Prologue
The night was finally warm after months of harsh winter. The small town and forests surrounding it were finally uncovered from the snowy white. There was still a chill in the air, but for Julian it was close to perfect. He was just coming back from a nightshift, wandering on the path through the forest, a shortcut to town. Despite the squeaking of Julian’s shoes and the occasional blow of wind it was eerly quiet. Sauntering with a flashlight in his hand, he unconsciously noted the smallest details he came across. The forest smelt like rain until… it didn’t. Something foul hit his nose. Julian’s ears rang, his pulse quickened. Something felt wrong.
After a few minutes, Julian came to a small clearing. With no intention of stopping he continued straight through it, until he heard footsteps. Stopping to listen the boy heard his heart drumming in his ears. The footsteps stopped just as he did. Was this his imagination? who would be walking in the forest at this hour? Julian started to walk again, speeding up his pace. The person did too. Swearing he saw someone in his peripheral vision.
Run. Don’t look back.
His vision blurred and the terrified boy was safe at home despite the dread he felt. His life almost flashed before his eyes.
He ran like always. After all, he was a deer at heart.
