Zarek felt it all around him, as if every tree were alive, waiting for him to do something. He traveled on through the forest with the lingering feeling that he was being watched, even stalked; and sometimes he would hear noises behind him, but when he turned around he found no one there. He continued on with caution, keenly feeling that he was a stranger in this dark and imposing forest.

Fear soon began to permeate his thoughts, and he broke into a half-run. But no matter how far he went, he couldn’t shake the feeling of anxiety and uneasiness. His instincts told him that there was danger all around, and that he needed to keep moving if he wanted to survive. Beads of sweat trickled down his face. His heart was tortured for an eternity as he ran on and on to no avail.

As if God had sent an angel to comfort him, he spotted another light in the distance. This time it was brighter than the light of the clearing. Seeing this light, he broke into a hopeful dash.