**Chapter 6: Shadows in the Woods**

As Nick's gaze locked onto Judd's figure in the distance, he felt a shiver run down his spine. Andrew followed his gaze and turned to him with a concerned expression. "Who's that?" he asked, his voice low. Nick hesitated, unsure of how much to reveal. "That's my brother, Judd," he said finally, trying to sound casual. Andrew's eyes narrowed, and he took a step forward, as if to get a better look. Nick placed a hand on his arm, holding him back. "It's okay, just leave him alone," he said, trying to sound reassuring. But Andrew's eyes were fixed on Judd, his expression unreadable. Judd didn't move or react, his eyes still fixed intently on them. Nick felt a sense of unease wash over him, as if he was waiting for something to happen. The air seemed to vibrate with tension, and Nick's skin prickled with goosebumps. Andrew turned to him, his voice low. "What's going on, Nick? What's wrong with your brother?" Nick shook his head, feeling a sense of frustration. "I don't know," he said, trying to keep his voice down. "Just leave him alone, okay?" But Andrew's eyes were still fixed on Judd, his expression serious. Nick could almost see the wheels turning in his head, trying to process what was happening. Finally, Andrew turned back to him, his eyes locked onto Nick's. "We should go," he said, his voice firm. "Let's get out of here." Nick nodded, feeling a sense of relief wash over him. As they turned to leave, Judd vanished into the woods, leaving behind a sense of unease and uncertainty. The rest of the day was a blur, with Nick's mind preoccupied with thoughts of Judd and what he wanted. As they packed up to leave, Nick's mom asked him if he was okay, but he just shook his head, not wanting to talk about it. The drive home was filled with an awkward silence, with Andrew and his mom chatting quietly in the front seats. Nick sat in the back, his eyes fixed on the passing scenery, his mind still reeling with questions. As they pulled into their driveway, Nick felt a sense of relief wash over him. He was glad to be home, but he knew that this wasn't over. Judd's presence had unsettled him, and he couldn't shake off the feeling that his brother was watching him, waiting for something to happen. As they piled out of the car, Nick's mom turned to him and said, "Hey, kiddo, why don't you go talk to Judd? I think he wants to talk to you." Nick's heart sank, but he nodded, knowing that he had to face his brother eventually. With a sense of trepidation, Nick made his way into the house, searching for Judd. He found him sitting on the couch, his eyes fixed on the TV. But as Nick approached, Judd turned to him, his expression serious. "Nick, we need to talk," he said, his voice low. Nick sat down next to him, feeling a sense of unease wash over him. What did Judd want to talk about? And what did it have to do with Andrew? Only time would tell.