The Hunting Cabin

Something besides three friends may be hunting in the woods

"You sure this old hut will stand up this weather?"

Dave frowned, puzzled. "Weather Channel said it was supposed to be hot and humid and still." He looked out the window. "I don't even see the trees moving. What was that?"

Damian looked at Nate. "I told you we should have gone to the casino this weekend. We--"

That was when the lights went out in the cabin--and went on outside.

The lights flickered in the house and came back on. The night was once again black. Damian was still looking toward the seat where Nate had been, but Nate was no longer there. Damian and Dave looked around the small cabin, but he was nowhere to be seen.

Dave looked at Damian and saw the same fear on the other man's face that he felt himself.

"Did he go outside, man? Where the hell?" He raised his voice: "Nate! Are you in the crapper?!" No answer.

Damian crossed to the door. "He must be out on the porch."

"Hey, man, don't go out there, are you crazy?"

"I'm fine, Dave."

He opened the door... and walked out of existence. Another burst of wind hit the cabin. This time it did more than creak; Dave heard some of the timbers crack. The burst of wind passed; the door was open, but Nate was no longer there.

Dave moaned and sat down with his back to wall under the window. The lights in the room went out again, and the night was lit outside.

"Dave!"

It was Nate, but he sounded far away. Dave turned and looked out the window to search for his friend.

But what he found looking back at him was something different entirely. Dave screamed.

And then the cabin was empty and silent in the dark night.

NOTES: ▶︎

Word Count: 300
Submitted for "Daily Flash Fiction Challenge" 
Prompt: Use the phrase "Don't go out there"