LONE MAN [Page 74] (Patreon)

74

It was too much for you.

Lone man led you back to the main road. You said your final goodbyes.

Back on the main road, the sky cleared for a bit, as though the sun was still in the process of setting. You looked back into the forest, hoping to catch a glimpse of him, but he wasn't there anymore. You felt as if your heart had been pinched.

You made your way back to town and back to your house.

Your parents told you that dinner was ready. You were puzzled—didn't you just disappear for a day?

"Mom, I'm sorry I was lost in the woods."

Your mom laughed, "Oh, honey. How so? You just told me like a minute ago that you'll be back soon. I actually thought you left something."

For a moment, you thought you just hallucinated the whole thing until you went to bed and smelled your sweater. The same earthy smell that Lone man has.

You curled into a ball and hid under the blanket.

You've been through a lot; it's understandable to put this whole ordeal to rest.

THE END