Bites Like A Bear

In old Russia, when the air is cold, and trees stand naked under a midnight moon, it is unwise to travel the roads alone. The wise ones tell of a tall, dark creature that walks like a tree but bites like a bear.

Tatyana walks the road fearless of the old stories. “Grannys always tell you things to make you behave, but their tricks do not fool me,” she said as she left the town to walk the country road alone.

Near a forgotten farm, Tatyana feels as if she is being watched. “What now? I am starting to believe Granny’s fairytales. No, I am a modern girl who knows better than to fall for silly children’s tales,” said the girl, picking up her pace.

The moon shines brightly upon the road, easing the girl’s mind. She slows her steps and enjoys the cool evening air. Suddenly, from behind, a flurry of cracks and creaks approaches. Spinning around, Tatyana stares directly at the Branchena, an ancient demon from before times.

A farmer finds a pair of glasses and a strange footprint near the abandoned field the following morning. With no sign of the missing girl, rumors of an ancient one taking her swirl. The Babas shake their fingers. “Let this be a lesson to you, for who is the bigger fool, the one who warns of the dark ones or who falls foul of their foolishness?”

До свидания (Do svidaniya)