Bloody and Bitter

By Madison Loria

Erin Adams parked their car and turned it off, the engine shuddering itself to sleep. “Damn, that did not sound good,” they sighed, looking at the backseat. Spike, their three-year-old golden retriever panted happily and tilted his head. Erin smiled. “At least I’m not the only one excited for this camping trip,” she mumbled. They could already imagine how much of August’s whining they’d have to endure over the next three days.

Erin, Nessa and August had been best friends since they were fifteen. Now the group was twenty-three, well into their college years. August and Nessa had recently got engaged, and Erin wasn’t sure if they could face the two anymore. Truth be told, they had the biggest crush on Nessa for years. It always stung to watch their best friends kiss or hug. Erin bitterly wished it was them.

Erin stepped out of the car with Spike, grabbing their camping backpack and looking around for August’s car. From what they’ve heard, it was a newer model truck. His father had got it for him for getting good marks on his exams. They jumped some when they heard a honk, turning around quickly. August pulled up in his new truck, his smiling face poking out the window. Nessa was equally as happy looking.

“Hey Erin!” August yelled out in greeting. Erin smiled some, waving to him. Their smile got wider when Nessa stepped out and gave them a hug. The group set off to set up their camp, Spike yipping excitedly as he watched them. Maybe this trip wouldn’t be so bad after all? Erin thought.

Hours passed, and it was bad. The two were even more touchy than when they were in high school. It hurt Erin a lot, and they couldn’t wait to cry themselves to sleep in the tent. Erin knew their friends were concerned, since they really couldn’t talk without tearing up. At least Spike was there to keep them company. Erin was currently taking Spike on a small walk while Nessa and August went to bed. It was dark and peaceful, the wind softly blowing around both Erin and Spike.

“It’s nice out, isn’t it?” Erin asked Spike quietly, looking up at the full moon. “I wish it was just you and me…. and Nessa.” They whispered the last part bitterly as they stared up at the moon. It reminded them of the white dress Nessa wore to senior prom. She was so beautiful, and it made their heart ache even worse than before.

Suddenly, a loud scream cut the peaceful and pitiful reverie Erin was in. Their head snapped back towards the camp. Spike bristled and growled, sensing ominous danger. The human and dog ran back to the camp without a second thought. The screaming continued. The closer Erin got, they could now make out the words August was screaming.

“HELP, IT’S EATING MY DAMN ARM!” August let out another bloodcurdling scream of pain.

What was attacking him? Did the campsite’s arsenal of snacks somehow attract a bear? Something growled, it wasn’t animalistic, but not human either. Nessa spotted Erin and Spike; blood was splattered on Nessa’s t-shirt.

“Erin, help! It’s eating him!” Nessa pleaded, watching something out of their line of sight.

Whatever was attacking August was clearly trying to drag it into the nearest cluster of trees. Spike was growling and barking more furiously than Erin has ever seen him do before. Erin ran over closer with Spike at their heels, freezing in horror when they finally got to see the creature.

It was at least seven feet tall. It had ripped, decaying gray flesh. It smelled so bad that the stench lingered from at least ten feet away. The creature had no hair; its eyes as dull and grey as its skin. It was horrific, and Erin nearly threw up.

August had already beaten Erin to it, his night shirt covered in blood and dinner. His left arm was in the creature’s mouth. It looked as if it were going to rip his arm cleanly off at any moment.

Spike growled loudly beside them but made no move to attack whatever the hell was eating their friend. The creature growled twice as loud in response, suddenly running off with August in between its teeth. August screamed and begged for help as he disappeared.

“August, no!” Nessa sobbed in horror and despair. Erin finally snapped out of their shock, rushing over and hugging her close. Nessa was covered in August’s blood, and she didn’t seem to be injured. Spike sniffed her just to be sure. “It ripped the tent open and grabbed him! I thought it was you! It had your voice!” Nessa told them while heaving with her sobs.

Erin said nothing, holding back tears of their own and rubbing her back. This was so confusing. It imitated their voice. What kind of creature could do that? Were they suddenly on an episode of Supernatural? Erin knew what they had to do, no matter how mad Nessa would be at them for doing it. They dragged her up to her feet, making sure their keys were in their pocket.

“We need to leave, now. Before it gets us too,” Erin said in a stone-cold tone. Nessa fought against them, nearly pushing them away with her strength. Erin ignored her frantic pleas, forcing her into their car with Spike. They weren’t going to let Nessa slip away from them again, even if it meant they would have to leave August to be monster chow.