The Deal

Dina’s lantern cast a warm orange glow on the large trunks of the redwood trees as she made her way into the forest under the darkness of the moonless night. She could barely see a few trees ahead of her at a time. The forest was silent except for the leaves that rustled with her every step. Every time a gust of wind blew through the canopy of leaves and branches high above her, she tightened her grip around the lantern’s handle.

A final tree lit up in the lantern’s glow. As she reached the tree, she sucked in a shallow breath and walked into the clearing. With no trees ahead of her to get her bearings, she stumbled over the uneven ground with each shuffled step.

‘You’ve arrived,’ whispered an eerie voice.

Dina froze, a cold bead of sweat dripped from her temple. No one was close to her, but she could have sworn she could feel the breath of someone against her ear.

‘I’ve… I’ve made the sacrifices that you needed me to perform,’ said Dina.

‘So, you have. Albeit they weren’t the best of sacrifices. Possibly not even worth what you’ve asked for.’

‘They’re done,’ said Dina. ‘Within your deadline. I’ve given you what you wanted. You need to hold up your end of the deal!’ she screamed with tears in her eyes.

A blast of static noise rang in Dina’s ears as a ring of bright blue lanterns sparked around her on the edge of the clearing revealing the tree line. Shadows danced in the trees. There were too many to count. Dina collapsed, her tears streaming onto the forest floor.

‘I’m sorry. I’m sorry,’ she sobbed. ‘Please. I did what you asked. I just need her back. Please!’

‘I decide whether you have held up your end,’ bellowed the voice, rattling the trees as it spoke. ‘Luckily for you, I deem your sacrifices acceptable. Even after your little outburst.’

‘Does that mean?’

‘Yes. I will bring your little sister back for you.’

The ring of blue lanterns flashed. Dina covered her eyes with her arm. Once the flash of light faded, she peered out around her. Dina squinted as her eyes adjusted to the darkness again. The only source of light was the warm glow of the lantern that she was still clutching.

‘Dina? Dina, are you there?’ a soft voice called out.

‘Abby! I’m here.’

Dina crawled towards Abby’s voice and found her curled up on the ground. She reached out and pulled Abby into a tight embrace, not daring to let her hug around her little sister loosen.

‘You’re okay now, nothing bad will ever happen to you again.’