first day of my hike was everything I'd hoped for the Trail was challenging but rewarding winding through dense forests and opening up to stunning vistas of snowcapped Peaks I set up camp that night feeling accomplished and at peace looking forward to what the next day would bring I broke Camp early the next morning eager to cover more ground the trail

became less defined as I pushed deeper into the Wilderness ma but I wasn't worried I had my GPS and plenty of experience navigating rough terrain it was late after afternoon when things took a turn I had veered slightly off the main trail following what looked like a game path in search of a good spot to set up camp for the night that's when I saw it a patch of ground that looked wrong the Earth was mounded up in an unnatural way and there were withered flowers scattered on top my curiosity overrode my caution I approached

the mound my heart racing as I got closer I noticed other details a piece of fabric poking through the dirt what looked horribly like strands of hair I stumbled back my mind reeling this was a grave a fresh one and it wasn't alone as I looked around with new eyes I could see other Mounds scattered throughout the area some older and more overgrown than others Panic surged through me I needed to get out of there to contact the authorities but as I turned to leave a twig snapped somewhere behind me I froze and straining my

ears it could have been an animal I told myself but deep down I knew it wasn't moving as quietly as I could I crept towards a large Boulder hoping to use it as cover I had just ducked behind it when I heard footsteps heavy deliberate footsteps coming closer I know you're out there a voice called out it was a man's voice deceptively calm and almost friendly no use hiding why don't you come out so we can talk I held my breath pressing myself against the Cold Stone of the boulder my mind was racing should I

make a run for it try to reason with him I had no weapon nothing to defend myself with except my wits I'll come on now the voice continued closer now I promise I won't hurt you I just want to explain yeah right I'd seen enough crime shows to know how this would go he'd try to lure me out to get me to trust him and then I'd end up in one of those shallow Graves I peered around the edge of the boulder trying to get a glimpse of my stalker what I saw made my blood

run cold he was tall and broad-shouldered dressed in hunting gear and he was carrying a rifle in that moment I made a decision I couldn't outrun a bullet but maybe I could out smart him I grabbed a rock from the ground and threw it as hard as I could in the opposite direction the sound of it crashing through the underbrush had the desired effect the man Whirled towards the noise his rifle raised I see you he shouted starting to move away from me I took my chance I burst from my hiding spot and ran not

caring about the noise I was making I could hear him cursing behind me then the sound of pursuit I ran like I'd never run before crashing through undergrowth leaping over Fallen logs branches whipped at my face leaving stinging cuts and but I didn't slow down I could hear him behind me getting closer my lungs were burning my legs felt like lead but Terror kept me going I had no idea where I was running to only that I needed to get away suddenly the ground disappeared from under my feet I tumbled down a steep embankment rolling

and bouncing painfully before coming to a stop at the bottom for a moment I lay there dazed and winded the sound of sliding rocks above me snapped me back to reality he was coming down after me ignoring the pain radiating through my body I forced myself to my feet and started running again the forest was denser here the undergrowth thicker it slowed me down but it would slow him down too I pushed through ignoring the Thorns that tore at my clothes and skin I don't know how long I ran time seemed to lose all meaning

but eventually I burst out of the tree line and found myself on a road an actual paved Road Hope surged through me where there was a road there had to be people civilization safety I turned in what I hoped was the direction of the nearest town and started running again every few seconds I glanced over my shoulder expecting to see my pursuer emerging from the trees after what felt like hours but was probably only minutes I saw headlights approaching I waved my arms frantically praying the driver would stop the car an old pickup truck slowed

to a stop beside me an elderly man peered out at me his face creased with concern you all right Miss he asked please I gasped fighting to catch my breath I need help there's a man he's after me please can you take me to the police the old man's eyes widened but he nodded reaching over to unlock the passenger door get in he said as we drove away I kept looking back half expecting to see the killer standing in the middle of the road watching us drive away but there was nothing but empty asphalt stretching

behind us the rest of the night was a blur of police statements and medical checks I I told them everything about the graves the chase the terror of thinking I was going to die out there in the wilderness they found the site I described uncovering multiple bodies in various states of decomposition it was they told me the work of a serial killer who had been active in the area for years they never caught him though he vanished into the vast Wilderness leaving behind only his Grizzly handiwork and the nightmares of those who encountered him I

don't go hiking alone anymore can't bring myself to it not after what happened the forest once a place of peace and Solitude for me now feels full of hidden dangers every snapping twig every rustle in the undergrowth sets my heart racing but I haven't given up on nature entirely these days I stick to popular Trails always with a group and I've become an advocate for hiker safety sharing my story as a cautionary tale because the the truth is the Wilderness can be dangerous in ways we don't always consider it's not just the terrain or the

wildlife we need to be wary of sometimes the most dangerous predators out there are the ones that walk on two legs I often think about that day about how close I came to becoming just another victim another body in a shallow grave it's a sobering thought but also a reminder of My Own Strength and resilience I survived I outsmarted killer and lived to tell the tale and while the experience left its scars both physical and emotional it also taught me something important life is precious and every moment is a gift I don't take anything for

granted anymore each Sunrise each breath each step on a trail they're all reminders that I'm alive that I made it out of those woods when others didn't so I keep walking keep exploring always with one eye on on the path ahead and the other watching my back because you never know what's lurking just beyond the next Bend in the trail the first time I saw the girl with the haunted eyes I knew something was terribly wrong but I never imagined that my night shift at a remote truck stop would thrust me into the dark underbelly

of human trafficking as I stood behind the counter watching the steady stream of truckers and late night Travelers I had no idea that I was about to uncover a Sinister operation that would change my life forever my name's Jack and I've been working the graveyard shift at Big rig's Truck Stop for about 6 months now it's not the most glamorous job but it pays the bills and gives me plenty of quiet time to work on my novel at least that's what I thought it would do the night everything changed started like any other I clocked

in at 11:00 p.m. nodding to Dave the dayshift guy as he headed out the first few hours were uneventful a steady trickle of Truckers coming in for coffee snacks and a chance to stretch their legs it was around 2: a.m. when I first saw her a young girl couldn't have been more than 16 or 17 walked in with a much older man something about the way she moved the way she kept her eyes down set off alarm bells in my head the man marched her straight to the restrooms at the back of the store wait

here I heard him growl before he came up to the counter pack of smokes he grunted not meeting my eyes as I turned to grab the cigarettes I caught a glimpse of the girl in the security mirror she was standing exactly where the man had left her but her eyes were darting around frantically like a cornered animal looking for escape I handed the man his cigaretts trying to keep my voice casual as I asked everything okay with your daughter his head snapped up up eyes narrowing mind your own business he snarled snatching the pack from

my hand and stalking back to the girl I watched as he roughly grabbed her arm and dragged her out of the store my stomach churned something was very very wrong over the next few weeks I saw more girls like her always young always with older men who treated them more like property than people I started paying closer attention noticing patterns the same trucks would show up at odd hours men would exchange hushed words and knowing glances I knew I had to do something but I was scared what if I was wrong what if I was

seeing things that weren't there and even if I was right what could I a simple night clerk do against what was clearly a large organized operation it was a quiet Tuesday night when things came to a head a big rig pulled in around 3:00 a.m. and I recognized the driver as one of the regulars I'd been watching he came in alone but when he left he had two young girls with him they looked drugged barely able to walk straight my heart was pounding as I watched them climb into the truck this was it I couldn't

stand by any longer with shaking hands I picked up the phone and dialed 911 911 what's your emergency I took a deep breath I I think I've uncovered a human trafficking ring operating out of big rig's truck stop on Highway 20 the dispatcher's voice sharpened can you elaborate a sir I told her everything I'd seen over the past few weeks describing the girls the men the patterns I'd noticed as I spoke I kept my eyes on the security cameras watching the parking lot units are on their way the dispatcher assured me is there anything else

you can tell us just then I saw movement on one of the screens a van had pulled up and men were ushering more girls into it they're moving them now I said urgently there's a van suddenly the Bell over the door jangled I looked up to see one of the men I'd been watching Walk in our eyes met and I knew he'd heard me I have to go I whispered into the phone hanging up quickly the Man's eyes narrowed as he approached the counter who were you talking to he demanded just my girlfriend I lied

trying to keep my voice steady she worries if I don't check in he didn't believe me I could see it in his eyes come out from behind the counter he said his hand moving to his waistband where I caught a glimpse of a gun my mind raced I couldn't let him take me outside I'd seen enough crime shows to know I'd never come back at if I did look I said raising my hands I don't want any trouble I don't know anything and I haven't seen anything okay he smirked a cold humorless expression oh I

think you've seen plenty now move or I'll he never finished the sentence at that moment the parking lot lit up with red and blue flashing lights the man's head whipped around his face contorting with rage you little rat he snarled reaching for his gun I didn't think I just reacted I grabbed the pot of hot coffee from behind me and hurled it at him he screamed as the scalding liquid hit his face when stumbling backwards I vaulted over the counter and ran for the door outside it was chaos police cars had swarmed the parking lot

officers were shouting orders their guns drawn the van I'd seen earlier was trying to back out but a police cruiser blocked its path I burst out of the store my hands raised I'm the one who called I shouted as several officers turned their weapons towards me one of them rushed over quickly ushering me behind a police car stay down he ordered before running back towards the store from my position I could see everything the men were being arrested pulled from their trucks in the van and the girls God there were so many of them some

looked dazed others were crying a few tried to run only to be gently but firmly stopped by female officers it was over in minutes but it felt like hours when the dust settled one of the detectives came to take my statement as I talked I watched paramedics treating the girls wrapping them in blankets and leading them to waiting ambulances you did good son the detective said when I'd finished real good we've been trying to crack this ring for months your information was the break we needed I nodded feeling numb the adrenaline was wearing off leaving

me shaky and exhausted what's going to happen to the girls I asked the detective's face softened they'll get help counseling medical treatment whatever they need it's going to be a long road but they've got a chance now thanks to you in the days that followed the full scope of the operation came to light it wasn't just big rigs the ring had been operating out of truck stops across three states dozens of girls were rescued some of whom had been missing for years I gave more statements testified in court the truck Stop's owner was arrested too

he'd been turning a Blind Eye in exchange for a cut of the profits I was offered a reward but I couldn't take it instead I asked for it to be donated to organizations that help trafficking survivors I don't work at big rigs anymore could couldn't stand to be there after everything that happened but I didn't give up on my dream of being a writer in fact I found my story I'm writing about what happened about the girls about the dark world that exists right under our noses sometimes I think about that first girl the one

with the haunted eyes I never found out what happened to her specifically but I like to think she's out there somewhere free maybe even happy and on the nights when the memories keep me awake when I see those girls faces in my dreams I hold on to that thought because that's the thing about evil it thrives in the shadows in silence and complacency but it only takes one person to shine a light to speak up one person can make a difference I'm not a hero I'm just a guy who was in the right place at

the right time and chose not to look away and if my story teaches people anything I hope it's this pay attention look out for each other and if you see something wrong say something you never know whose life you might save the crumbling facade of Ravenswood Asylum loomed before me its broken windows staring down like Hollow eyes I'd come here looking for Thrills for that perfect creepy photo to boost my Urban exploration blog instead I found myself trapped in a waking nightmare hunted through decaying corridors by those who should have been long long gone sometimes

the dead don't rest easy and the insane never truly leave my name's Maya and I've always been drawn to abandoned places There's Something hauntingly Beautiful about a building left to Decay nature slowly reclaiming what man has discarded I run a fairly popular blog showcasing my Urban exploration adventures and when I heard about Ravenswood I knew it would be my masterpiece the Asylum had been abandoned for decades shut down after a series of scandals involving patient abuse and unethical experiments local Legends spoke of hauntings of Screams echoing through the empty Halls at night I didn't believe

in ghosts but I believed in the power of a good story I arrived Just Before Sunset my camera bag heavy on my shoulder the fence surrounding the property was rusted and bent easy enough to slip through as I approached the main building a chill ran down my spine that had nothing to do with the cool evening air the front door hung off its hinges creaking ominously in the breeze I flicked on my flashlight and stepped inside the beam cut through the Gloom revealing peeling wallpaper and debris strewn floors the air was thick with dust and

the musty smell of Decay I moved deeper into the building my camera clicking away every shadow every broken piece of furniture told a story I imagined the lives that had been lived and lost Within These Walls it was as I was setting up a shot in what must have been a patient room that I first heard it a shuffling sound coming from the corridor outside I froze listening intently it could have been the building settling I told myself or maybe an animal that had found its way inside but then I heard something else a voice

faint and distant calling out hello is someone there please I need help my heart started racing had another Urban Explorer gotten hurt or was this some kind of trap against my better judgment I moved towards the sound hello I called out where are you the voice came again closer this time here I'm here please help me I rounded a corner and my flashlight beam fell on a figure huddled against the wall it was a young woman dressed in what looked like an old-fashioned hospital gown she squinted in the sudden light raising a hand to Shield

her eyes oh thank God she said I thought no one would ever come something felt off her clothes her manner of speaking it was all wrong but she looked so scared so vulnerable are you hurt I asked taking a step closer how did you get here she stood up slowly keeping her eyes down they brought me here she said softly the doctors they said they were going to make me better a chill ran through me as the implications of her words sank in this wasn't possible the Asylum had been closed for years unless I raised

my camera snapping a quick picture The Flash illuminated the corridor for a Split Second and what I saw in that Moment of clarity made my blood run cold the woman was transparent I could see the wall behind her through her body I stumbled backward my heart pounding what are you I gasped her head snapped up and I saw her eyes were completely black a terrible smile spread across her face revealing rows of sharp teeth we're the ones they left behind she said her voice suddenly deep and inhuman and now you're going to join us I

ran I didn't think didn't plan just turned and fled back the way I'd come behind me I could hear her laughing the sound echoing off the walls as I raced through the corridors more voices joined hers Whispers and screams seemed to come from everywhere at once Shadows moved at the edge of my vision figures darting just out of sight I burst into what must have been the main main hall a vast space with a grand staircase leading to Upper floors and there blocking my path to the exit stood a group of people some wore patient

gowns others the uniforms of orderlies and nurses all of them had the same black eyes the same terrible Smiles welcome home one of them said a tall man in a doctor's coat we've been waiting for you I backed away my eyes darting around for another Escape Route this isn't real I said more to myself than to them you're not real the doctor laughed a chilling sound oh we're very real my dear more real than you can imagine we've been trapped here for so long waiting for someone like you someone to set us free they began

to advance their movements jerky and unnatural I turned and ran for the stairs taking them two at a time I could hear them behind me their footsteps thundering on the old wood the upper floors were a maze of corridors and rooms I ran blindly no longer sure which way was out every turn brought me face to face with more of them patients with vacant eyes nurses with bloody uniforms doctors wielding rusted scalpel I found myself in what must have been a treatment room old electroshock machines stood Silent Witness to past Horrors the only only way

out was a small window barely big enough for a person to fit through as I struggled to open the Rusted latch the door burst open behind me the spirits poured in their cold hands reaching for me with a final desperate shove the window gave way I didn't hesitate I dove through the opening feeling the old glass scrape against my skin for a heart-stopping moment I was falling then I hit the overgrown Shrubbery below the impact knocking the wind out of me ignoring the pain I scrambled to my feet and ran I didn't stop until I

reached the fence practically diving through the Gap I'd used to enter only when I was back in my car doors locked and engine running did I allow myself to breathe my hands were shaking so badly I could barely grip the steering wheel as I sped away I glanced in the rearview mirror Ravenswood Asylum stood silhouetted against the night sky and there in one of the upper window windows I saw a figure watching me leave even from this distance I could see its eyes gleaming in the darkness I didn't stop driving until I was back in

the city surrounded by the comforting sounds of traffic in normal living people it wasn't until I got home that I remembered my camera with trembling hands I downloaded the photos most were what I expected creepy shots of abandoned rooms and corridors but then I came to the one I'd taken of the ghost Woman My Breath caught in my throat there she was as solid as you or me but her eyes her eyes were completely black just as I'd seen them and behind her reflected in a broken mirror were faces dozens of faces all with the

same black eyes and terrible Smiles I deleted the photos all of them then I threw my camera away for good measure my Urban exploration days were over I still have nightmares about Ravenswood about black eyes and reaching hands and the feeling of being trapped in Endless decaying corridors sometimes when I'm alone at night I think I can hear Whispers can see Shadows moving just at the edge of my vision I never wrote about Ravenswood on my blog never told anyone what really happened that night who would believe me but I know the truth I know

that sometimes the dead don't rest easy that there are places in this world where the veil between life and death is thin where the insane and the tortured linger long after their bodies have turned to dust and I know that Ravenswood is waiting waiting for the next curious Explorer the next thrill seeker looking for a good scare waiting to welcome them home just as it had welcomed me so if you're ever driving down a lonely road and see a crumbling old building in the distance think twice before exploring because you never know what might be

exploring you right back and once you enter places like Ravenswood you might find that you never truly leave