The Trail Behind

Written by Nico Fuhriman

As it lunged at the window, I flinched, expecting to be mauled by the feline-looking shadow. But after a few seconds, I realized it hadn’t broken the window. When I looked back in its direction, I saw some kind of luminescent film outside, between the window and the shadow. It was as if some barrier kept it from breaking through. It threw itself at the window over and over again, growing more relentless. I watched in horror, unsure how much longer this so-called barrier would last.

As it continued to throw itself at the window, the symbols across the wall gave off a faint glow. The barrier was somehow connected to these symbols, but I still didn’t know what they meant or if they were something that could help me. I moved closer to the wall, keeping my eyes on the window. Not that I could do anything if it broke through. I ran my fingers over the symbols, tracing them, hoping something would magically happen. Every time I traced one, a tingling sensation ran through my hand, and I tried not to smudge it.

When my fingers returned to the originally smudged symbol, a soft whisper suddenly filled the air: “Repair the mark.”

I whipped my head around, goosebumps forming on my skin. I looked around frantically, unsure where the voice had come from or if it was just my mind fraying under the adrenaline. Then I noticed a small bowl filled with a red substance. I hurriedly grabbed it and traced back over the smudged symbol. Unsure whether it was blood or just a red paste, I set my worries aside. As the symbol was repaired, the barrier seemed to strengthen. I didn’t hesitate; I used the paste to trace over every symbol, even the carved ones. I wasn’t risking anything, and if this would help, I was willing to stick my fingers in this blood-like paste.

There was no longer movement outside from the shadow. I wasn’t sure if the symbols had scared it off or if it was just hiding, waiting for me to come out. I wasn’t leaving this cabin until sunrise. I was growing hungry and cold. Though I had shelter, there was no heating, and my clothes were still damp from the rain. I took off my layers to wring them out and try to dry them as much as possible before the sun rose. I planned to leave as soon as I saw a speck of sunlight peak over the mountain range.

I was still worried about whatever was outside. I didn’t know if it would retreat once more into the wilderness once there was light or if it would just wait out there until I felt secure enough to leave.

A few hours later, my once-damp clothes were just cold. I slipped them back on to help contain my body heat. As I warmed up, I began to hear birds chirping. I looked out the window to see that the sun was starting to rise. I grabbed my stuff and shoved it back in my backpack. I was hungry and terrified; the first thing I wanted was to get out of the wilderness. I hoped that with there being light outside, I could follow the trail back down and make my way back up to the parking lot. I’d just need to move faster than I usually would.

I took one last look at the symbols, flickering with a glow, and began to push the barrier from the door. I hoped that whatever was out there last night would be gone. As the cabin door slowly creaked open, I peeked outside with my heart racing. There was no sign of the shadow. I was safe… for now. I slung my backpack on and made my way down the trail. It was still muddy from the rainfall, but at least I could see in front of my feet.

As I made my way down the trail, I couldn’t help but feel paranoid. As if something could be watching me from the tree line. It was eerily quiet. I just hoped I could make my way out of here before nightfall.