The Frames

The Folklore

As the buses arrived at the base of the mountain, the students disembarked, grabbing their bags and preparing for the hike ahead. Mr. Collins gathered his group and reminded them to be cautious during the trek, as the area was known for its wildlife, some of which could be unpredictable and dangerous. Mr. Hawkins echoed the same warning to the other group, ensuring everyone understood the need for safety. While the students chatted among themselves, they were approached by Sonya, a local guide who would be leading the way up the mountain. She greeted the group warmly, introducing herself and explaining that she’d be taking them to the summit. Mr. Collins and Mr. Hawkins exchanged pleasantries with her before laying out the plan: Sonya would lead at the front, Mr. Collins would stay in the middle of the group, and Mr. Hawkins would bring up the rear to make sure no one strayed behind. Before they set off, Sonya asked if everyone was ready, and the students responded with an enthusiastic “yes.” With that, the trek began, and the group started making their way up the trail. Marcus, always with his camera at the ready, couldn’t help but snap photos of the stunning landscapes around them, the sunlight filtering through the trees, the rugged terrain, and the distant peaks. It was the kind of scenery he had been eager to capture, and he felt a thrill at finally having the opportunity. As he paused to take a few more shots, he was joined by his friends Cory, Alex, Samantha, and Henry. Curious, Henry asked Marcus what drew him to photography. Marcus smiled and shared that it had always been his dream to become a professional photographer, to capture moments that others might overlook and showcase them to the world. He spoke about how every picture told a story, and he wanted to be the one to tell it through his lens. Samantha, who had been listening, chimed in, saying that she had seen some of his photos before, and they were impressive. Hearing this, Marcus felt a burst of pride, glad that someone had noticed his work. The trail grew steeper as they ascended, but the views became even more breathtaking. Marcus found himself falling behind at times, trying to frame the perfect shot, and each time he did, his friends would wait, calling out to him so he wouldn’t get left behind.

As the group continued their climb, Cory, Samantha, Alex, Henry, and Marcus were approached by Sonya, the guide. Curious about their lively conversation, she asked what they had been discussing. Alex quickly explained that Marcus was a budding photographer, and everyone had been admiring his skills. Intrigued, Sonya asked if Marcus could show her some of his work. Marcus, feeling a bit shy yet proud, agreed and took out his camera. He scrolled through a few of his best shots, showcasing a mix of landscapes, candid moments, and nature scenes. Sonya examined the photos, clearly impressed. She complimented Marcus on his eye for detail and told the group that if they managed to reach the top of the mountain before sunset, she would take them to a hidden spot with a breathtaking view, a place where they could see the entire range spread out below them. It would be the perfect spot for Marcus to capture the beauty of the mountains. However, she added a condition. “We need to get there before dark.” Curious, Alex asked why they couldn’t just wait until nightfall. “Wouldn’t the mountains be even more beautiful under the stars?” he suggested, thinking it might make for an unforgettable shot. The idea of capturing a starry night with the dark peaks silhouetted against the sky was tempting, and Marcus’s eyes lit up at the thought. But Sonya shook her head. “It sounds nice, but it’s not safe,” she explained. “These mountains might look calm and peaceful, but the night brings out another side of them. There are animals up here that stay hidden during the day. At night, they come out, and some of them can be dangerous.”

After a long three-hour trek, the group finally reached a flat area midway up the mountain, where Sonya announced they would set up camp for the night and continue the hike in the morning. The students busily pitched their tents while Mr. Hawkins suggested they should gather around a campfire later and share some stories. With that plan in mind, Mr. Collins, Mr. Hawkins and Sonya collected firewood and soon had a warm fire crackling under the darkening sky. As everyone settled around the flames, Sonya turned to Cory and asked if he had a story to share. Cory, excited by the chance, decided to recount a local folklore he had heard. He spoke of a creature that roamed the forest shadows, always waiting to pounce on unsuspecting prey. According to the legend, the creature was once a woman, strong, beautiful, and bold, capable of doing anything a man could. She had fallen in love with a humble farmer who lived near the woods, but their love was never accepted by the townspeople. Cory went on, to explain how the men of the town harbored sinister intentions towards the woman. One night, while she and the farmer slept in their modest house, a group of townsmen set the place ablaze. The couple perished in the fire, and from their ashes, a vengeful spirit was said to have emerged, stalking the night like a creature of shadows, forever hunting those who had wronged them. As Cory told the tale, Marcus couldn't help but glance at Sonya, and he noticed a subtle but distinct change in her expression. Her eyes darkened, and an almost unexplainable anger seemed to simmer beneath the surface. It was as if the story was bothering her in a way that went beyond casual discomfort. She looked tense, her jaw clenched, and it seemed she was holding back something. Suddenly, Sonya interrupted the story, saying she needed to step away for a moment and would be back shortly. Marcus's instincts told him that something wasn’t right, and he decided to follow her. Nudging Cory, he whispered for him to come along. They quietly slipped away from the campfire, trailing Sonya as she walked into the darkness between the trees. The two friends found her standing alone among the shadows, whispering to herself. Her words were low, indistinct, and carried an eerie, almost rhythmic tone. Cory wanted to confront her and ask what she was doing, but Marcus gestured for him to wait. Curious and a little uneasy, Marcus pulled out his camera and snapped a picture of Sonya. The sudden click of the shutter broke the stillness, and in that instant, Sonya spun around, her eyes blazing with an unsettling rage. Startled, Marcus and Cory didn’t wait for an explanation. They bolted back to the campfire, their hearts pounding as they hurriedly rejoined the group. Without a word, they sat down, their faces pale and their breaths short. Alex and Samantha immediately noticed their distress and asked what had happened, but neither Marcus nor Cory could bring themselves to explain. They simply exchanged anxious glances, unable to shake the unsettling feeling of their brief encounter. A few moments later, Sonya returned to the group, her expression calm and collected, as if nothing had happened. She sat by the fire, engaging in light conversation with the others, but Marcus and Cory couldn’t forget the look she had given them in the forest. Whatever had just happened, they knew it was more than a simple midnight walk, and it left them both with a growing sense of unease about what the night might still hold.