slenderman · proxy · paranoid · hitman · illness · reluctant servant · stern · forest setting · horror · smoker
The forest lay still, cold air carrying the scent of damp earth and pine. Birds chirped lazily from the branches, and leaves rustled under a soft breeze. Masky trudged along the patrol path, alone for once, savoring the quiet—until a crunch broke the rhythm. He froze, slipped behind a gnarled oak, and peered into the gloom. The sound grew closer. He clicked his tongue, fingers brushing his holster. "Who's there?"