Soul Survivor

"The cabin in the woods had been abandoned for years, but one night, a candle burned in the window." Everyone around the campfire held their breath, Carly inhaled the terror of the words as they hovered in the night air. Her family didn’t breathe, waiting for the stranger to continue his tale.

"It wasn't until dawn, when the morning light revealed the bodies of the family huddled together in a last embrace. A single black rose, in bloom, lay before their charred bodies. The roots already taking hold."

A loud pop from the blaze as the wood split throwing embers in the air like a thousand dying stars, jarred the family as they sat totally enthralled in the terrifying story.

"Jesus." Yelled Carly at the same time her twin brother cried out, "Holy shit."

"Hey, you two, no swearing. Although Danny's words are fairly close to what I did in my pants." Laughed their father.

"Dad, that's gross." Whined Carly, clearly happy for the tension reliever.

"Seriously I thought I heard every campfire ghost story there was, damn if that didn’t top them all." Her dad continued.

Clinging on to Jared's arm so tight you would think she was saving him from falling. Jazeen realizing how it looked, a grown women clinging to her husbands’ arms from fear of a ghost story, she quickly let go. Staring at the man sitting across the flames, she had to shake her head. 'What was his name?' for the life of her children she couldn't remember. 'Did he even say what it was?' Shaking her head, she called out "Smores anyone?"

Danny spoke up, "Yeah, I will mom."

"You already ate four, where do you have the room?"

"He's a teenager, let him eat." Defended Jared. Turning to the storyteller he wanted to say something, but the words escape him. Feeling embarrassed that the strangers name eluded him. Instead, with a smile he asked. "How about a beer as payment for the story?"

"No thanks. You folks have been truly kind to me, and I feel that I overstayed my welcome."

Carly's head felt heavy, chuckling to herself, overstayed? She didn’t even remember when he arrived. Shadows dancing from the fire, playing against the man’s features. Changing his looks, old one moment, young the next. Dark skin glistening, reflecting the flames light. His deep voice was hypnotizing, beautiful. Did she just feel a tingle through her body, like she did when she was with ...now why couldn't she remember her boyfriends name? Reaching up she grasps a necklace, the cool metal soothing her nerves.

Her eyes lock with the strangers, there was a soulfulness to them. Carly watched the man wringing something in his hand, twisting, a rag, maybe a rope? The fire light playing tricks on her eyes.

His deep voice floated across to her. “That’s a beautiful necklace.”

Carly’s hand defensively went to the locket attached to the chain. Squeezing it. “ Thanks, it was a gift from...from…” Who gave her the necklace and what was in his hands?

Carly watches Danny gets up to shake the stranger’s hand then stops with a look of confusion on his face. Was he holding a smores? When did he make it? She remembers mom asking who wanted one, but mom hadn't moved from her chair, she was sure of it. Watching him lick his fingers as the chocolate began to drip. Figuring he must of have had one too many because his face took on a look of disgust.

“Was that true, Mister?” Danny’s voice cracked as he asked. Tossing the smores into the flames.

“Mister? I ain’t no mister, please call me by my first name.”

“Uh, sure. So, is that a true story ….um, sir?”

The man chuckles, then in a serious tone he whispers. ”There is always some truth to every story.”

“Well.” Danny rambles on. “It gave us some entertainment, our parents refused to let us bring any devices up, including our phones.”

A light smile plays upon the man’s lips. “So, you have no contact with the outside world?”

When no one replies the stranger begins to laugh. “My family will be expecting me home.”

"Nonsense, one drink won’t hurt." With that statement Jared rose and went to the cooler. "It will give us a chance to get to know you better. Would you like a cider or I have these craft beers?" Grabbing two specialty beers he turns around. "Our friend owns this brewing company and...." Jared stops in mid sentence, the man is gone.

An eerie quiet takes over the camp site, a sudden disappointment hangs heavy. Like when the life of the party leaves. He was the glue that held their interest. Now everything goes back to normal, not bad, just not exciting.

They sit around the fire in silence, every so often someone mentions the tale and the conversation briefly lights up again. No one wants to be the first to bed, every sound this night makes them jump. Something about sleeping in a nylon tent makes them feel vulnerable. Wound up so tight they are ready to fly out of their skin.

Danny suddenly stands up. “ What is that?” Staring into the darkness of the silhouetted trees he raises his right arm and points. “There see that?”

Carly yells. “Stop it Danny.”

“No, serious. Look, now it‘s over there.” Swinging his arm to point directly behind Carly.

“Danny, that’s enough.” Admonishes his father. “ Stop scaring your…”

“No, I see it.” Cries Jazeen. “Right there.”

Grabbing a flash lite, Jared storms towards the forest. A fathers protective adrenaline pumping fast into his veins. “Who’s there?” And then he let out a scream.

Which causes everyone to scream.

Jared spins around and begins to laugh.’

“Jesus Dad, you scared us.”

“I’m sorry, I only screamed to frighten what ever was in the trees. I don’t think there is...”

Suddenly, a dark shadow burst out of the forest. Like a moth drawn to the flame, the creature throws itself at Carly. In that moment screams fill the night once more.

Except Carly. In a very calm voice, she says. “Hey, Quiet guys.”

Clinging to her is a child, kinky hair matted with leaves and twigs, her flower dress, torn and dirty. Her face presses into Carly’s chest while tiny arms wrap tightly around her waist.

After a moment of silence, the child leans her head back. Eyes glowing as bright as the distant moon, her skin blends with the night. They think they hear a word spoken so soft it may be the wind.

It takes a little doing , but Carly manages to untangle herself from the child. Kneeling, she asks. “Where is your home, your family?”

In reply the child turns and raises her arm, one tiny, crooked finger points towards the darken trees.

Carly raising her eyebrow, feels a shiver course through her body. “Dad?”

Jared Shrugs, “Jazeen?”

A mothers instinct takes over, kneeling with her daughter she holds trembling little hands. They remind her of Carly’s when she was little.

“What’s your name?”

The girl buries her face once more.

“That’s ok. I’m Jazeen, this is my husband Jared, the young man is Danny, and this is…”

“Carly.” Emotionless the young girl stares into Carly’s eyes. Again, the word is so soft, no one is sure where it came from, night noises playing tricks with their mind.

The only sound is the sizzle of the flames and cracking of burning wood. The world slows down as a gust of wind blew. Cascading leaves fall like ash around the camp.

Carly holds the child at arms length, in a trembling voice asks. “How do you know my name?”

But, the little one says no more.

The fire slowly fizzles away, darkness closes in amongst them like a noose.

‘Take me home.’ Another whisper in the dark.

Carly hesitates, before she speaks. “What did you say?“

The child stares into Carly’s eyes, turns and disappears into the woods.

Reaching out to grasp the fleeing waif, Carly gives chase. Hearing her family in pursuit Carly races on.

“Her name echoes amongst the trees. “Carly , stop.”

She can no longer see the child. Words begin floating in the night, filling her head with song.

Three on a tree, swinging in the breeze

Toes are wiggling, legs are jiggling

Carly feels herself being led. Feet moving of their own accord. The night is silent, her heart beating so strong its rhythm pumping in her throat.

Thump, thump ….Thump, thump….Thump, thump.

She moves deeper into the dark.

Carly finally catches up to the child and grips her hand, which is so hot it burns her flesh. Yet, she refuses to let go.

A voice calls to her. ‘Home’

Danny crashes through the trees, panting heavily, Sidling up to her. “Carly, where are you going? Mom, and dad can’t keep up, lets go back to camp.”

On cue, distant voices are heard calling out to them.

Where was she going?

From behind, screams echo through the dark.

Danny grips his sister’s arm. “Carly, Wait here, I am going to get mom and dad. Don’t Move.”

Carly watches as Danny fades into the forest. In the dark, alone. A sudden motion startles her. Looking down, wide eyes burrow into her own. Their hands intertwine, they move on.

Her thoughts are jumbled. Who was that man in their camp? Her memory blurs, when did she see him, is he real?

Taking a step, the need to keep walking is powerful.

Smells of the forest grow strong, earth mixed with body sweat, smoke and ...blood.

Three on a tree swinging in the breeze…

Carly hums, softly at first then it grows, louder and louder. Trying desperately to drown out the noise that fills her head, she has heard this before.

Scratch... A branch against the window?

Keep walking.

Scratch…scratch… Fingers scrapping, digging?

Feeling trapped. Darkness clings to her skin; her body began to burn.

Scratch…scratch…scratch. Frantic fingernails clawing on wood.

Keep walking.

“Where are we going?” Her mouth dry, the air is hot, every breath searing her lungs. Breathing becomes a chore.

The little one remains silent, continuing to pull Carly. Without warning she once again breaks away.

“Wait, slow down.” Carly gives chase, running through the brush, trying desperately to catch the little girl.

Branches rake her face, blood flows from tiny cuts. A tightness grips her throat, tighter and tighter. Like a noose, her necklace begins to press into her flesh, she grasps at it trying to break it free from her neck. Her finger pry between her skin and the metal which is embedding into her skin. With a last attempt, Carly pulls, the chain breaks. Stopping to catch her breath, her hands are sticky. The light of the moon shines upon her bloody fingers. The chain is blood red, she drops it and runs.

In desperation she cries into the dark. “We should go back to the camp, there isn’t anything out here…it’s so dark…please.”

Ahead, a dim light pierces the night. A faint flickering glow. Carly stops and stares at this beacon in the night. Feels the terror within the child as she feels her hand once more. They pick up the pace, her companion pulling harder now. Carly struggles to keep up, she can not let go. Her fingers feel swollen, hot. Knowing her skin must be bursting open, oozing pus and blood, she refuses to look.

Her breath is short, panic sets in, the forest is closing in, she needs to get out of here, this isn’t right.

Finally, breaking through the trees. Cool air fills her lungs, instantly her head begins to clear.

Before her is a solid log cabin, with a large veranda, smoke drifting from the chimneys. A single lit candle on the window ledge, welcoming them home.

Carly suddenly feels better, her anxiety slowly disappearing. Smiling, she asks. “Is this your home?”

The child nods her head.

Still holding her hand, yet no longer burning. Carly climbs the steps, approaches the cabin door.

Knock…knock…knock.

Slowly the door opens, a burst of light spills into the night, blinding Carly for a moment. As her eyes adjust, a beautiful woman, the color of night with eyes bright like the moon stands before her. The similarities to her own mother are uncanny.

Peering inside, the rustic home, clean and tidy. An enticing aroma fills the air. Comfortable wooden chairs surrounding a table, covered with food. For the first time in a while, she feels hungry. Glancing to her right the cast iron stove is laden with pots, steam rises invitingly upward. Then, she spies what drew her here.

“I saw… we saw your candle in the window, I must be honest I didn’t know anyone lived out here. There was nothing on the map… but she insisted.”

A tall handsome man comes up behind his wife, from behind his legs a little head pops out, just as quickly ducks back again. Carly can’t help but smile.

The lady’s bright eyes slowly dim and cast downward. “We leave it for our daughter, hoping it will guide her back to us.”

“Well, I think I can help you with that.” Stepping aside expecting the little girl to run into her parent’s arms. There is nothing but silence, Carly turns around. The child is gone, glancing at her hand only to find emptiness. She hadn’t remembered letting go, she can still feel trembling fingers holding on. Carly quickly scans the forest behind her calling out to the little girl. ‘What is her name?’

Turning back to the family she stutters, “I… I don’t know what to say she was here, she led me to …”

The cabin is empty, abandoned. No smells of food linger; only stale air fills her lungs. The furniture once so neat and organized now lay scattered and charred, scorched like the walls. The front door hangs by one hinge, busted. The Iron stove no longer laden with food, lay on its side, blackened floorboards all around, clearly the cause of the blaze.

Confusion isn’t even a word to describe what she was experiencing. Her stomach feels like it was kicked, about to throw up. Reaching she grasps onto the veranda to steady herself. Carly breaths in deeply. Her only thought now is to get out, back to camp and get her family away from here.

She tries to run but can only stumble aimlessly, where she hopes is her camp. Not knowing which way to go, the forest begins to spin out of control. Smells of smoke surround her. Words singing in her head.

Three on tree are swinging in the breeze.

Then, she sees it, a light, through the trees. Running towards it she burst through a clearing. An open field amongst the forest, in the centre stands one lone tree. Tall with wide strong branches reaching outward. Three people stand there, staring at the tree. Does she know them?

Carly approaches, no one turns around as she calls out, slowly she raises her hand reaching for a shoulder, she cannot bring her hand to touch . Instead, she whispers. “Danny?”

They continue staring at the tree. Her eyes follow their gaze, a plaque with faded words:

May they find Peace in the next life, for they found none in this one.

Behind the tree, shadows of three crooked wooden crosses, placed in the grass. Next to the graves is one shallow freshly dug and empty. Waiting for a body to fill it.

“How did you find this?”

Toes are wiggling, legs are jiggling

It must be her imagination, but Carly can hear the creaking of the branch. Straining from weight at the end of the ropes.

Carly continues “ I think I know what happened.” Carly turns to her family, “The little girl….” Her voice falters, she sees legs hanging in front of her, swaying. Looking up, dangling from the tree is the family from the cabin. Nooses around their necks, eyes bulging, tongues swollen. She tries to scream, nothing comes out.

A child, they hung the child. Her mind cannot process the hate.

Backing away she stumbles, feels herself falling. The air leaves her chest as she lands hard in the dirt. Blinking she sees only the tree branches and stars, and a wall of dirt. Realization hits her, she is in the open grave. As she struggles to rise a silhouette of the little girl appears above. Carly cries out but her mouth is instantly filled with soil, it comes tumbling from above, covering her. The weight becomes constricting, holding her down. Carly twists and kicks, deeper and deeper she fills like she is sinking. Darkness consumes her. Frantically brushing the dirt from her face, she cannot breathe. Suddenly there is a grip on her wrist, in one final desperate move she coils her legs and thrusts upward. Standing in the shallow hole Carly leans forward grasping the grass and pulls herself out. Rolling to her side she grasps for fresh air. Coughing and spitting out soil.

The child has disappeared.

There is nothing, no empty grave, no one hanging in the lone tree. Alone.

In fear she runs. Nothing makes sense. Run. Tears burn, blurring her vision, she stumbles and hits the ground hard. Raising her head, she is back at the cabin. Abandoned, it sits there, a silent sentinel waiting for something to wake it. Invisible hands pull her along, dragging her to the front steps, dropping her on the damp ground..

Dark begins to give way to a hazy morning. Not yet dawn, but no longer night. Carly creeps forward up the stairs, to the broken door. Suddenly the family appears once more, they stare at her, with apparent fear they back away, screaming. The sound of splintering wood erupts in her head. Holding their arms out in front of them, the man reaches down picks up the little boy. He turns to Carly and yells out a warning. A bright light once more blinds Carly. Blinking her eyes back into focus. The Cabin is deserted.

No longer in control of her own movement. Her feet drag upon the burned-out floor, drawn to the tipped over iron stove.

Carly pushes and rocks the stove till it breaks free from its resting place. Slowly, painfully, sliding it across the floor, scarring the oaken floor. Falling to her knees. Driven by an unknown force she frantically began to scrape the dirt and soot from where the metal once lay. Soon an outline of a trapdoor blending with the floor appears.

Grabbing the edges, she pries with bloody fingers. The floorboards creak in defiance. Lifting and thrusting it aside, dust fills the cabin. Once the air clears, Carly sees for the first time this night.

Falling to her knees, Carly whispers. “Your family hid you under the floor before the vigilantes stormed your home didn’t they? You were young but at an age where those men would have..."

Shaking with disgust, she can feel the fear. Carly realizes in the scuffle, the stove must have tipped over, trapping the child beneath the flames.

Tears fall freely, ”You needed to be found....”

From behind, a candle on the windowsill flickers to life. Carly turns, drawn to the glow. Coiled next to the candle, her necklace lay there.

In an instant her world erupts, flashing lights fill the cabin, People spill in, police, paramedics, and her family.

Jazeen cries, she hears her dad calling her name over and over. The wind gets knocked out of her as Danny engulfs his sister in a hug.

Carly finds out through half finished sentences and tears. Apparently for no reason, she ran into the woods, her family chased after but could not find her. That was two nights ago.

Carly stares at the wavering candle on the ledge. Through the dirty windowpane, she sees the storyteller. He smiles then fades away as the candle burns out. A single wisp of smoke rising to the heavens.

A heavy silence consumes the cabin, as all within witness a ray of morning light casting a golden beam upon a single black rose. Growing beside the mummified remains of a tiny body curled in a fetal position, in a shallow hole.

“The cabin in the woods had been abandoned for years, but one night, a candle burned in the window.“