Written for Crispina’s Crimson’s Creative
Challenge #077. I chose Pic #3.
Here’s where the image took me.
Deep in the forgotten corner of Stony Hollow Woods, locals know not to walk past the Ancient One after dark.
It started with missing hikers. Then a postman. Then, incredibly, a Jehovah’s Witness …. which, honestly, nobody investigated too hard.
The tree’s roots don’t just drink water. They reach. That sinuous, pale limb curling along the mossy ground? That’s not a root. Ask anyone brave enough to look closely what it resembles, and watch their face go white.
The moss keeps everything soft. Quiet. Inviting.
“Come rest,” the Ancient One seems to whisper, its bark groaning like an empty stomach. “Sit. Stay.”
The forest floor is purple and black …. the bruised colors of digestion.
Botanists who’ve studied it agree …. those are not normal growth patterns.
They also agree on another thing.
They’re never going back.
NAR©2026
This is “Red Right Hand” by Nick Cave & the Bad Seeds
Everything seen here was created by me, unless otherwise indicated. Thanks for your consideration. NAR©2017-present.
The Elephant's Trunk 
It is a shame that the Ancient One didn’t gobble up a whole group of Hare Krishna’s.
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Hahaha! As soon as I read your comment about Hare Krishnas, I thought of Robert Stack in Airplane! Hilarious movie! Thanks for a fun memory, Jim.
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There are so many great lines in that movie.
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Excellently creepy! 🖤 And I love your song choice, as well as the Peaky Blinders series.
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Thanks very much, Debbie. I have a lot of fun with stories like this and you can’t go wrong with Nick Cave. Everybody’s talking about Peaky Blinders; I have to admit, I haven’t watched but now I really want to!
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I bet you would like it, Nancy! There are 6 seasons, plus there’s a movie coming out end of this week. Netflix.
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Cool! I better get busy watching!
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Stay away!!!!
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You don’t have to tell me twice! 🌳
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I’m stayin outta them woods fer sure…
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Smart man! Thanks, Ron.
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This is a creepy one, Nance! Love it.
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With a photo like that, did you expect anything else for me? 🤣 Thanks, Jodi ❤️
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Oh I see what you mean Nance that’s a spooky tale! And you have selected one of my favourite programmes and songs – love it 🙌
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I’m so glad you enjoyed my story, Ange. I definitely have to put Peaky Blinders on my watchlist; it sounds like a fabulously entertaining show. Thanks very much! ❤️
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It’s amazing you’ll love it I also love Cillian Murphy he’s such a great actor and very easy on the eyes 👀😃
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😊
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Yeah … Nick Cave and The Bad Seeds … excellent … here is another excellent one …
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Oh, that is fantastic! I love their moody music and videos. Thank you, my friend. 🥰 🌳 🎶
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My absolute pleasure my friend 🎶🥰🎶
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I don’t want to go in the forest tonight. Great story and I loved Beaky Blinders.
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I’m with you, my friend! Thanks so much 🥰
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Ooh very strange… but good! Also such a great song, plus the fab series Peaky Blinders.
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I’m so glad you enjoyed this one, Chris! I just love Nick Cave’s music.
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A very spooky tale Nancy. Great story idea.
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Thanks for sharing your beautiful thoughts, Sadje.
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You’re always welcome.
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spooky story Nance but I loved it 💜💜
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I am so pleased to know that, CA. Thank you! 💜
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