The town of Winterwood was blanketed in a thick layer of snow, the kind that muffled footsteps and dimmed the glow of lanterns. It was a quaint little place, where secrets hid behind every weathered door and shadows danced beneath the flickering streetlights. On this particularly cold evening, a chill settled over Winterwood as the sun dipped below the horizon, casting long, eerie shadows that beckoned the curious and the timid alike.

Among the townsfolk was a bright-eyed girl named Jackie Gray Wood. At nine years old, she was known for her insatiable curiosity and an adventurous spirit that often led her beyond the boundaries of her small world. Her tousled chestnut hair framed a cherubic face, and her laughter was like music to those who knew her. But on this evening, Jackie felt a pull—a whisper that beckoned her toward the edge of the vast, foreboding forest that bordered her backyard.

"Jackie! Dinner's ready!" her mother called from the warmth of their cozy home. It was a simple structure, with creaking wooden floors and pictures of happier times lining the walls. But something about that evening felt different. An inexplicable urgency reminded Jackie of the tales her grandmother told—stories of children who wandered too far into the woods and found themselves lost among the whispers of ancient trees.

Ignoring the call, Jackie wrapped her favorite red scarf around her neck, put on her furry boots, and opened the door. The biting cold air hit her instantly, but something warm flickered in her heart as she stepped into the snow. The forest stood before her like a vast, inviting mystery, the branches of the tall pines swaying gently as if welcoming her. Just for a moment, she stood still, listening to the wind. It seemed to call her name.

In Winterwood, the unsettling news of three missing children sent waves of fear and concern among residents. Just days prior, Lucy, Jake, and Mia (jackies close freinds) were last seen playing at the local park, their laughter echoing through the trees. As families shared frantic rumors and volunteers joined the search efforts, posters with the children's smiling faces plastered the town. Each passing hour grew heavier with anxiety, fueling hopes for their safe return while the clock ticked ominously forward, underscoring the urgency of their disappearance. As night fell, the town held candlelight vigils, uniting in prayer and support, their hearts heavy yet determined to bring the children home, so Jackie wasn't even allowed to be allowed out at the moment but the wind and trees felt like to her they were calling or beggin for Jackie to go leave the house even tho the town already had 3 missing kids..Jackie didn't really understand why she wasn't allowed out she just thought her mom was being mean and rude not knowing about well the missing children... you may be wondering why a mention so much about these kids well that night Jackie never ended up going out but a few months later....

too be continued...

After 3 months of Jackie's 3 friends there was finally news... but not the good type of news it was the bad type. On November 4th it was discovered that to of Jackie's friends where found in a wooden shed in the woods killed and eyes ripped out with blood drooping and her other friend found dead by the lake which made it seem as if they had been running away of something in the woods...

It's a week after the news the sound of sorrow was in the air and the town looked dead and gloomy after hearing that everybody got frightened about the kids, but Jackie was upset after hearing the news (jackies now 10) Jackie was literally heartbroken buy sadly the only thing she wanted to do now was adventure, but she can't because we'll her parents where very strict and where scared of loosing her, but she didn't understand that she was only 10 so too young to understand.

As the days went Jackie started to get better at copeing with the loss of her freind, Jackie finally had felt a glimmer of hope as she slowly began to heal and cherish the memories of her friends, embracing the possibility of new connections.

But that didn't last for long because then she had to go to the funeral to remember them, and it tore her into a million pieces it was as if her whole friendship group had been shattered, and she started to cry...

Jackie was enveloped in an overwhelming darkness after the tragic loss of her friends, their absence leaving a void that seemed impossible to fill. Every corner of her world echoed with memories of laughter and shared moments, now tainted by an unshakable sorrow. The weight of grief pressed heavily on her chest, making even the simplest tasks feel insurmountable. She found herself withdrawing from others, unable to articulate the depth of her pain, while feelings of isolation crept in like a shadow. Each day became a battle against a relentless tide of sadness, as she struggled to make sense of a reality where her friends were no longer by her side. Jackie longed for a glimpse of hope, but the road to healing felt daunting, shrouded in the fog of loss that clouded her mind.

Jackie's mum had noticed a change in her daughter's demeanor over the past few weeks, and her concern weighed heavily on her heart. Jackie, once vibrant and full of life, now seemed more withdrawn and reserved. Her laughter, which used to fill their home, had become a rare occurrence, replaced by long silences and a sense of unease that Jackie couldn't articulate. Whether it was the pressure from school, difficulties with friends, or the overwhelming nature of adolescence, Jackie’s mum could sense the shadows creeping in, dimming her daughter's spirit. Sleepless nights became common as she worried about how to approach the topic without pushing Jackie further away. Determined to understand and support her, Jackie’s mum began to research mental health resources, hoping to find a way to bridge the gap and encourage Jackie to open up about what she was going through.

to be continued...