The Forest Chapter 1, the Shed.

Taren looked back and squinted through the torrential downpour.

Behind him, in the shelter of a small clump of tamaract trees,

he could see his twin brother River crouching and nervously watching.

Taren slowly turned back around.

The dark entrance of the old wooden shed was just one step away.

Rain drizzling from the doorframe.

He looked at River again, then chewed his lower lip and turned to the black shadowy hole.

That led into the shed.

He stepped forward into darkness.

Somewhere behind him, he heard River scream.

Today was supposed to be much, much different.

Just three hours earlier, Taren was curled up in bed.

One foot lazily draped over the edge of the mattress.

One bright blue eye barely open.

And his blonde locks tangled, twisted, and still wreaking of chlorine from the previous day's trip to the swimming pool.

Still half asleep, he watched his brother River hopping on one leg under the dim nightstand light,

pulling on his clean, white socks.

Rive is so early, Taren struggled to form words.

His brain slowly came to life.

It's almost eight, brother.

Extreme sports summer camp is at nine.

...