Folksburywoods

“We’ll be through soon, Nunu,” said the mother as she made her way through the forest.

Nosh had known better than to take the forest path so late in the day. As the sun set low in the sky, the travelers were surrounded by long shadows.

“Hush, eat your betel nut, Mummy has to focus, we don’t want to get lost,” said Nosh.

Suddenly, the woman caught sight of a pair of glowing eyes off to her right. “Calm, stay calm, and they will let us pass,” said the woman.

The distraction caused her to lose her focus, and now she stood wondering which way to head. “Focus, you will see the way,” muttered Nosh.

Turning, she felt the pull of her home. “This way, I can see the forest’s edge,” Nosh told her son.

The sound of twigs snapping and hissing grew closer. “Almost there, the edge is right there,” said Nosh.

Nosh broke into a full sprint when she heard something close in behind her.

“Almost free,” Nosh started to say. She never got the words out. The tentriles yanked her back into the forest.

The following day, Nunu’s carrier lay beside the path. Inside lay his betel nut and a single sock.

“Another fool thought they could slip through,” said farmer Fitzgibbons.

Folks shook their heads and headed home. “What a shame, Nosh and Nunu were such fine folks,” remarked the wise woman.

No one took the forest shortcut for a long time. Folks didn’t want to find any more of the victim’s belongings.

Sometimes a tragedy serves as a lesson to others. The loss of one saves the lives of many.

Still, it was a shame.

For More Fun: https://folksburywoods.com/