#shortcut

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Noah thought he could save ten minutes by cutting through the woods behind the old park. The night was cool, the crickets loud, and the winding trail half-lit by a fading moon. His friends had dared him to take the shortcut, laughing that he was too cautious to walk it alone.

He’d almost made it halfway when a sudden noise snapped behind him — a branch cracking, quick footsteps. Before he could turn, someone leapt out from the dark. A rope looped around him, arms yanked back.

Walk this way. I know a shortcut!