THE FEAR

The sun was setting and the sky was turning a deep shade of violet. It was the perfect evening for a walk in the park. Even the birds were singing a sweet tune in the warm summer air.

The park was always empty at this time of day, but that didn't stop Marcus from taking a stroll. He just wanted to get away from it all for a bit, and this was the perfect way to do it.

As he walked, he noticed a strange figure in the distance. It was a woman wearing a long, dark cloak and a wide-brimmed hat. She was standing in the middle of the park, just staring off into the horizon.

Marcus approached her slowly, not wanting to startle her. He cleared his throat and asked, "Excuse me, ma'am, can I help you?"

The woman slowly turned her head towards him. Her face was pale and her eyes were a deep, dark black. She stared at him for a few moments before finally speaking. Her voice was soft and almost soothing.

"I'm looking for a place to rest," she said. "Do you know of any?"

Marcus felt a chill run down his spine. He hesitated for a moment before finally pointing towards a nearby bench.

"There's a bench over there," he said. "You can sit there if you'd like."

The woman gave a small nod before slowly walking towards the bench. She sat down and let out a long sigh. Marcus couldn't help but feel that something wasn't quite right about her.

He decided to take his leave, but just as he was about to turn and walk away, the woman suddenly spoke again.

"Wait," she said. "Don't go. I have something I need to tell you."

Marcus stopped and slowly turned back around. He waited for her to continue, but she just sat there in silence. After a few moments, he finally asked, "What is it?"

The woman slowly lifted her head and looked at him. Her eyes were filled with an ancient sorrow.

"It's a warning," she said. "There is great evil in this park. It lurks in the shadows, waiting for its chance to strike. Beware of the darkness, for it will lead you astray."

Marcus felt a chill run down his spine once again. He wanted to ask her more, but before he could, she suddenly stood up and began walking away.

He watched her disappear into the darkness, leaving him alone with the night.

He stood there for a few moments, not quite sure what to do. He eventually decided to head home, but as he walked, he couldn't help but feel like he was being watched. He quickened his pace and kept his eyes peeled for any sign of danger.

When he finally arrived home, he immediately locked the door and rushed upstairs to his bedroom. He felt like he was being followed, and he was sure that whatever it was, it wasn't human.

For the next few nights, he was plagued with nightmares. He dreamt of dark figures lurking in the shadows, watching him wherever he went. He would wake up in a cold sweat, his heart pounding in his chest.

One night, he decided to take a walk in the park to try and clear his head. As he walked, he noticed a dark figure in the distance. It was the same woman he had met before.

She slowly approached him and spoke in a soft voice. "You must stay away from the darkness," she said. "It will consume you if you're not careful."

Marcus thanked