I exited the house. The sky was bruised black and gray and smelled of rain. It was impossible to tell what time it was. To my left was a forest. Directly behind me was the house. In my hand was a bucket full of salt.

I crossed myself. I crossed myself again. Then, working quickly, I began pouring salt on the ground in a tight circle around the house. The noises coming from the woods sent shivers down my spine, even more than usual.

I stared at the forest, the black wall of the house to my back for some semblance of protection. A low groan came from the trees, startling bats and birds, and my whole body jumped with terror. Rain began to come down. I prayed the salt circle would hold and started to make my way back inside. The house was scary, yes. But what lay outside was much, much worse.