The Storm Hit First

The storm hit first.

Wind tore across the road.

Mara’s car spun.

Snow blinded her.

She stumbled into the forest.

Boots sank.

Wind cut her face

A light appeared.

A cabin.

She ran.

Heart pounding.

Fists slammed the door.

The fire gasped.

Wood groaned.

She shivered.

Then it spoke.

“Mara…”

Empty room.

Shadows danced.

The fire flickered.

Footsteps echoed.

Every creak followed her.

Every gust whispered.

Sleep was impossible.

Morning came.

The storm was gone.

Snow untouched.

The forest silent.

She stepped outside.

Boots crunched.

Footprints.

Hundreds.

Leading to the cabin.

Not hers.

The door creaked.

It opened.

She had never entered.