Camp fire monster

The moon hung low, casting eerie shadows as the family of four trudged through the dense woods. Sarah clutched onto her father's hand tightly, her eyes wide with apprehension. Her younger brother, Jack, clung to her other hand, his small frame trembling with each step.

"Dad, are we lost?" Sarah's voice quivered in the darkness.

Her father, James, tried to sound reassuring, but even he couldn't mask the uncertainty in his tone. "No, sweetheart, we're not lost. We just took a wrong turn, but we'll find our way back to the trail soon."

The rustle of leaves and the occasional hoot of an owl amplified their unease. James glanced at his wife, Emily, who wore a brave façade despite her own fears. She flashed him a weak smile, silently communicating her trust in his ability to lead them out of the woods.

After what felt like an eternity of stumbling over roots and dodging low-hanging branches, James finally spotted a faint glimmer of light ahead. "There!" he exclaimed, relief flooding his voice.

As they drew closer, the light revealed itself to be a small clearing with a crackling campfire at its center. A group of friendly faces greeted them, offering warmth and reassurance.

"We heard you were lost," one of the campers said, extending a hand to help them settle around the fire. "You're safe now."

Sarah and Jack's tension melted away as they nestled closer to their parents, the flickering flames casting a comforting glow over their weary faces. Despite the uncertainty of their surroundings, they found solace in each other's presence, knowing that as long as they were together, they could weather any storm.