Jack’s heart sank. He rushed to gather the lifeless bird, his mind racing with questions. There had been no sign of illness, no predator tracks, nothing. What had struck so suddenly?
The unease deepened as he moved on to the pigs. They grunted and squealed with a nervous energy, only calming briefly when fed. Something unseen hung heavy in the air.
Then, the sound came again. That same eerie, unearthly cry—closer now, as though it circled the farm. Jack’s stomach knotted. What was lurking so near, and why had it chosen this place?
Pushing the questions aside, he turned to the barn to ready his tractor for harvest. The corn was ripe. He opened the heavy doors, climbed inside, and started the engine.
That’s when Mary’s scream shattered the morning.
“Dad, stop! Something’s under the tractor!”