Hide and Seek

How could a game of hide and seek possibly go wrong...

I don't like this...Something doesn't feel right.

I start creeping down the path, carefully walking through the pristine layer of new snow. The only sound is the crunch of the snow beneath my feet as each shoe imprint leaves proof of my presence. In the distance, I can see a bird circling in the sky above the path. It's a raven.

Well, that's not ominous at all...

I don't want to be out here. But I must find her. It should be easy with the new blanket of snow, but other than my own footprints, the ground is unscathed.

My heart starts to race as I near the thicket, afraid of what I might discover on the other side. I hold my breath as I step past the thick, dead shrubs. But nothing is there.

Where could she be?

I make my way back towards the porch, not sure where else to look. It's so creepy being out here by myself, especially this time of year. I stand on the porch and look out across the empty field.

But I'm not by myself. She's here. Somewhere.

BANG!

I let out a startled scream as I spun around. But nothing was there.

What the hell...

Then I hear her. Her muffled tittering is coming from underneath the porch.

"Gotcha!" I yell, as I jump on the wooden planks. Her snickers have transitioned into full-throated belly laughs.

Abby crawls out of the narrow opening between the porch and the ground. "You were so scared," she chuckled.

"You're the one who should be scared! You're filthy and mom is going to be home any minute," I scoff. "Come on. Let's clean up and have lunch."

She grabs my hand, and we go back inside. "Thanks, Katie! You're the best!"

Word Count 296