#tender shadows

CRACK! 

The thunder outside your home roared loudly as you giggled, sat on the ground with your friend. “Okay, truth or dare?” You ask, grinning ear to ear while your friend thought up a response 

“Aren’t we a little old for truth or dare?” He responds, turning his head to glance at the raging storm outside. You groan. “Just pick, This is the first day off both of us have had in months and I’m trying to make the most of it, so make. a .choice” 

Your friend turns back to you, staying silent for a few more minutes before making his decision

“I pick..dare.” A mischievous grin takes over your features and your friend looks a bit unsure of his choice now. 

“I dare you to..take a walk through that creepy forest nearby!!” He raises an eyebrow at your suggestion

“The one where people go in and don’t return? The one that's off limits and could get us in serious legal trouble?” He asks wearily, slowly scooching further away from you 

“Thats just an urban legend made to scare kids, but if you don’t wanna, you can back out.” You shrug, but your grin falls when you notice how uncomfortable he seems

“Okay, go as far as you can for about say.. 15 minutes, and then come back here. Sound fine?” You offer, reaching your hand out for him to shake.

He nods, shaking your hand without another word. 

By the time you’d gotten to the edge of the forest it had stopped raining, the ground was wet with various worms and insects crawling out from the ground, making you recoil when a spider just barely grazes by your shoe. 

You look towards the trees ensnared by a thick fog, seeing through it near impossible. You look towards your friend, who shivers a bit once he sees the fog 

“Okay, ready? I’m about to start the timer.” He nods, stepping towards the brink of the fog. 

With a deep and shaky breath, he walks into the woods. 

“Good luck!!” You call out teasingly, starting the timer. 

15 minutes pass, you seem to have lost sight of your friend.. Maybe he’s just coming back slowly? You should wait just a bit longer.. 

Another 15 minutes pass, still no sign of him. 

Had he gotten lost?

It was starting to get quite dark out..

Should you contact the authorities?

No, both of you would probably get in trouble.. 

The police department had recently put a curfew into effect, and despite not having a watch, you were sure it was past it.