Mudbone Lake was chilling still. I sat between a trusty bucket and my special fishing rod, or Lucy’s what I like to call her.

Crickets hissed from the nearby woods. The smell of smoke reached from all the way out from camp and into the middle of Mudbone. I took a whiff of it.

I had armfuls of bait ready a long fishing. I cast my line, clinking far and long. I knew that my odds of snagging good fish were low.

“**I swear nothing lives in this lake.” **

****

**I spit the sunflower seed left in my mouth.**

A lizard peeks at the algae creating ripples when there are none. Is something alive in that water? I thought this lake was devoid of animals.

Crocodiles wouldn’t swim in dense water—I wouldn’t doubt if one got a little curious though. I’m not fond of crocodiles trailing under me. So I paddle. I guess that must’ve alarmed it because I saw it again, but closer.

Was chasing me? No doubt—It was chasing me. Is that even a crocodile? It has six legs and a glare that you wouldn't find in a any swamp. And was chasing me. Great.

I tighten my paddle. Currently, I am stuck in the middle of a lake. Not ideal for getting away. Crap. What do I do?

“Man. Somethins’ in the water!”

I plead. I hear a distant noise from the camp.

“What?”

Had she not heard me? I said something in the water dammit! I see two yellow eyes gaining behind me. It’s jaw a grotto of razors. Crap! Now I know it’s wants me dead.

That can’t be a crocodile.

What can I do? Paddle harder. I sweat. I gain speed. Yes! I put every inch of strength into forcing the water behind me. Water splahing behind me like a speed boat.

This is why I work out, for this very moment. I felt a shadow grow behind me. God, it’s behind me. How is it behind me already?!

Harder! I try and scream for help.

At this point, I'm certain on going to die. It rises like a giant, casting it’s shadow upon me. It's claws are bloody and going to impale me like a skewer.

This is it.

I feel tears roll down my cheeks and I stop paddling. The paddle clinks against the wooden boat.

“Anyone… Help.”

THE END.