My Autumn Discovery

A shadow arises from behind the thick trunk, swaying in a side-to-side motion. The object seemed to be getting larger and larger as the distance between us got shorter.
“What is that behind that tree?” I panted with nervousness.
“I dunno, don’t get near it,” demanded my older brother as he tugged on my arm in the opposite direction,
“But, I want to know!” I exclaimed loudly snatching my arm away from his light grip.
“Get back here! Mom and Dad will kill me if anything happens!” he yelled with frustration and worry.
I approached the border of the old timber and tried to be as quite as possible. The crunching of the autumn leaves beneath my small feet were the only sounds emitted.
“April!” I heard in the distance but didn’t acknowledge, “Get away from that tree!” the voice continued.
I was within touching distance from the shadow, which was now the size of my small torso. I could hear deep breaths being released from around the trunk, a panting like sound. I placed my back to the tree, feeling something pull on my auburn locks. Sweat began to form at the crease of my hairline and my body began to jitter, I was frozen with fear. I turned to face the horror of my predator, only to realize my hair was bonded the bark of the Dogwood tree’s stalk. Suddenly, I saw something dart behind me from the corner of my eye. I once again turned to face my predator with more bravery this time around.
“April…” I hear my brother approach my side, “what do we have here?” he questioned with a smile.
We were both starring into the eyes of a Labrador retriever puppy’s eyes as it expelled a weak yap and wagged its tail excitedly.