As we finished setting up camp, the sun was beginning to set and a stranger appeared at the edge of the woods. “This is not a safe place to camp.” He said with an old gravelly voice that has smoked way too many cigarettes. “People disappear from here.” “There’s another camp about ten minutes up the trail, it’s safe there.” “The ground here is cursed.” As he turns and disappears into the woods. “You’ve been warned.”

A chill runs up our collective spines, as we look at each other. “What the hell was that? Asks Mick. As the girls, Kim and Megan begin to pack up to leave. What are you doing? I ask. “Getting the hell out of here.” The girls respond in unison. “I’m not going anywhere, just because some old guy is trying to scare us.” “Well, we’re getting out of here and Mick if you want to get any tonight, you’ll be going with us.” Says Megan. Within minutes they’re packed up and gone.

“Fucking pussies.” I mumble under my breath. I add another log to the fire. I open my bag and grab a couple of hot dogs out to cook, only to realize the skillet and buns are in Mick’s bag. I grab a stick, whittle it to a point and shove the hotdogs on. I eat my food and sit back and enjoy the quiet.

I’m beginning to dose when the light appears. A feeling of euphoria washes over me. It gets so bright, I think to myself, I’ll just close my eyes and take a little nap.

The next morning my friends begin breakfast figuring I’ll show up soon. By the time they’re done eating and cleaning up they begin to worry. “I’ll go wake him up, be back in thirty.” Says Mick.

When he gets to my camp, I’m nowhere to be found. Everything is gone. “Yeah, who’s the pussy now!” He yells as he heads back to the girls.

“He had to of left last night, there’s no sign of him anywhere. Even the fire was cold. Let’s get packed up and head back to the car. He’s probably waiting for us there.”

They briefly pause at my camp site. “See, it’s like he packed up and left, last night.”

“I’m right here, what is wrong with you guys.” I scream. As they turn and walk away. “They can’t hear you. You’re one of us now.” The voice from the night before says, with a little chuckle.