The Storm

Where is the path?

Gone, gone, completely gone.

Swallowed up by the darkness.

The forest envelops you.

Every angle, the same as the other.

Where is the path?

Now you are alone.

Alone in the forest.

Alone in a vast labyrinth of pine.

The clouds cover the moon, blocking out all signs of light.

Not even the stars shine on this stormy night.

The wind begins to blow.

At first it starts as a dull drone, but it gradually grows louder and louder, until the incessant shrieks and howls surround you, filling every part of your heart and soul.

In the shadows, a horrific creature stalks.

Wait, no.

Just a trick of the wild imagination, nothing but a tree.

A wolf, ready to spring!

No, just a wild shrub.

A skeletal arm reaches for your throat!

No, only an unruly branch.

Plop.

Moisture on your nose.

Plop, plop.

Drops of water, falling from the sky.

The rain has arrived.

Plop, plop, plop, plop!

The drops fall faster, harder.

Plop, plop, plop.

Now pouring, pounding.

The rain comes down in sheets, as if someone is pouring a bucket down upon your head.

The scent of damp earth fills your nostrils.

The rain comes down hard, blinding your already impaired vision.

A sudden flash!

Lightning lights up the sky for a brief moment, clearly revealing the never-ending forest surrounding you.

A clap of thunder follows, shaking every bone in your body.

Again, lightning.

Then thunder.

Fire from heaven draws near!

What’s that?!

A bear!

No, only a stunted tree.

The storm swells.

The wind screams and howls.

The rain beats down.

A flash of lightning.

A tremendous rumble.

Wind, rain, lightning, thunder.

Screams, beats, flashes, booms.

Wind, rain, thunder, lightning.

Screaming, beating, flashing, booming!

A storm!