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The screams echoed through the trees. I couldn't tell if they were human or animal.

All I knew was they were loud, which meant they were close.

As I listened to the high-pitched shrieks, it almost sounded like a couple of people having a shouting match.

If I had been at my apartment in town, that's exactly what I would have thought the sound was.

But then, the pitch changed,

and it took on a feral quality. I knew whoever or whatever was making the sound, I wanted nothing to do

with them. Thinking you're alone in the wilderness is one thing. It gives a certain freeing feeling

like you're so close to nature, but knowing you're alone,

and hearing the terrifying, nearly indescribable sound sent chills down my spine.

I quickly questioned how much longer I would be alone, or alive.

Did those things know I was here?

Were they planning their attack?

Or was it just a gathering of something like a harmless chill session

...