**The Watcher in the Trees**

As Andrew tried to process what he had just seen, he couldn't help but feel a growing sense of unease. He glanced over at Nick, who was still splashing away in the water, oblivious to the encounter Andrew had just had with Judd. Mr. and Mrs. Birch were still lounging on the rocks, chatting and laughing as if nothing was out of the ordinary. Andrew hesitated for a moment, unsure of whether to say anything to Nick or to keep quiet and observe from a distance. But something about Judd's behavior had unsettled him, and he felt like he needed to share his concerns with his friend. "Nick," Andrew said softly, trying not to draw attention from their parents. "Can I talk to you for a second?" Nick looked over, concerned. "What's up?" he asked. Andrew glanced around nervously before leaning in close. "I think I saw Judd," he whispered. "He was watching us from the trees." Nick's expression changed from curiosity to alarm. "What? Where?" he asked, scanning the surrounding area. Andrew nodded towards the spot where he had seen Judd. "He was just standing there, staring at us. And then he disappeared." Nick's eyes widened. "That's weird," he said. "I haven't seen him all day." Andrew nodded. "I know. I was starting to think it was just my imagination, but then I saw him again, and...I don't know, it just felt off." The two boys sat in silence for a moment, contemplating the situation. Mrs. Birch called out to them from the rocks, "Everything okay, boys? You look a bit serious." Andrew and Nick exchanged a glance before Andrew shrugged and said, "Yeah, everything's fine. Just getting a bit hot, that's all." But as they turned back to the water, Andrew couldn't shake the feeling that Judd was still out there, watching them. He kept a close eye on the trees, but Judd was nowhere to be seen. As they continued to swim and play, Andrew noticed that Nick seemed a bit distracted, glancing over his shoulder every now and then. "You okay, mate?" Andrew asked. Nick nodded, but Andrew could tell that his friend was thinking about Judd too. "Let's go ask Mom and Dad if they've seen him," Nick suggested. But before they could approach their parents, Andrew heard a faint rustling in the bushes. He turned to see Judd emerging from the trees, his eyes fixed intently on Andrew and Nick. This time, Judd didn't try to hide. He walked towards them, his expression unreadable. Andrew felt a shiver run down his spine as Judd approached, his movements eerily silent. "Hey, guys," Judd said, his voice low and even. "What's up?" Andrew and Nick exchanged a wary glance. What was Judd doing here? And why was he watching them?