Sam leapt over a fallen tree, vines whipping into his face as he rushed past them. He ran on, weaving his way through the forest, taking care to avoid the gnarled roots criss-crossing the ground.

He turned to look back. The dark shadows were still there, advancing, chasing him. He had to keep moving.

“Ooof!” He let out an involuntary cry of pain as he found himself on his back, blood streaming from his nose and a ringing in his ears, the tree remained standing. He didn't have time to stop though, hauling himself to his feet he stumbled forwards. He could sense them coming closer, could almost feel their touch on his back. He could only jog now, he struggled to even keep his eyes open, he felt dizzy, light-headed. Maybe it would be better to just lie down.


“MOSS!” Sam looked up from his desk, taking in the room. Mr Ambrose looked at him, his hand pointing at the question on the board.

“Daydreaming again were you, Moss? That'll be a detention then I think, and maybe you'd like to concentrate and join the rest of the class.”

Sam sighed, why was it always him? He shuffled his nose and wiped his nose. There was blood on his fingers. As if the day could get any worse, he thought as he pulled a tissue from his pocket.