Thicket

By: Mace Styx

Narrated by: Marianne

Short stories by Mace Styx:

I had to admit it to myself. I am lost.
''What should I do now?'' I said.
I did the only thing I could think of at the moment. I started yelling.
''Daaaaad. Dad where are you?''
No response. Just a sound of the wind and cracking branches.
I had a choice to make. I can keep going, or turn around and get back to my car. The second choice sounded better, but how can I leave my father. He is probably in pain, still waiting for me, and probably worrying sick about me.

No, turning around was not an option. I felt a sudden adrenaline rush. I wiped my tears away, took a deep breath, and kept going. I didn't know exactly where I was, but last time I checked I was on the right path, and since then I didn't take any turns, so logically thinking I am still on the right way. If I just keep moving forward, I will eventually come to the campsite. That is what I was hoping for.
I once again kept going. I walked and walked without stopping. After what seemed like an eternity I stopped to take a rest. I began to lose hope for finding my father. As I was trying to catch a breath I pull my head up and saw a light. Not a campfire or a flashlight, it was moonlight. I took few more steps. This is it. This is supposed to be the campsite my dad was talking about. Everything was there, except, well, my dad. No one was there.
I was so confused. Where are they?

It crossed my mind that maybe they couldn't wait any longer so they started walking back to meet me halfway. How come I didn't see them then? And if that was the case, they would leave something behind. This place seemed like no one was there for weeks.
As my brain was trying to explain what I was seeing at the moment, I noticed footsteps. I went closer to see better.

©2020 Mace Styx (P)2021 Mace Styx