Day by day, everything was getting worse.
It was the story of a joyful family — a family full of laughter and love.
But no one knew… their joy was just an illusion waiting to shatter.
02-Dec-2029
The school had announced a trip.
Ayesha was thrilled. She had always dreamed of visiting a jungle — the thrill, the trees, the animals, the mystery.
The school had done everything by the book:
•official permissions
•coordination with forest rangers
• even a thorough safety inspection.
According to the reports, the jungle was safe.
But legends don’t appear in paperwork.
And this jungle… had a story no one wanted to talk about.
At first, Ayesha’s parents refused.
Something about the trip didn’t feel right to them.
But after reassurance from the school — the safety, the planning, even insurance — they reluctantly agreed.
Still… unease lingered in their hearts.
Soething was stopping them.
The trip was for three days.
Ayesha’s younger brother, Kamran, was going too. But unlike his sister, he wasn’t excited. He was terrified.
"Why are you scared, Kamran?" Ayesha asked.
Kamran whispered,
“Sister… haven’t you read that book The Lion, the Tiger & the Elephant? The jungles were so scary in it…”
He was genuinely frightened. Not of ghosts, but of wild animals.
Ayesha laughed and teased,
“Seriously, Kamran? I thought you were a brave boy. But I guess not!”
Kamran puffed his chest.
“I am a brave boy!”
Their packing was done. Kamran calmed down a bit.
They said goodbye to their parents.
No one knew... it was a goodbye for real.
04-Dec-2029
They were getting close to the jungle.
The street they were passing through was eerily quiet.
No people. No shops. No movement.
Only their school bus cutting through the silence.
Some children felt a chill. Others, an unusual thrill.
Then, suddenly, the bus stopped.
Everyone jerked forward in their seats.
Whispers broke out.
There — in front of the bus — stood a man.
Still. Silent. Staring directly at them.
His eyes were wide open… but he didn’t blink.
No movement. No expression. Just that cold, unbroken stare.
The teacher, concerned, leaned toward the driver.
“Please…go check if he needs he needs help".
••••••••••To be continued in part 2