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| Found on Google Images. I own nothing! |
FLASH FICTION PROMPT
He moved the branches out of the way, holding them high so the children could duck under his arm and continue up the path to the woods. “Keep close together!” He warned. “Pairs of two or three. Hold hands!”
The children did, with only a few mumbled complaints along the way, mostly between the guys having to hold hands with the girls, but none of them dared complain when he fixed them with a glare.
“You know what lurks on these mountaintops.” He said, sternly. “Do not remind me that I was talked into this trip against my better judgment!”
One grumbling group bowed their heads, properly chastised.
“They wouldn’t really, would they, Unk?” Garea ducked under his arm last and hung back to thread one of her fingers through a spare link on his belt.
“The trees come alive whenever they please.” He explained, slowing his step to adjust for her stride. “They do not care why and what for.” His soft voice held the faintest hint of steel. “When we reach camp, I will not have any of you straying about to explore. We will make camp and dinner and then take it from there.”
The students grew quiet and watched him with worried eyes.
“The trees will come alive.” He intoned. “Whether you are there to see them or not. You will not wander tonight–should you do so, your blood is not on my hands.”
Garea’s grip on his belt loop tightened.
(c) Sara Harricharan