On the edge of a small town called Zamunda, there was a path that many people were afraid to walk. The path wound through a thick forest, and it was said to lead to strange places that most had forgotten. People whispered that strange things happened on that path, especially when the moon was full.
Temi was a girl who didn’t believe in stories or old tales. She liked to explore and was always curious. At sixteen, she had already seen most of the hidden spots in Zamunda. But one place she hadn’t explored was the mysterious pathway. Everyone in Zamunda had heard the warnings about it. They said the pathway was magical or maybe even cursed, but Temi thought it was just another adventure waiting to be had.
One warm afternoon, with the sun shining through the trees, Temi decided she would finally walk the pathway. She packed a small bag with water, a flashlight, and a notebook, and set off. Her best friend, Mark, followed her, though he wasn’t as excited about it.
Mark was careful and liked to play it safe. He had always been the one to keep Temi out of trouble, but he didn’t want her to go alone, so he joined her. When they reached the start of the path, the trees seemed to bend over and form a tunnel. The air was cooler, and the usual sounds of the town grew quiet, replaced by the rustling of leaves.
“Are you sure we should do this?” Mark asked, sounding worried.
Temi nodded. “We’ve explored everywhere else, Mark. This is the last place left. And it’s just a path.”
But as they started walking, the forest seemed to grow still. The pathway was narrow and lined with smooth stones. It twisted and turned, sometimes disappearing behind thick bushes.
As they walked, the light around them began to dim, even though it was still daytime. Shadows grew longer, and the trees seemed to whisper to each other in a language the two friends couldn’t understand.
After what felt like hours, they came to a clearing. In the middle of the clearing was an old stone well, covered in moss. Temi walked up to it and peered inside, expecting to see water, but instead, there was only darkness. The darkness seemed to pull at her, almost like it was calling her.
“Temi, step back,” Mark said, grabbing her arm. His voice was calm, but his eyes showed fear.
Before Temi could answer, they heard a noise behind them. They turned around and saw an old woman walking out of the trees. Her hair was long and silver, her clothes old but clean. Her eyes were sharp and seemed to hold many secrets.
“You shouldn’t be here,” the old woman said, her voice soft like the wind through leaves.
“We’re just exploring,” Temi replied, trying to sound brave. “We didn’t mean any harm.”
The old woman chuckled. “The pathway isn’t just a place to explore, child. It’s a bridge between worlds, between what you know and what you don’t. Those who walk it must be careful, for it leads to places you may not want to go.”
Temi felt a shiver down her spine. “What do you mean?”
The old woman’s gaze softened. “There are paths in this world that lead to truths, to memories that have been hidden. Some paths should not be walked unless you are ready to face what lies at the end.”
Mark, who had been quiet, finally spoke. “We should leave, Temi.”
But Temi, always curious, asked, “What’s at the end of this pathway?”
The old woman looked at her for a moment before answering. “At the end of this path is a door, a door that opens only for those who seek something they have lost. But be careful, child, for what you find may not be what you expect.”
To be continued