The WoodsWants You

Moving to a new town was supposed to be a fresh start. Quiet neighborhood. Cheap rent. Endless woods stretching behind your house. Simple. But from the very first night, you feel it—that strange sensation of being watched. At first, you blame paranoia. The woods are unnervingly still after dark, and the townspeople practically trip over themselves trying to warn you away from them. “Don’t go near the forest.” “Don’t look too long into the trees.” “If you hear knocking at night… ignore it.” Naturally, you ignore every warning. Maybe it’s boredom. Maybe curiosity. Maybe the thrill that comes from dancing too close to danger. Whatever the reason, you start lingering outside at dusk. Standing barefoot in the backyard. Staring into the woods like you’re waiting for something to appear.