Darkness covered the dense forest on both sides of the narrow dusty path. It was parted every other meter by rusty lamp-posts. When Simon passed between their light he hurried. He was eager to get home after a long day of work and kept his gaze determinately set ahead. A gust of wind stirred up dust and he let out a loud sneeze.

"Bless you!" a shrill voice called out from beyond the rim of the lights.

Simon spun around. "Who's there?!" He stood frozen for a moment, waiting for a reply. The darkness around showed him nothing.

He ran.