Jasper ambled through the woods, his tanned face revealing traces of anxiety. The teen's sweaty palms clutched the wooden box that he had been ordered to bring, its metal latch creating an unpleasant sound with each step. Stopping, he placed his hand on a nearby tree, tracing over the scratch marks that would otherwise be invisible in the darkness of the woods. Jasper grinned as he recognised the sign that had been left for him by his temporary 'employer', subtle enough to remain unnoticeable by those unwanted. Pushing long strands of golden hair behind his ears he resumed a steady pace unaware of the danger that would greet him several minutes away. Earlier he promised himself this would be his last job for the mysterious individual that offered the freedom he yearned for so dearly but deep down a sense of dread sat in his stomach willing for him to leave before he was swallowed by the gloomy void that surely awaited. The call of a bird high up in the leafless trees of winter dragged him from the whirlpool of thoughts he was submerged in, the meeting place was close.

The land began to even out as Jasper arrived. It was a place of memories, he remembered playing tag and hopscotch with his sisters and creating a shed with his father but the road he now followed left no room for the past. Grasping the box he went to sit on the bench whilst he waited, trying to piece together the few cherished memories that were left.

The crunch of gravel made the teen look up. He was facing a cloaked figure that stood a few strides away. "I brought what you asked for." Jasper placed the carved item on the floor then retreated a couple of metres. Never had the thought of betrayal crossed his mind, trying to second guess those who wished to stay hidden was like playing with fire. The shadowed being bent down, picking up the small object and gently opening its intricate lid. The teen let out a sigh of relief as his employer relaxed but the moment lasted for shorter than he anticipated.

A recognisable laugh pierced the air. Jasper's eyes widened as the sound transported him back years ago to his thirteenth party. He had invited everyone from his new school in hope of making friends. As the kids who bothered to show up left Jasper had sneaked away to his room, drawn by the sound of hysterical laughter. A thick stream of fresh blood swirled around his feet as he neared the door that separated his innocence and the person he was about to become. The lifeless body of a German Shepard was draped over his linen sheets, dripping with scarlet red blood. It haunted him for the two miserable years he spent trying to escape, drinking and taking life threatening drugs.

Instinctively he began to run towards the thick trees that would double his chance of safety, he knew what the cloaked figure was capable of. All he could think of as he ran was the possibility of ending up like his loyal dog, dead and forgotten. The police never did find out who had caused the nightmares of a thirteen year old child, the killer had been incredibly thorough.

Taking a sharp corner the teen tripped over an arched root, his final mistake. Cursing at himself for losing full concentration only momentarily Jasper desperately tried to free himself but his attempts were futile. The attacker was already upon him, seizing the moment. With a deep breath his temporary employer sliced open the writhing teenager's throat, smiling as the life oozed out of his body.

"Goodbye Jasper."