The children ran as fast as they could up the hill.
From a distance, they could still see their parents below.
The adults looked frantic.
They searched the streets as if they had lost something precious, running from one place to another without stopping.
It reminded Allen of someone desperately searching for their lost keys before leaving for work.
Then…
They all heard it.
A low voice drifted through the air like a lullaby.
"Grass Man… Grass Man… come… come… come…"
The children froze.
Something was different this time.
The chant sounded closer.
Stronger.
Almost… alive.
Mimi slowly turned around.
The others did the same.
Below them, every parent suddenly stopped searching.
Without saying a word, they all turned toward the police station.
Then, as if obeying the same command, they sprinted inside.
The children watched through the station windows as the adults disappeared into the building.
"What are they doing?" Mimi whispered.
Allen shook his head.
"I… I don't know."
He looked toward the woods.
"We need to keep moving."
The children continued running until they reached the top of the hill.
A boy was waiting for them.
The moment he saw Allen, the biggest smile spread across his face.
"Allen!" he shouted.
"Marko!" Allen yelled back.
The two boys ran toward each other and hugged.
Allen stepped back and smiled.
"Look, Marko. I found these kids down in town."
Marko looked at each of them before smiling.
"I'm glad all of you made it here safely."
His smile slowly faded.
"Now…"
He looked toward the dark forest beyond the hill.
"We have work to do."