### The Echoing Woods

The five buddies headed out for their weekend hike on a brisk October morning. The ground was covered in a mosaic of fallen leaves, and the smell of pine permeated the air. For months, Mark, Lisa, Tom, Emily, and Jake had been organizing this vacation in an attempt to get away from the turmoil of their everyday life.

When they arrived at the trailhead, the sun had just risen. The route ahead meandered through thick forests, indicating an unforgettable experience for all of them. The noises of civilization gradually vanished as they traveled farther into the forest, to be replaced by the rustle of leaves and the sporadic chirp of birds.

They hiked for several hours before deciding to stop and rest by a tiny stream that was bubbling. Lisa pulled out her map and tried to figure out exactly where they were. "We're here," she remarked, gesturing to a location close to the forest's center. A short further ahead is reported to be a stunning clearing."

They packed up and set off again, eager to see the clearing. It didn't take them long to discover something odd. The noises of the woodland warped and echoed in strange patterns. The sounds of rustling leaves and birds chirping appeared to repeat themselves, returning in strange patterns.

"Did you hear that?"Emily questioned, a hint of anxiety in her voice.. "It's like the forest is...echoing."

Mark attempted to seem assured as he added, "Probably just a natural acoustic effect." "Let's keep moving."

The echoes became more noticeable as they advanced, warping their footsteps and words. Disorientation set in, and the group started to feel uneasy.

They arrived at the clearing at last. It was a peaceful location, with a tiny pond reflecting the sky and long grass moving gently in the breeze. However, the peace was broken when Jake, who had strayed to the clearing's edge, let out a cry.

"Guys, please arrive! This is something you should see!"

They rushed over to see Jake standing beside a battered, ancient sign that was partially covered in plants. "Beware the Echoing Woods," it said. Few have left, and many have come back."

"What the hell is this?" Tom questioned, seeming unsure.

Lisa stated, "It's probably just an old legend," but her conviction didn't seem to hold water. "But maybe we should head back."

The echoes became louder as they turned to leave, a cacophony of faraway shouts and whispering. When panic struck, they quickly went back the way they had come, only to discover that the route had altered. The forest felt like a living, breathing creature that was changing to catch them, and the trees began to press in around them.

Mark responded, "We need to stay calm," even though it was clear he was afraid. "Let's stick together and keep moving."

The echoes became clearer, forming words and phrases, and the forest seemed to throb with a malignant energy. "Help us... Turn back... It feeds on fear..."

"What is this?" Emily started crying, her eyes filling with tears. "What's happening?"

They continued, each stride more challenging than the previous. The whispers became more forceful and louder as the temperature dropped. The forest seemed to be calling them to go as soon as possible, almost as if it were alive.

They happened onto an ancient, deserted encampment as night fell. A few strewn-about possessions and the ruins of a fire pit revealed a terrifying tale. Those who had visited had either departed quickly or, worse, had never left at all.

With trembling in his voice, Tom replied, "We need to find shelter." "We can't keep wandering in the dark."

They chose to remain at the campsite in the hopes that clarity would arrive with daylight. The whispers appeared to be coming from all directions now, so they snuggled closer together in an attempt to block them out.

When Mark woke up in the middle of the night, Jake was gone. He woke up the others, and they looked about while yelling for their comrade. They heard their own voices mockingly reverberating back at them.

"Jake! "Where have you gone?" With her voice breaking, Lisa yelled.

"Help me..." came back in a spooky, warped rendition of Jake's voice.

Hearts racing, they followed the sound until they came upon Jake standing by the pond's edge, gazing into the water. He didn't answer their calls, and his eyes were vacant.

"Jake, snap out of it!" Mark shook him and yelled.

Jake slowly pivoted, his face pallid. It demonstrated to me what it desires. It feeds on our spirits, on dread. We must go now. Right now."

They were driven forward by desperation through the echoing voices and winding paths. They pushed past their weariness and moved as fast as they could.

They stumbled back onto the main trail as light broke through the treeline. The murmurs subsided and were replaced by the forest's well-known noises. They continued till they arrived at their car, barely able to breathe.

They swore, in the security of their car, to never talk about the Echoing Woods ever again. They had just about made it out alive, and the jungle had claimed enough lives.

Mark turned to look back at the forest, which was now illuminated by the gentle morning light, as they sped out. The whispers were no longer audible, but the memory of them remained, a menacing reminder of the evil that called the Echoing Woods home.