Paranoid

Feeling my hand tightly clench the rubber handle, I flip on the switch of my old flashlight. I look with weary eyes at the dusky bark of trees, shooting straight up and branching all ways, masking the moon's shine. Last I checked my phone, before the battery perished, it was around three. I curse myself, wishing I'd just gone to sleep. I take another step, the crunch of the decayed leaves beneath my feet intimidating my fear. The unease overwhelms me, I shut my eyes and imagine myself somewhere more upbeat. I relax in stance, letting the illusion take me away, when I hear the echo of a howl behind me.