I Was Followed

I saw something tonight that I cannot explain. While on the road, I sensed a presence—at once familiar and alien to me. I hid myself within the gloom, hoping whatever followed after me might reveal itself. A short time later, I saw a silhouette in the moonlight, picking its way along the trail I my wake. Perhaps sensing that it had become the prey, it stopped, eyes fixed on my hiding place. I kept perfectly still, hoping it would draw close enough I could perceive more than its vaguely humanoid shape. But it broke off its pursuit and withdrew back into the forest. Realizing I was now alone, I returned to where I lost sight of my quarry, hoping to pick up a trail to follow. But when I arrived, I found no trace of a human or animal presence. I have not yet met a creature I could not track, and yet… I cannot convince myself that what I witnessed was a trick of the light. And with the recent behavioral changes among the wildlife here, I fear this incident portends nothing good for the future. -Magistrate Gladis Bond