The wind stirred through the tall trees, brushing gently against Jackson's cheek as he stood outside the tent.
Shadows danced below the moonlight, but the air held something else.... Something colder.
"Jackson," his mother called again, and had gone to meet him with her arms folded.
Her tone was already weary. "It's getting late. Come inside."
Jackson didn't move. Instead, he tilted his head to the side with a half-smile. "Mum… you didn't greet my new friend."
She blinked her eyes. "Your what?"
"My friend. He's right here." Jackson said.
Her eyes followed the line of his outstretched hand and met nothing.
Just empty air. The pale outline of the forest was a breeze.
Her mouth pressed into a thin line. "Jackson, don't start this. There's no one there. Get inside.... Right now."
Jackson turned toward the invisible presence beside him. "Sorry, I have to go. But if you stick around… we can talk later, in the evening."
