The hidden village (part 2)

The boy suddenly woke up from his sleep, his body drenched in sweat. His heart pounded in his chest, and he could still feel the lingering fear from his dream. He tried to shake off the eerie sensation but couldn’t forget the mysterious shadows he had seen in his sleep. What was that strange place? And why did it feel so real?

The next day, he arrived at school, trying to push the thoughts of the dream aside. As he entered the classroom, his teacher greeted the students with an exciting announcement. “Children, we have planned a trip! A trip to the riverside!”

A wave of excitement swept through the classroom. Everyone cheered, and so did the boy. A trip meant adventure, fun, and a break from the usual school routine. For a moment, he forgot about his nightmare and focused on the excitement of the upcoming journey.

The following morning, the students gathered near the school gate, their backpacks filled with snacks, water bottles, and other essentials. The bus ride was filled with laughter, songs, and chatter as they eagerly anticipated their day at the river. The boy sat by the window, watching the trees rush past, feeling a sense of exhilaration.

When they finally arrived, the riverside was even more beautiful than they had imagined. The water sparkled under the sunlight, and the gentle sound of the flowing river was soothing. The children played, built sandcastles, and enjoyed the refreshing breeze. But as the boy wandered along the riverbank, something caught his eye—a dense forest just beyond the water’s edge.

A strange sense of familiarity washed over him. He had seen this place before—somewhere deep in his dreams. He hesitated for a moment before stepping closer. The trees loomed over him, their branches twisting like arms reaching out. A shiver ran down his spine, but he couldn’t resist the pull of curiosity.

He took a deep breath and stepped into the forest.

To be continued......