Bedtime Tales of Horror: The Trail

Bedtime Tales of Horror
The Trail
Written by Bradley Poage
 
Oooooh, this is a spooky one.  And just in time for Halloween.  How delightful!!!
 
We start with Luke and Steven.  They are two Park Rangers who have been asked to put up a “TRAIL CLOSED” sign at the start of what is an incredibly popular local trail.  People love this trail for its beautiful nature appeal, its quiet relaxing peace, not to mention it’s a fond trail for local joggers and hikers.  While they are installing this sign, they are discussing the reason for its recent placement.  They are discussing that the trail is now dangerous and they hope the sign will keep people off the trail, for their own safety.  There has been a growing concern with the current prairie dog population in the area.  In fact, some recent attacks have been both out of character and very threatening.
 
Now, Luke and Steven are petrified of the trail, but Amanda, an avid runner on the trail, is not.  As she sees the sign approaching the trail, she shrugs it off and heads off on her run.  Ignoring any warning of danger.
 
But Amanda goes missing.  Terrified Luke and Steven are asked to look for her because they are the Park Rangers.  Her mother had called to report her missing after she didn’t return home from her run.  Luke and Steven don’t want to go search the trail.  But when a worried mother begs, what are you to do?  What they find during their search will never be forgotten.  They had to force themselves to go look for Amanda.  Will you do the same?
 
This is an excellent story that takes something we are accustomed to considering sweet and cute and fun.  This story turns a seemingly fairly harmless thing and takes it to a whole a new level.  What could it be about these adorable little furballs that could scare two grown men so much that they wouldn’t even want to walk a simple trail?
 
Bits of foreshadowing lead you down a road of suspense and tension.  This story gives a whole new meaning to “wild prairie dogs” with descriptive mastery creating horrific images sure to make anyone think twice the next time the look at a prairie dog, plus every time thereafter.  Graphic and emotional, it’s as if you are right there in the mix with the characters themselves, pulling you down into the depths of the intense and tragic plot.  
 
This is an incredible short story and a delicious horror must read!!
 
RATINGS
5/5 Stars
 
Amazon purchase link: 
https://www.amazon.com/Bedtime-Tales-Horror-NOTHING-SILENCE-ebook/dp/B08L1MQQLZ/ref=sr_1_3?dchild=1&keywords=bradley+poage+bedtime+tales+of+horror&qid=1602713327&sr=8-3
 
GoodReads.com:
 https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/6891115.Bradley_Poage
 
Twitter: @bradleypoage1