Werewolf Skin

12

“Hunh-!”

I uttered a startled groan. And dropped to the ground.

I spun around to face my attacker.

No one there.

Nothing.

“Huh?” A shocked cry escaped my lips.

I started to scramble to my feet-and saw what had hit the back of my head.

A bird’s nest. A dried-up, broken bird’s nest. It must have fallen from a tree limb above my head. Probably shaken loose by the gusts of wind.

“Oh, wow.” I shook twigs from my hair. Then, cradling the camera case under my arm, I gazed around.

Where was I?

Trees up ahead slanted as if leaning against each other. A low mound of rocks stood at the edge of a ridge of tall reeds.

I’m lost, I realized.

I gazed up at the sky. No moon. The heavy rain clouds covered the moon and stars.

How do I get back? I squinted into the darkness, searching for the path. Searching for anything I might recognize.

Nothing.

If I could find the creek, maybe I could find the spot where I found my camera, I decided.

But which direction was the creek?

I was completely turned around.

I shivered. A cold raindrop spattered on the shoulder of my jacket.

I jumped. That bird’s nest had made me terrified of things falling from the sky!

What should I do?

My mind whirred frantically with ideas.

Should I call out for help? Shout to my aunt and uncle? Maybe if I called loud enough, they would hear me.

But, no. If I shout, the animal-the snarling creature-will hear me first.

Was it still searching for me? Was it still nearby?

I decided I’d better not call for help.

What should I do? What?

Start walking in one direction? And just keep going no matter what?

No. I remembered a book I’d read where a guy was lost in the desert. And he tried walking in a straight line. And he just made circles. He went around and around and didn’t even realize it until he saw his own footprints in the sand!

Maybe I should wait until the sun comes up, I decided. I’ll never find my way in this darkness. When it’s daylight, I’ll have a much better chance.

I didn’t like the idea of spending the night in the woods. But waiting here until I could see where I was going seemed like a good idea.

But then I heard a clattering sound. And felt the rain start to pound down hard. A freezing rain, swept by gusting wind.

I can’t stay here, I realized.

I have to get back to the house.

I walked and walked, trying to retrace my steps. I sighed with relief when I finally came to the clump of bushes where I’d hid. I found the flashlight and gripped it tightly in my free hand.

I took a guess on which direction to go next.

Ducking my head against the rain, I started to walk again.

Less than a minute later, I stumbled over something.

Something soft.

I landed on my knees. Turned back to see what I had tripped over.

And let out a cry of horror.