Book of Ayla

Chapter 1

Peacefully on the cool moss in my favorite spot, hearing nothing but the ruffles of leaves from squirrels preparing for winter. I inhale my favorite smell untouched raw earth. Closing my eyes, I drift away into the sounds around me. The sun slowly drops away from the world, giving the moon its turn to rise. Unaware of anything except my dreams. A familiar sound awakens me. I sit up and smile, seeing it perched upon a tree—a twig snaps. Turning around, I see a black figure move quickly across my vision. A deep screech, I see the owl. I look where the figure was only to find I am alone. Oh well, it was probably just my imagination.

                                              Twenty years later

"Mom, how do you know so much about camping?" My daughter Ayla asks as I teach her how to pitch a tent. I smile at her "I practically lived in the woods when I was your age." She giggles and walks towards the forest "I'm going to get some firewood." "Don't go too far," I tell her.

A few moments later, I notice the sun is setting. Just then, the wind stops chills run down my spine. Something's not right. Screaming her name, I run in the direction she took. Panic sets in as I stop to take a breath; the sun is quickly replaced with moonlight. 

A twig snaps behind me, "Ayla," I call out, spinning around.

A dark figure flashes across my vision. The same dreaded feeling I had all those years ago begins to rise, but this time, I don't hesitate. Running in the same direction. I hear the owl calling out. I run faster than ever before.

That's when I see it. The tall, dark figure stands a few feet in front of me. Its glowing eyes are no longer interested in me, but what is behind me. I turn to see Ayla with a blank stare grasping what seems like some type of old book. Suddenly a horrifying screech can be heard. It's so loud even with my ears covered I feel my eardrums might burst. 

When it stops, I look up to find the creature gone along with Ayla.

Hopelessness, mixed with nausea hits me like a freight train. My breathing is labored. I hold my chest unknowing what to do. As I look around frantically, I spot it soaring high through the treetops; determination takes over as adrenaline kicks in. I regain my familiarity as I sprint through the forest. Only looking up now and then not to lose my guide.

Finally, the owl lands in a tree. It's yellow eyes glow bright, watching me. Catching my breath, I ask, "Where is she?" The owl c***s it's head to the side before swooping down, nearly taking my head with it, dropping the same book my daughter was holding by my feet. I look down and back at the owl. It looks at the book as if gesturing for me to pick it up. Slowly bending down without taking my eyes off the owl, I pick up the old leatherback book. Having a closer look at it, I see the title causing my eyebrows to scrunch together. "Book of Ayla?" I question aloud, looking to the owl. When I go to open the book, it takes off with a call soaring close to the ground. "Wait!" I call out.  Shutting the book. I quickly catch up to the owl with one thing on my mind, Ayla.