“You go first.” Max said shoving Ian.
“No way! You go!” Ian jerked his arm away. “I'm staying right here.”
The boys peeked at the darkness from the safety of the tree limb hanging over it. The day was warm with a gentle breeze and the boys had headed out early to hunt for small game. Their parents didn't really expect them back any time soon so the boys had hours to do as they pleased. Early in their adventure they saw this darkness in the path. At first they thought it was a mud puddle from the rain the night before but as they got closer, they saw it was strange. Not quite right.
They wanted a closer look but from a safe distance. Max saw the tree overhanging the puddle and scrambled up with Ian close on his heels. They stretched onto their bellies and inched out almost to the end of the branch. Holding tightly they leaned over staring into the darkness.
“What is it?” Max whispered reaching out his hand.
“Don't do that.” Ian said pulling Max's hand back.
“Quit it.” Max jerked his hand away scowling at Ian. “I just want to touch it.”
“We should go.” Ian said inching backwards. “Get an adult or something.”
“No, not yet." Max said swinging down to the ground.
“Hey Max. Stop!” Ian scurried down the tree.
Max squatted by the darkness and reached out his hand again. “It feels...soft and smooth. Kind of...”
“Max!” Ian shouted as the darkness wrapped around Max's wrist and yanked him in. “Max!
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