I decided to go see Uncle Jake. I have a vague idea where to find him. He’s been living out in the woods for years, moving around from place to place in the Pine Barrens. He always seems to find a new shack to hide in every few years.

My mom used to say Jake was always running away from something. I can relate. From my mother’s stories, it seems like Jake might have the same sleep issues, or something similar. Maybe he can tell me what to do.

I wonder if Jake has seen the shadows. Maybe that’s what he’s been running from for so long. I wonder if he sleeps much. What would it be like to see the visitors for years? What would it do to someone’s mind? I already feel like my grip on reality is loose, and it’s been less than a month since I first...

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