Every year around October, my friends and I like to go camping; we consider it our end-of-the-year ritual. For three nights, we go without phones, electricity, housing, and running water. We’ve been pretty close since grade school and use these camping trips as a chance to catch up. Each year is a different location, and this year, we decided on Linville Gorge in North Carolina.

The night before our camping trip, we all met at a local bar to celebrate 30 years of friendship. While all of us were in the same place, I used this as an opportunity to introduce everyone to Jess, my fiance. The guys took well to her, and everyone had a good time; she even tried to convince us to let her go.

The next day we woke up early to prep for the trip; each guy was responsible for packing specific items. I was responsible for packing food, Jerome survival gear, Dell sleeping gear, and James entertainment. With everything packed, we loaded the truck. With the vehicle complete, our families came out to say their goodbyes. Jessica was still a little upset that I was leaving without her, so I was surprised when she gifted me her lucky rabbit’s foot.

When we arrived at the campsite, I was blown away by the scenery. The wind was whistling around me, animals were chattering, and insects were humming. The sea of green forest washed over my anxiety, and the view of the sun setting over the mountains calmed my spirit. With night quickly approaching, we started a campfire. After a couple of beers and walks down memory lane, I decided to turn in.

With everyone fast asleep, Jerome’s frightened cries for help interrupted the silence and calmness of the night. Everyone quickly rushed over to his sleeping bag, but there was nothing but half-devoured pieces of Jerome and a large pool of blood. Before we could react to the gruesome sight, a large hole suddenly engulfed Dell.

I watched in horror as those furry little things ripped him apart. It was as if he fell into a meat grinder or garbage disposal. Without uttering a word to me, James made a beeline for the truck. While running, I noticed a loud thumping and grunting sound coming from behind us. Whatever killed Dell and Jerome was now chasing us, but I was too afraid to look back and see what it was.

After running for what felt like an eternity, we finally made it to the truck. We attempted to open the doors, but the truck was locked. James began to search for the key frantically, and as he rifled threw his pockets, a spec of his blood flew on my face. I didn’t even hear them approach, but they were now eating James. one entered his rectum and exited his mouth; I couldn’t believe what I was witnessing; within seconds, he was a pile of blood and bones. I waited to be devoured next, but nothing happened.