It is early winter. The mornings have been overcome with minimum light, letting the creatures hide in the shadows. The crisp air bites aggressively against anything that dares being exposed, it shows no mercy. The frost sneakily rests itself upon the grass hiding what was ever so green and lively, like a misleading blanket. The dark toned atmosphere hovers over everything present, leaving a gloomy and sorrowful imprint.

Look, the lonely forest hiding behind the house awaits for a friend. Its thick trunks rise into the depressing grey clouded sky. Its rough thin arms reach out for something to trap in its maze of decaying wood. Left to right, left to right. The tips of the trees sway in synchronisation like trained dancers. The forest floor is littered with lifeless leaves that were once blossoming and awake. Dark shadows engulf the hidden corners that are not visible from the safe distance that is advised.

It is Saturday morning and time for discovery is endless. All beds in this muted town are filled, except one. The boy has no time to rest as his friends await him. He jumps around the silent house in search of his aged rubber boots. The door slams behind him. His adventure begins and the creatures spring to life from his mind. Come creatures come. Play, laugh, run, hide, chase. The boys imagination runs wild like a livid river. The rhythm of his heart quickens the further he travels into the summoning forest. The inconsistent breeze whispers into his ear. Its words making the boy jolt and shiver, causing his smooth skin to transform into an uneven surface of paltry bumps.

Listen to the heavy breathing and the crackle of leaves under each heavy step. The flap of the crows midnight black wings as they lift its fragile body higher and higher while its enraged squawks echo throughout the vast sea of trees. Hear the snapping of twigs in the nearby distance and the footsteps that are followed with it. From every corner of the forest the swoosh of the trees fill the air as the creatures speedily run past them. Their childish giggles destroy the lull of the expanse and grow louder and louder. Their hush murmurs build into full words as they approach hastily. Then their humanly traits disappear. Growls and sniffles commence like infuriated wolves hunting their prey. Hear his mind ticking like a working clock that is consistently operating to keep his friends alive.

And then you can feel them. Their warm breaths on the back of your neck. Your body stiffens, mimicking the elderly trees that surround your fragile corpse. The lack of sunlight weakens you and the sudden overwhelming of darkness blinds your eyes. Small pressure begins to rest on your quivering shoulder. Your body flicks around to see the harsh reality that stands in front of you. Emptiness. The fantasy world that you immersed yourself in deteriorates around you and your creature-like friends are nowhere to be seen. A deep feeling of loneliness is all you are left with. Your imagination has failed you.