Daphne
There were no signs marking the trail head, only a gravel pull off that was big enough to fit two cars, maybe three max. This early in the season, no hikers were venturing into the deep woods, and the pull off was muddy and rutted. I parked my car in what looked like the firmest area, and prayed I wouldn’t need someone to tow me out when I got back.
I pocketed my keys and stared into the woods. The night was overcast, so there wasn’t even moonlight to illuminate the trail, but as my eyes adjusted, I was able to make out the outlines of the trunks of trees and low-hanging branches. I kept my ears fully tuned to every sound as I started down the path.
The forest which looked silent and still was really full of life. Spring peepers singing to their mates in the swamp to my left, an
