Full Moon

Full Moon

"Let's take a shortcut," Jim said. He and Sarah were walking back from the local Baskin-Robins, enjoying double chocolate-chip mocha cones on a warm summer's night.

"Rrrr ooo uts?" Sarah said, trying to get her frozen mouth working.

"Is that a yes?"

"No!" she finally got out. "I'm not going through the woods! It's a full moon – there may be werewolves loose and I don't want to end up some creature's dessert."

Jim let out a laugh. "There are no such things as werewolves," he chided. "C'mon – I'll protect you."

Eying the path warily, Sarah followed him into the overgrowth.

The moonlight, filtering through the overhanging branches, sent shadows darting across the faint trail.

Jim, fading to a pale apparition, led the way.

"This is too spooky," Sarah said, peering into the dark. "How did I let you talk me into this?"

"Now don't be ... ," Jim started to say when a rustling sound came from an inky area ahead.

"What was that?" Sarah asked, a slight tremor in her voice. "It sounded like something's moving."

Jim stopped. "I don't know," he whispered.

"Arrrrrrgh!" he suddenly shouted, causing Sarah to scream.

As she grabbed his arm, the top scoop of her cone slid off, falling to the ground with a distinct "plop!"

Chuckling, Jim put his arm around her. "It's nothing to worry about – it's just ice cream in the forest," he quipped.

Sarah's smile could be seen in the cold light. "I can't believe you just said that!" With a swift motion, she punched him in the arm.

A scream echoed through the forest – and this time - there was no mistaking its source.

Notes

Word Count: 271 .

An entry for Sept 10 "Daily Flash Fiction Challenge"  [13+]
Prompt: Write a story that includes the phrase - a scream echoed through the forest.

Thank you for taking time to read my words. I would appreciate it if you took a moment and left a comment. Your reaction, impressions, criticisms, - yes, even praise are all equally welcome. Please, however, keep the groans to yourself .

Ken