A menace lurks in the shadows, slinking between the trunks of the snow-covered evergreens guarding the dense forest and what exists within its realm. The menace flicks its tail, a fluff of orange and black against the puffs of white.
A cry, a scream, a wail.
Hairs stand at attention, instantly intrigued. My eyes follow the menace as it enters the thicket, and my legs move numbly through the trees to a snowy expanse. The menace pads across the field, its small paws tracking a delicate line of prints. Light on its feet, the menace trots a few yards ahead, stopping to peer over its shoulder.
A taunt, a beckoning, a reassurance.
Its eyes shine in the burst of snow, its copper coat elegantly dusted with white like sugar.
A delight, a temptation, a dare.
I shield my eyes against a gust of wind, a howling in my ears as frigid flakes bite at my bare skin. The menace has vanished, its prints have disappeared. Confused, I frantically search. But only my clumsy footprints remain. My breath billows and I stumble, falling onto a soft blanket. A soft blanket that harbors an icy secret.
A crack, a shift, a rush.
I gulp as the lake swallows me. I plunge helplessly into the freezing water, body encased in a frozen tomb. I reach, grasping at the icicles of light piercing the darkness. The menace appears, a silhouette in the warped glow above.
Watching, laughing, shaming.
I am the fool who followed.
About the Creator
Alyssa Nicole
A toxicologist who secretly hopes to be a full-time author. One novel in progress with too many other ideas taking up space in my head until I get around to writing them. Some of those ideas end up here.
Instagram: @alyssa.n.mussowrites
Reader insights
Outstanding
Excellent work. Looking forward to reading more!
Top insights
Compelling and original writing
Creative use of language & vocab
Easy to read and follow
Well-structured & engaging content
Excellent storytelling
Original narrative & well developed characters
Expert insights and opinions
Arguments were carefully researched and presented
Eye opening
Niche topic & fresh perspectives
Heartfelt and relatable
The story invoked strong personal emotions
Masterful proofreading
Zero grammar & spelling mistakes
On-point and relevant
Writing reflected the title & theme
Comments (2)
This is so tightly written and compelling - and the end!! Beautifully done, Alyssa. 💗
Oh my, great story Alyssa! Loved the imagery you managed to give us in such a short amount of words