A rustle stirred underneath the hammock. I steadied my precariously
balanced bed and peered down. Beneath me all was black, dark, but in
that light-less void a deeper shadow resided.
Get a grip, now you're seeing boogeymen under your bed.
My fire, which earlier had cast flickering illumination on the
surrounding trees was now just pitiful glowing embers, yet gave some
miniscule relief from the gloom. I fixated on it, willing the glow to
dispel the oppression closing in on me.
Click, Click, Click.
I sat up with such abruptness I nearly capsized my hammock.
Click, Click, Click.
Closer now, advancing.
What if I sprang from my perch and dived into the creek? Perhaps they
don't like water.
Click, Click.
Two cadences, underneath me.
Click.
A countdown?
My hammock spun, turning so I faced the ground. I saw them, deep
yellow eyes, following my fall.
