(A/n): This brilliant short story was actually written by my best friend (Levviosa147 ) but she gave me permission to post it. Go follow her!

They told me not to look back while I was walking in the woods. They told me not ever to look back no matter what happened. They told me to walk straight with my head up and stay in one direction as best as I could. They told me it would make itself sound like whoever you wanted to hear, but not to reply because it wouldn't be that person, no matter how real it sounded. I didn't know why, that was just the orders.

Although you can't question what The Elders say, you can still wonder when you're on your own. But not directly to them. The Elders know this place better than everyone, they've been here far longer than anyone else.

I stopped walking, just for a minute to re-tie my boot lace. The crunching of my boots against the leaves stopped, and only waves in the distance could be heard.

And then I heard someone whispering my name.

"Ember."

Although all of me wanted to turn around or reply, I remembered The Elder's words. Never turn back, not for any circumstance. I continued walking.

"Ember."

Louder this time. And closer. It was a sharp and hissy voice, like a snake in human form. I kept my eyes in front of me.

"Ignoring people isn't very polite, Ember."

That time it sounded like someone was right behind my shoulder.

If I turned my head slightly... I'd be able to see who or what it was...no. The Elders told me not to. No one comes back from going to the shore when they look back.

To try and distract myself from whatever was behind me, I started running. I could see the waves now, just a few metres ahead of me.

"EMBER, DO NOT IGNORE ME!"

The voice was so loud I jumped and almost turned around, but I sprinted towards the ocean without hesitation.

Bursting out of the woods, I put my hands on my knees and caught my breath. Immediately the voice stopped and I felt relief wash over me. I walked to the ocean and saw seaweed floating in front of me about a foot under water.

"Oh, right. The seaweed."

I remembered why I had gone to the coast in the first place, to gather seaweed for meals. After collecting a good amount, it could last the village for weeks, I cautiously approached the forest again.

Looking only at the path in front of me, I started to walk back, making little noise as possible, seaweed in a bag at my belt. I had been walking for about 15 minutes when I heard rustling behind me.

"Ember! It's me! It's your mother! Are you alright?" My mother's soft gentle voice is music to my ears.

"Mum! Why are you here?" And I turned around.