"You're a monk, correct? Then you'll find that this cottage is suitable for peace and quiet. Free of charge, for helping me with my groceries earlier!"

Those were the words that spiraled out the woman's mouth. So damn annoying. I put on a smile as she kept blabbering.

"Any other cottages, let alone a market will be an hour away" "It's not mine anymore, so no take backs young man!"

As she toured me around the forest and cottage, I spaced out, her words becoming mumbled.

The noisy forest stirred something within me, it's nice I'll admit.

When I was sure the middle aged woman left, I dragged my luggage towards my now new home.

The sky flipped from night to day. And it has now been a week.

However, today, my uneasiness is higher than ever. As soon as I thought that, realization struck me.

The forest is so quiet….

For how long?! Since when?!

I stupidly shrugged it off and carried on with my meditation and training. It did well in calming me.

I went to bed again, thinking nothing would happen, but that was when it started.

The dream was odd. Darkness was all around. I heard rapid footsteps that were getting closer. Startled, I jumped back.

The fog parted way to reveal a disfigured monster? Its flesh seemed to have melted. I wanted to gag at the sight and stench.

I felt paralyzed as it murmured nonsense, while pointing. Its stare was unblinking, like it KNEW me.

I finally found my voice and spoke.

"Who are you?! What do you want?!"

Still no answer. I was thankful as I awoke, beads of sweat evident. I kept gasping and trembling.

That woman! I must find her!!

It was around noon when I asked around, but it was like she never existed. Just, what's she up to?!

I gave up and returned home. I tried staying awake, but fell asleep.

Everything was the same, except the creature was ten feet away. It finally spoke. Its words being, "I'm coming". And it was so excited…

I awoke to the forest screeching, and I cursed. I need to get out of here! I didn't bother packing, and I just ran. But I was repelled by some barrier.

Panicked, I repeatedly threw myself at it, but it didn't budge. I then recalled the old lady's odd words. Oh no…

I went to bed exhausted, but this time my whole body was covered with a sticky slimy liquid, which I inhaled and spat back out as worms. I wanted to scream so badly.

I could feel it's breath on my face, but it suddenly vanished. I then awoke to the forest being even more loud, and came face to face with it.

I was immediately attacked and sent flying into a wall. I had never run so fast in my life.

I can't die here! Forget about revenge on that woman!

Wait, if I can find another victim, then just maybe!!!

Don't know how it'll work just yet.

I felt myself grinning deliriously at the thought. I ignored the pain from the earlier attack in the cottage, which was probably now in smoking pieces.

I looked back and the monster isn't chasing me anymore. For now.

I looked back up front to realize that everything was looking the same. I was losing it at the thought of getting stuck and lost.To my relief, different trees emerged. I hid quietly and saw a group of people in the distance, one of the men had wandered off.

The look on my face must've been something as I grabbed his shoulders, as he dropped his gun looking horrified.

A quiet sob escaped.