The night was very quiet until a loud, low growl broke the peacefulness. Daniel bolted upright in bed, heart racing. The noise was just outside his window, deep and threatening, shaking the walls of his small cabin. He grabbed his flashlight but stopped—what if whatever was there noticed the light?
Another snarl, sounding closer. His considerations dashed. Was it a wild creature? A destitute puppy? Or something more regrettable? He lamented being alone within the woods, distant from offer assistance. The snarl turned into a growl, taken after by claws scratching against the wood.
John pushed himself to move, inching toward the window, his heart beating. He carefully looked exterior. The darkness was overwhelming, but within the powerless moonlight, he spotted something expansive stowing away fair past the trees. Two shinning eyes gazed at him, not flickering.
He swallowed hard, holding the flashlight tightly like a tool for defense. Then, silence. No growl, no sound. Just a heavy, tense stillness.
A loud thud against the door made him jump back. The growl came back, deeper and more furious. Whatever it was, it was not leaving.
He breathed heavily as he backed toward the fireplace, looking for something—anything—to protect himself.
Then, the doorknob shook.
Daniel stood still.
The growl wasn’t just outside anymore.