Member-only story
The Dare (Part two)
The Daily Word #154 — Senses
“Why does it smell so bad?” Angeline’s face scrunched up as she took her first step on the pathway.
“You’re seriously not used to the smell of the air around here?” Denise scoffed. “It stinks all the time. I don’t think the fog helps.” She raised her flashlight to shine in Angeline’s face, in time to see her glare back.
“I haven’t lived here very long.”
“Just breathe it in. You’ll get used to it faster.” Denise inhaled the ocean air, embracing its salty scent.
Angeline copied her and gagged, causing her to stumble slightly off the path. Her shoes sunk into the mulch. “It smells a little like rotten eggs. And the ground is squishy!”
“Must be the decomposing leaves … and other decomposing things.” Denise smiled sinisterly.
Leaves rustled and Angeline’s flashlight caught some movement in a nearby brush.
“What was that?!” she gasped.
“Shhhh! I heard it, too,” Denise whispered. “I don’t think anyone else is here, but there might be little critters out and about.”
They slowly continued down the pathway, careful not to lose balance on its unevenness. With each step, the cement pushed…
