Dark Woods

• Teah Butcher, Grade 4
• Short Story
• 2010

As I was walking exploring the woods one dark night. I noticed bumps in the ground, I took out my light they were footsteps. You could see them in the dirt, hear them but I don’t know whose or what they were. I started moving faster, but suddenly I noticed dark green eyes in the bush starring at me. I ran as fast as I could, but its sharp claws latched on to me not letting me run. I didn’t know what to do, but before I knew it I was getting dragged somewhere.
I woke up. Its morning, I’m in the middle of nowhere and I couldn’t remember what happened. I tried to ring my parents, but my mobile had no signal. My life is a total mess; I don’t know where I am, but worst of all I’m starving and that thing is still out there, what should I do? I started walking trying to find a signal, but it was know use. My mum says never give up, so that’s what I did, and before I knew it I found a road.
After walking for what seemed like forever, I found home. Something is wrong, is that home? I walked in and checked the street name twice it was the right street, I don’t understand. That abnormal creature must have done something. I was so disappointed I thought I was home. But if this isn’t home where am I? I walked in and searched around, but I found nothing.
I decided I’d go to a café and have some food then get out and go search again for home.
I walked east following the sun. But then the ground started to move, it was the peculiar creature it’s been following me the whole time. I saw it shape shift into a person, it was a shape shifter. I ran as fast as the wind and then suddenly it disappeared and ended up in front of me. I was scared to death, my whole body was tingling. I ran backwards but it kept on following me, it wouldn’t give up. But I’d have to make it go, but just how.
I found a small town and ran in and went into the crowd it looked like a show was being performed. I ran past everyone but I stopped suddenly because I saw familiar faces it was my Mum and Dad, it looked like they were trying to get through the crowd, to look for me. I was so happy I ran towards them and hugged them. “Where have you been, we’ve missed you so much?” “I was out and about,” I said. “Well let’s go home then, Ok,” I said. The shape shifter was gone, I don’t know why. I’m so happy. We went home and my life was perfect again. I hope it stays away from my family and me; otherwise I might not ever have a normal life again.