Man Wakes Up To Ring Of Withered Trees Around Cabin, Then He Learns Why

Absolute silence

Now and then, he heard faint sounds outside—branches creaking, leaves rustling in a breeze. But there were no animal noises, no calls from distant owls or scurrying of small creatures in the underbrush.

The silence made Ethan feel more isolated than ever. It was as if the forest itself was holding its breath.