Fear of Dark Water

Ever hear of Jenny Greenteeth? She’s a hag that lives in dangerous pools, so the folktales say. She grabs kids by the ankles and drags them down to drown.

Of course, those stories were invented to keep kids from harm. “Don’t you play near that pool, or Jenny Greenteeth will get you!”

But suppose it’s not just a story?

Jo’s fear of dark water is a paralyzing phobia. Determined to beat it, she dares to dive into this inky forest pool. And finds it’s not dark after all, just dim and green. Silver minnows dart from beneath her feet. Deeper, the green light fades into darkness.

Deeper still, at the farthest reach of the light, a pale shape moves. Something big. It rises toward her.