Ethan had always cast doubt on the stories surrounding the quaint town of Pine Hollow, nestled in the forests of Michigan. The town was steeped in enigma and local folklore with the renowned tale being that of the Dogman. Legend had it that this creature, part man and part dog prowled the woods making an appearance every decade to unsettle those who strayed far into its territory. Despite being a hiker and nature lover Ethan brushed off these tales as superstition. Yet a sense of curiosity lingered within him.
On an autumn night, with a moon illuminating the sky above Ethan made a bold decision to venture alone into the heart of Pine Hollow Forest. The townspeople cautioned him against it, their expressions filled with fear and apprehension. Nonetheless, Ethan waved off their concerns, determined to debunk the myth of the Dogman.
As he delved deeper into the forest, the towering trees cast elongated shadows that flickered in the moon’s glow. The air turned cold. A feeling of unease began to settle upon him. The usual forest sounds—the chirping crickets and rustling leaves—seemed to fade away, replaced by a silence that enveloped his senses.
Ethan pushed forward with his flashlight, piercing the darkness with a beam. He arrived at a clearing where an old deserted cabin stood; its windows broken and door slightly open. Locals had shared stories of those who ventured inside the cabin and never returned. Despite feeling a shiver down his spine, Ethan chose to explore.
Upon entering, the floorboards groaned under his steps. The air was heavy with the smell of decay and mildew. His flashlight revealed furniture and cobwebs in every corner. Suddenly, a loud noise came from inside the cabin. Heart racing, Ethan followed the sound while holding his flashlight tightly.
He found himself in what seemed like a bedroom. The walls were marked with scratches as if something had clawed at them in anger. In the middle of the room lay a torn journal. Ethan picked it up. As he started reading, he discovered entries depicting a man’s descent into madness. The final pages were filled with scribbles about a creature, with glowing eyes that observed him from the trees. A creature that walked on two legs but had the face of a dog.
Suddenly, a growl shattered the quiet, causing Ethan to tense up with fear. He swiftly turned around, shining his flashlight into the darkness. The growl sounded again, this time closer than before. He hurriedly backed out of the room, almost tripping over debris as he rushed away. When he reached the door, he spotted them—two gleaming eyes fixed on him from the edge of the clearing.
Fear struck and Ethan watched, motionless, as the creature emerged from the shadows. It stood tall with its body draped in fur. Its face had a mix of canine features, and its eyes glowed with a sinister intelligence.
Without hesitation, Ethan dashed away through the forest as the creature pursued him relentlessly. The noise of its chase—cracking branches, breathing—echoed in his ears. His heart pounded furiously, his lungs ached with exertion. He dared not glance back. He sensed the creature drawing closer with its breath brushing against his neck.
In an attempt to survive, Ethan veered off course, plunging into the thick undergrowth. He fell to the ground before scrambling onto his feet in haste. The creature had vanished from sight. Taking a moment to catch his breath his thoughts raced wildly. Had he managed to shake it off?
As he started to feel safe a deep growl broke the silence from the shadows. All of a sudden, the hidden creature pounced—its claws cutting through Ethans back. He cried out in agony as the impact sent him sprawling on the ground. Struggling to keep his eyes open he glimpsed the beast looming over him, its glowing eyes piercing through the darkness.
* * *
The day that locals stumbled upon Ethan’s gear that was left behind near the abandoned cabin, they couldn't find any trace of him. They murmured among themselves with furrowed brows, perplexed by the sudden disappearance. Parents cautioned their children more about venturing into the woods to avoid encountering the elusive creature within. As the legend grew, the tale of the Dogman endured as a reminder of the wonders concealed within Pine Hollow Forest.
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