Beschrijving
At first, we only saw them at a distance.
Between the trees.
Standing still.
Watching.
We assumed they were other hikers.
Maybe volunteers.
But they never waved.
Never called out.
Never moved closer.
Until we did.
Every time we changed direction…
they adjusted.
Keeping the same distance.
Always just far enough to stay unclear.
Then one of them stepped out onto the trail behind us.
We turned around fully.
No one there.
But the footprints were.
Fresh.
Matching where it should have been standing.
That’s when we realized…
they weren’t staying back anymore.
They were closing in.
And when we finally reached the search site…
they were already there.
Standing in a circle.
Waiting.
If you ever feel like you’re being watched in the forest…
don’t look for movement.
Look for what’s standing still.