Img_0430.mov

I hit play. The footage was shaky, clearly filmed by someone running. It was night, and the only light came from a flickering flashlight held by the person behind the camera. The audio was heavy with ragged, panicked breathing and the sound of dry leaves crunching underfoot.

I reached for the power button, but the screen stayed black. The battery hadn't died; the phone was cold, as if it had never been turned on at all. IMG_0430.MOV

The girl gasped, and the running started again. The footage became a blur of dark branches and strobe-like flashes of light. Then, suddenly, the girl tripped. The camera tumbled through the air, landing face-up in the dirt. I hit play