[ IP ] Through the Woods

Avoid the forest after sundown. 
 
 It ’ s the one rule the townsfolk followed above all else. The founders never documented the history of the town, or why they had named it Foresthaven. Cut-off from the rest of the world with only one road in and out; everywhere else stretched a seemingly endless forest. 
 
 The shorter days of the winter made it impossible for a one way trip to the next village before the sun set. When trips were necessary, they were only done during the daylight. Supply wagons were brought in during the fall. On a good day, it would take around ten hours to reach the next village with a horse drawn wagon. Travelers upon the road after sundown were never heard from again. 
 
 Every attempt to bring electricity to Foresthaven was met with failure. The town council warned the electric company from putting men in the forest at night. Their warnings went unheeded. Wood poles would warp and twist into gnarled shapes. Metal and concrete posts just vanished, just like the night watchmen posted to keep an eye on the supplies. The electric company finally called it quits. 
 
 Many wondered why the folks of Foresthaven didn ’ t just pick up and leave. The townspeople couldn ’ t explain it, the town just called to them. It was home. They ’ d say it wasn ’ t all bad, the forest provided for the town in some strange ways. During the spring, the forest offered its bountiful fruits to the town. During the winter, broken limbs and logs found their way to the town ’ s outskirts. Set in piles to be used for firewood or construction materials. Even though the winters were harsh, the densely packed wall of bark sheltered the town from whiteout blizzards and biting winds. 
 
 The older residents revered the forest; the young ones hadn ’ t yet learned to respect it. They ’ d play their game of chicken, to see who would run in the farthest before the sunlight completely disappeared and they were forced to turn back. None would ever break the rule of being in the forest after the sun set. Or so they thought. 
 
 A flash of bright red caught a boy ’ s attention, for the briefest of moments, but he saw it. He peered deeper into the forest for another glimpse of the rose among the briars. His reward was a young lady holding a crimson umbrella walked down a rough-hewn path. He called out to her, yet she continued on as if she hadn ’ t heard. 
 
 The sun started to dip below the horizon as the surrounding light faded through the trees. Indecision washed over his face. Should he heed the rule or go warn the girl? After a few nervous hops, he dashed for the girl and her bright umbrella in the approaching darkness. His friends had already fled back to the safety of the town. 
 
 Attempt after attempt to gain her attention failed. He ran as fast as the trees would let him. 
 
 He was nearly upon her when she turned at his commotion. Bright green eyes gazed upon the boy, brows arched in shock. 
 
 “ Oh my, did you forget your umbrella? ” she asked. 
 
 He could only stare dumbfounded at her. Poised and composed to his disheveled mess, even though she should be the one scared he thought. 
 
 “ You shouldn ’ t be out here without your umbrella. It isn ’ t safe. ” She looked up towards the sky. “ Oh dear, I ’ m afraid it ’ s too late. ” 
 
 That was the last thing he heard.
