The End of Innocence

After hours of searching through the undergrowth near Back Harlow Road, Gary calls out softly: “Over here.”

You all gather around what Gary found. It’s Danny Morrison, and the sight is both less and more terrible than you imagined. He looks peaceful, almost like he’s sleeping, but there’s no mistaking that he’s gone.

“Jesus,” Tom whispers, and for once his bravado is completely gone.

Vinny starts crying quietly. Gary just stares. And you… you feel something change inside you forever. This isn’t an adventure anymore. This is real life, with real consequences, and real tragedy.

“His parents,” you say finally. “They need to know. They need to be able to say goodbye.”

But as you’re processing this moment, you hear voices in the distance. Other people are coming through the woods – and they don’t sound friendly.