I don't know what compelled me to take that hike alone into the woods that day. Maybe it was the stifling boredom of being cooped up indoors all summer. Maybe it was the temptation of adventure, seeking something to break up the monotony of my daily routine. In hindsight, my decision was an unwise one.
The hiking trail started off normally enough. As I walked deeper into the verdant forest, with sunlight streaming down through the leafy canopy above, the scenic surroundings lifted my spirits. Pushing deeper into the remote woods filled me with escalating dread. The farther in I went, the darker and more enclosed the woods became. The cheerful chirping of birds from earlier faded away, replacing the woodland soundtrack with an unnerving silence.
I pressed on, trying to shake off my growing nervousness. When I reached a tiny open space, I decided to take a quick break, plopping down on a moss-cloaked fallen trunk to gulp water and catch my breath. However, I'd barely sat when strange sounds emanated from the bushes across the clearing, putting me on edge. I stared intently at the spot the noise originated from, waiting to see what had made the sound.
The seconds ticked by and nothing emerged. Warily, I stood up slowly, every muscle tense. Whatever it was remained hidden, but I could feel unseen eyes watching me. A powerful sense of dread filled me, whispering that something was deeply wrong with this place. I knew I had to flee.
I hurried back the way I came, no longer caring about sticking to the marked trail. I pushed through narrow gaps between trees and bushes, wanting only escape. The woods seemed different now. Sinister. The very air felt heavy and oppressive. Low, unnatural fog crept along the forest floor, slithering between the trees. Shadows seemed to move of their own volition, darting swiftly away if I looked directly at them.
I suspected at first the moving shadows were just a panicking imagination combined with tricks of the light. But as I ran, the shapes in the corner of my vision became clearer, more solid. They were vaguely humanoid in outline, but stretched, distorted...inhuman. I fled faster, hearing terrible whispers all around me in a language I could not understand.
Out of nowhere, a root snagged my foot and I sprawled painfully onto the ground. I cried out in shock as one of the shadows darted straight towards me. Scrambling backwards in terror, I beheld the entity looming over my fallen form. It was over 7 feet tall, and seemed to be made of pure darkness, its edges blurred and smoky. Where its face should have been was only blankness.
It reached for me with an elongated arm, the smoky hand at the end of it sprouting long fingers tipped with vicious looking talons. I screamed, kicking at the creature. My foot connected with strange solidity, making it stumble back. Seizing the moment, I leapt up and tore off again at full speed, driven by panic to put distance between me and that thing. Risking a glimpse over my shoulder, I saw it melting back into the horde of shadows pursuing me.
They herded me like prey, my panic rising. I was tiring quickly. My strength was rapidly fading - I knew I couldn't maintain this pace much longer. Ahead, I spotted a rocky outcropping that formed a sort of cave. I squeezed inside, tearing my clothes and skin on the stones in my desperate bid for shelter. The shadows clustered at the entrance, seemingly unable to enter the cramped space. Their whispers turned angry, frustrated.
I cowered against the far wall, trying to staunch a bleeding gash on my arm. The cave provided protection, but I was trapped. I knew the shadows would wait forever for me to emerge. But I had no supplies, no way to call for help. As the last of the light outside dimmed, plunging the small cave into darkness, I began to cry, utterly despairing. I couldn't escape this nightmare.
So here I still remain, hiding in the cold dark. Weak from hunger and blood loss. I feel the sands of time slipping away for me. But I will not let those abominations take me willingly. When my strength finally fails, I will take my own life rather than face whatever torments they have planned. I pray this message in a bottle will somehow make it back to civilization, though I know such hope is in vain.
If you have found this note, please warn others to stay far away from this accursed forest. The shadows here are alive, and they are always hungry for fresh victims. I can only hope whoever finds my remains will grant me a proper burial. And that no one else will ever again wander into these woods to share my fate.