SHUTTER

Such a thrifty idea, Clive believes with everything going according to plan as he had crept into woods, obscured by shadows. Motorbike camouflaged by underbrush piled atop it, day was breaking as he set off into woods for amazing photos that could make his career. Trusting this was his opportunity to grow the audience, that would support him directly or indirectly, in his artistic development. Living hand to mouth, left him without funds for traveling, therefore, to create his thriving future he chose inexpensive alternatives. With his paltry paychecks finally allowing him to set aside money for camera and film, penny-pinching for months to acquire that goal. Weight of deprivation affected his mental health until his desired camera was in hand, a Canon A2E EOS.

He carried a small backpack with beverages and snacks upon his shoulder, his illegal venture undisclosed to anyone. With thousands of acres, and darkness to veil him for entrance and exit he wouldn't be trespassed and face legal issues, if no one knew he was there. Clive praised himself for such an ingenuous solution, to empty pockets and accomplishing dreams.

Capturing angelic photos of a graceful doe and fawn stretching their necks to pluck delicacies from bush almost out of reach. A majestic sight with a blanket of fog about their cloven hooves. Snapping the shots, he couldn't believe his luck, smiling to himself as they moved on sampling other plants until disappearing into the woods. Feeling pleased with himself, he gave a small happy sigh. He moved a little deeper into woods marking his way with reflective thumbtacks and a small piece of pink tape behind it, pushed into trees to prevent getting lost.

He finally sat down for rest, leaning against a thick tree for support. Pulling out beef jerky and drinking his beverage thirstily; after consuming he drops waste into his backpack, leaving no litter, nor evidence of his visit. Not desiring to squander his day, he checked his watch for time almost noon. Wandering around hoping he would come upon a babbling brook with a lovely, picturesque scene with frolicking animals, calling for his premium high-speed film. He walked, listening intently for a presence of water in motion. His footsteps soft upon the pine needle covered forest floor he looked about yearning for more photos as the sun was overhead, wishing so much for a sparkling water photo, but would be happy for birds in flight, with sunlight as their backdrop. Catching movement in his peripheral, he is drawn to a towering creature. Eyes widen in fear; yet intrigue, excitement and a once in a lifetime shot; cloud his judgement as he snaps photos of the tall, shaggy man-like creature. Lanky arms, and grotesque legs completely covered with hair, standing upright over 7ft tall.

Repetitive clicking drew beast's attention, grunting at Clive's presence within Its vicinity, suddenly lunging at him and bouncing on all fours straight at Clive. He yelled while turning to run, without destination in mind, except to escape enraged animal. He stumbled, toppling down a hill and the beast did not give chase, as it watched his body roll, beaten by trees while descending. His near lifeless body looked more like a rag doll, bones cracked, backpack tossed and camera shattered along journey, downward for a long while finally falling into bushes. Clive looks up, his mind fuzzy and last thing he saw was a canopy of tiny blurry green leaves hovering just over him before blackness claims him. Consciousness lost shortly after as blood oozes from a headwound.

Waking sometime later realizing night was nearing, he was only supposed to be there from dawn until just after dusk. Unprepared for an overnight stay, certainly not with THAT BEAST lurking. He knew he would have to climb back up the hill, yet he knew his battered body may not support him. He could crawl out; it didn't matter as long as he found his way out. He was sure his bike would be useless to him if he was so lucky to make it back to it. He was sure he could not ride it out. But he knew that about 10 foot past his bike would be a road and a road meant possible vehicles would pass.

He realizes his foolishness after, pursuit of creature and becoming lost within the vast acres, sadly no one knew he was there since he gained no permission, therefore illegal to be there. Poaching, he would be considered a poacher perhaps, and possibly charged with trespassing, he would have court cost and fines, legal issues he would gladly take as his punishment. Instead of wandering the acreage alone with predators, the photo of a lifetime perhaps someone else would find in the far future. His career would die with him, unless he managed to crawl out before night settles, backpack thrown only God knows where, containing his flashlight. If night falls before his exit, the reflective markers will be useless, requiring a source of light to be cast upon for illumination.

Clive drags himself up the hill, not trusting himself to stand due to lingering dizziness. Pain widespread, some sharp, some dull, therefore movement all the more challenging. Finally reaching top, thoughts shift in wonder if the creature would be waiting on him, yet he dismissed it. The way out was up this hill, so he had to chance it and find his markers. Once to the top, he looked around cautiously, letting out a sigh of relief, finally managing to stand, albeit wobbly. Clumsily, with pain in every labored step, he realizes he is hopelessly lost. Having no idea how far he ran or necessarily the direction, how he longs to see a pink ribbon stuck to a tree somewhere, guiding him to civilization. Unfortunately traveling is slow and painful, with complete darkness nearly upon him.

He scans trees praying for a sign directing him home as he squints in the failing light. Nothing but trees and bushes creating odd, scary shapes. Then, he heard a terrifying sound, realizing the shapes were moving toward him and not as a result of gentle wind. Gnarling: several silhouettes move closer persistent growls advancing from all directions as they encircle him. He knew his fate was sealed as heavy, furry animals with razorlike teeth leapt knocking him violently to forest floor. Arms flailing futilely in defense of onslaught, as crunching and screams pierce night air in concluding disregard.