There once was a mouse, happy as can be...
who lives in a field right under a tree.
Without a care in the world, he wasn't afraid.
He played every day and he slept in the shade.
Then one morning the mouse heard a loud cry...
and a crow black as night flew down from the sky.
The crow lowered his beak and tilted his head...
then frightened the mouse with the next thing he said.
The Darkness hides in the light of day.
Better run little mouse before it comes out to play.
Because the Darkness is evil when it plays Hide and Seek.
And it can go anywhere as it sneaks and it peeks.
The mouse took a few steps and looked all around.
He spun in a circle, and then looked up and down.
There's nothing dark here, you crazy, old bird.
The sun shines so brightly, that's completely absurd.
But the crow laughed out loud and said...
"you silly, little rat...
"don't let the Darkness hear you talking like that.
Now there's one thing to do, so listen to me.
You must see it first, if you wish to be free.
Baby Zombie! She's gonna eat you!
Maddie! What did you do? Look at your hands.
Okay, no more markers for you.
But I'm bored.
Well, here, draw me a picture...
while I finish packing the car, okay?
Okay.
Last chance to say goodbye!
Maddie, stay away from the street, please!
Okay, Mama.
I'm sorry, this is the one day this guy is in town, honey.
Put it this way. You're gonna have plenty of time to figure...
out how to make it up to us...
on the long lonely drive by yourself.
Daddy, look, it's me and Kayla.
Wow. All right, come on, up.
I can do it.
Okay, put your seatbelt on.
Thanks, Daddy.
Don't be mad. I'm sorry.
If you were really sorry, you would've stuck to the plan.
We'll still have a great time. I'll just be a little late.
And please call me when you get there...
so I know you got there okay.
Don't be so dramatic. When will you be leaving?
This afternoon, so I'll be there by midnight, at the latest.
Okay. Maybe you could bring me a midnight snack.
Hmm...
Say goodbye to Daddy.
Bye, Daddy! Love you.
Bye, I love you.
Girl's night out.
Have fun.
I love you.
Bye, Daddy, I love you.Bye.
Okay, we're here.
Finally.
Are we there yet?
Oh, come on.
Who are you? I'm Owen.
Uh, hi.
Just gotta loosen up the tumblers on the inside.
Wow! Thank you.
No problem.
I'm what passes as local security around here...
probably because me and my family are the only ones...
that live here year round.
Wish we could do more of that.
What, living?
There used to be two families living out here.
Other family lived right here in your house, for years.
'Til their boy went missing.
Missing?
Was about my age... name was Johnny.
Was kinda slow-witted, if you get what I'm saying.
They never found him?
No. Family was really tore up.
Put the house on the market and never seen 'em again.
Uh, well, I'm Laura and this is Kayla and Maddie.
Girls, say "hi".
Nice to meet you, ladies.
Don't see much of anybody out here after season's over.
Gets pretty lonely out here.
Yeah, well, we thought we'd squeeze in...
at least one trip this year.
Don't blame you.
Well, I appreciate the help, Owen, thank you.
Just you girls and Mom this weekend, huh?
And Daddy.
Yeah, he's... he's on his way. He's right behind us, actually.
Oh, well, that's good to know.
Uh, well, tell Owen "thank you", girls.
Thank you.
Any time.
Thanks. Y'all take care now.
Tag, I'm it.
Girls, stay away from the water.
Okay.Okay.
You better be calling from the road.
Actually, I'm running a bit late.
Oh, you gotta be...
Kidding. So you guys made it okay?
Yeah, we made it fine.
Hey, girls, it's your dad, he's on speaker.
Hi, Daddy! Hi, Daddy!
Hi, girls!
Is the house still standing?
Yeah.Yeah.
Perfect.
Daddy, when are you gonna be here?
Soon.
Bye, Daddy! We love you!
What's that noise?
Uh, it's nothing. I actually just stopped off to get gas.
I should be there by 11:00.
Okay, I might wait up.
You better.
We'll see. You could get lucky.
I'm planning on it.
Oh, hey... eggs. I forgot eggs.
Eggs. Got it. I'll see you in a bit.
Drive safe, bye.
Hi, uh, I'd like these gift wrapped, please.
And two bottles of your best Merlot.
So what'd you do?
Nothing.
Girls, I'm putting books and toys in the playroom.
No, the playroom is scary.
No, it's not. Don't be a baby.
I'm not a baby.
Hey! I'm watching you.
Maddie, ready?
You look funny, Kay-Kay.
What's that?
Where does it go?
Girls?
I'm a grasshopper.
Oh, really? But you're not green.
Do we have any green paint?
No, only blue.
Hey, Maddie! Get your shoes off the bed, come on.
All right, I left your pajamas out, girls.
Now why don't you get dressed and get changed into them...
and come on downstairs.
Kayla, what is that?
Nothing.
I just saw you put something in there. What is it?
It's for Daddy.
Well, let me see. Is it alive?
No.
It better not stink up the house.
It won't. It doesn't stink. It smells good.
Alright... well, get changed and come on down.
I'm gonna make some pizza.
The mouse took a few steps, and looked all around.
He spun in a circle, then looked up and down.
There is nothing dark here, you crazy, old bird.
The sun shines so brightly, that's completely absurd.
But the crow laughed out loud and said, you silly little rat..
Don't let the Darkness hear you talking like that.
Now there's one thing to do, so listen to me.
You must see it first, if you wish to be free.
I know what it is.
You do?
I wanna go to bed, Mama.
You do? The story's not over.
You don't want to eat your pizza?
No? Okay. Go on up.
I'll give you a hint, it hides in plain sight.
It lives in the dark even when there is light.
It walks close behind you and watches you play.
Floating beside you, from your head to the hay.
Maddie drew this, didn't she?
No, that was already there.
Oh, really?
All right, Kay-Kay.
Maddie, are you hot?
Here. Yeah, that's better.
Goodnight.
Maddie, are you okay?
What are you looking at?
Hey, hi.
Hey, is everybody alright? I've been calling.
Shit, I left the phone in the car, I'm sorry.
Okay. What y'all doin'?
Nothing... uh, the girls played while I unpacked...
and we had some pizza, now they're sleeping.
What about you, where are you?
Past halfway, so a few more hours, I guess.
Babe, you should see it, the lake is just perfect.
It's gorgeous out here.
Uh, that's cool. So all you wanted was eggs, right?
Shawn, you're ruining it.
I'm sorry, I thought you were done. Please continue.
It's, uh, really interesting.
You're such an asshole.
At least I remembered the eggs.
Dude, you are so not romantic.
I'll see you in a couple hours.
Oh, hey, I left the gate open for you.
The pad lock's all jammed up. I think we might need a new one.
I'll take a look when I get there.
Okay. You hurry up, I love you.
I love you t...
Shawn?
Mommy?
Something's wrong with Maddie.
What is it?
She's in the playroom, but she won't tell me.
Maddie? Madison?
Maddie?
Sweetie, hey, why is the window open?
Oh, it's okay.
Mommy?
It's okay, Kayla. She's just sick.
Here, you... there you go, sweetie.
Maddie, are you okay?
Hm?
Here, let me wipe that up.
Mommy, is she okay?
Yeah, she's fine, she's gonna be fine. She's just sick, honey.
Maddie?
Maddie, hey, breathe, breathe, let me see, what's in there?
Get your hand out, come on, let me see, Maddie.
Come on. Maddie, let me see. Let me see. Maddie?
Okay, I got it. I got it. I got it. Okay, breathe, breathe.
Okay, all right, we got it, we got it out. Are you okay?
Take a deep breath. Deep breath, deep breath, you okay?
Mommy, what's that?
What is this? Did you girls eat something?
I didn't.
You stay with your sister.
Maddie, look.
A Tea Party!
I saved mine for Daddy.
Where'd you get this?
In the forest.
Maddie, look at me. Did you eat one of these cupcakes?
No.
Yes, you did. She's lying.
Okay. Maddie, honey... you're not in trouble, okay?
Mama just needs to know, did you eat one of these cupcakes?
Tell Mama.
Okay.
I'm sorry.
It's okay, sweetie.
What's wrong? What's wrong?!
Mommy, what is that?
I don't know.
I'm scared.
Honey, hey, here, here, sit on the couch. It's okay.
There, right by your sister, right there. You okay, Maddie?
Mama, my tummy hurts. I know, honey.
Mamma? What's wrong with her?
I don't know.
Mommy! I need my phone.
Don't leave. No, Mommy, please!
I'm right here. Stay on the couch, okay?
I'm gonna be right in the kitchen. Stay right there.
Shit.
No, don't go! No, turn that back on.
Ssh! Quiet, quiet!
I'm just gonna go to the car.
Let's go, let's go. C'mon, c'mon, c'mon.
No, Mama.No. No!
Get up, come on, stop. Kay-Kay, we gotta go, let's go right now.
I don't wanna go outside.
It's gonna be okay, but we have to go right now.
Carry me.
I can't carry both of you, Kay Kay. You're gonna have to run.
No, Mommy! Please!!
Listen, honey... hey, listen to me...
we have to get out of this house right now, okay?
Do you understand? I need you to come with me, okay?
I can't carry both of you.
You're gonna have to run right by me, okay?
Mommy, you're scaring me.
It's okay, I've got you, I've got you right now, here.
Okay.
Quiet... be very quiet. Let's go. Ssh, quiet.
No, I'm scared! No, Mommy!
Come on, Kayla, come on, come on, let's go, let's go!
Come on, now get in the back, come on, come on, come on.
Get in the car, go, go! Get in the front, quick! Ready? Okay?
Seatbelt on, quick, quick, quick.
Mommy!
Come on, get the belt off!
Mommy!
Kayla.Mommy.
Kayla, close the curtains in there.
Come on, quickly, hurry up.
Sit down on the rug. Get down.
Oh, Maddie, oh, Maddie.
Oh, Maddie.
Maddie, can you take a deep breath for me?
Let me see that you can swallow? Just take a sip.
I need to go get Maddie some medicine, okay?
No!
Will you be brave while I go and get some in the bathroom?
Okay, good girl. I'm gonna be right back.
I don't feel good.
It's okay. Mommy's getting you some medicine.
Drink this, Maddie, it's gonna make you feel better.
All of it, Maddie.
It's gonna open your throat, it's gonna help you breathe.
Good girl.
Where's Daddy?
He's coming. He's gonna be here real soon.
Girls, go upstairs right now, go, go, go, go!
Kayla, hurry up, put your shoes on.
How did our picture get out there?
I don't know, baby.
Did you put it...
Why are our faces cut out?
My tummy...
I know, I know, it's okay, it's gonna be okay.
Daddy's gonna get here soon, and when he gets here...
he's gonna take us all to the doctor...
and the doctor's gonna get all the bad stuff out of your...
Oh, shit.
I'm sorry...
No, no, it's okay, it's okay. It's not your fault.
Open up, all the way, come on. Open, open, open.
Maddie, take a deep breath.
We need to go right now and get help.
No, I don't want to leave.
Kayla, I need you to be brave...
No!
Stop it, stop it, listen to me! Look at me, look at me.
Maddie's very sick. We can't stay here.
But you know what, we're gonna go outside.
We're gonna wait out there so Daddy can see us...
when he gets here.
But he's already here.
Who, Maddie?
Dada...
Where is he?
Under the tree.
Is that Daddy?
No.
Who did you see?
Okay.
Hello? Laura?
What are you doing?
Laura?
Hey, you locked the gate.
Goddamn it.
Hey, guys, it's late.
I've been driving all night.
Can we just, uh, prank me tomorrow?
Okay, you got me. I'm totally scared right now.
Oh, shit... Laura, come on, god!
Laura, what the hell?
Come on... Come on...
What are you doing? What are you doing?
Laura? Laura?
Is that you? Is that you?
Laura... Laura...
Oh, shit.
Breathe.
It's okay. Breathe... and we relax.
That's good, see?
Do you remember when Grandma got sick...
and we had to take her to the doctor?
Yeah.
And remember how brave she was?
Yeah, she didn't even cry.
No, she didn't cry.
She was so brave, and when we got there everything was fine.
Gave her medicine and she got better?
Yeah.
When Daddy gets here, he'll take you to the doctor.
That's right, Kay-Kay. When Daddy gets here.
So until then, we all just need to be really, really brave.
Like Grandma?
Yeah, just like her.
What is that?
Mommy. Shh, shh...
Ssh!
Laura? Kids?
It's Daddy.
Ssh, be quiet.
Laura?
Hey, guys, it's late, been driving all night.
Shawn?
Can you just... Laura?
Stay back, it's all right.
Laura...
Shawn.
Laura, what the...?
It's me.
Hello?
Shawn, is that you?
Is that you?
Laura? Laura!
Laura?
Laura!
Is that you?
Laura.
Please, no... Shawn...
No!
Girls, no!
Daddy! Daddy! He's outside!
It's not Daddy. Yes, it is!
No, it's not. Daddy!
No, it's not Daddy.
Yes, it is. I heard him!
No baby, it's a trick. It's a bad man outside.
Daddy... It's not Daddy!
Daddy! No, Kayla, Kayla, stop it!
He's gonna hear you. I need you to be very quiet. Ssh.
I need you to be very quiet, both of you. Quiet, quiet...
I want Daddy!
Close your eyes. Close your eyes.
You are safe, okay?
Nobody is going to hurt you.
I will not let them.
Do you believe me?
Mama!
Shh, shh, shh... quiet. Come on, come on.
Now stay right here, hold that.
Maddie, can you run?
I don't wanna go outside.
Now listen to me. Listen, do you remember what I said...
nobody's going to hurt you, okay? I won't let them.
Okay, come on, hold on to my jeans.
Just stay as quiet as you can. Walk this way.
Kayla, let's go.
Maddie, oh my god, come on, shit!
Come on, run fast, go, go, go! Come on! Go, go, go!
Are you okay? Are you okay? Tell me!
He's gonna get us!
Don't make us go outside.
No, we're not gonna go outside, okay? I promise.
Let's stay inside.
Okay.
Mommy... Mommy, he drew us.
Mommy!
Girls, go upstairs! Go, go, go!
Go upstairs, now! Mama...
No!
It's okay. It's okay, sweetie.
Mama?
Ssh...
Is he coming?
Quiet.
It's gonna be okay. It's gonna be okay.
We just have to wait until morning...
and everything's gonna be alright.
Mommy?
No, Kayla, stay there.
Hi, Mommy.
Daddy will be here soon.
I wanna go home.
Me, too.
It's okay, it's okay, we're gonna go home soon.
We're going home soon.
What, Mommy?
The eggs... the car, the car.
No! No, no, Mama!
It's okay, get in, get in, get in.
Just to go and get something. Don't leave.
I'm not leaving. I'm just gonna go downstairs.
No, Mama.
Come on, girls, it's okay, hey, hey, hey.
Kayla, let go, let go, stop, stop.
Please.
Stop. Kayla, you're such a big girl.
You're so brave, both of you. You're so, so brave.
I promise you, I will be right back, okay?
Here, this lights up.
Here, I want you to look at this. You count along...
with the second hand, one, two, three...
and I want you to count to 20, okay?
And I will be back before you get to 20, and no matter what...
do not come out of here until I get back, okay?
Start counting.
One, two...
12, 13...
17, 18, 19, 20.
We're gonna go to Daddy's car. He's here?
Yes. Hold my hand. Let's go. Hold my hand.
Get out of our house!
I have a gun!
Get the fuck out of here!
Hey.
Up here!
Hey! Get up!
Hey! Help, we're up here. Up here. Yeah, up here.
Mom! Help, up here!
Yes!
Help! Up here! Help!
Mama?
No, stay back, stay back! Help!
What are you saying? I can't hear you.
Help us.
Oh, god.
No! No! Behind you! Behind you!
What?
No!
Behind you!
Come on down. Ssh.
What is it?
Kayla, Maddie, come on, we need to go. Let's go.
No! No! No, Mommy, no!
No, Mommy, come back! Mommy! Mommy!
Mommy!
Mama! Ssh.
I don't hear her. She's not coming back.
No, Kayla.Shh.
Mommy?
Mommy!
Ssh... Maddie, be quiet.
No, I want Mama!
Ssh! He's gonna hear you.
We have to get Daddy, Maddie, come on.
Maddie, come on.No.
It's Daddy. Come on.
Are you sure?
Mommy said he's in the car.
I'm scared.
Here, you can hold it.
Do you want me to go first?
Okay.
Do you hear that?
Daddy!
Daddy?
Mommy! Mommy!
Run!
Run! Run!
It's just a trick. It's not Daddy. It's not Daddy.
Maddie, run! Go, go, go!
Mommy!
Go, go!
It's okay to be scared.
My name is John.
I grew up in this house a long time ago.
Momma...
You come here every year.
I've been watching you for a long time.
Leave us alone!
I've always been here... waiting...
but you couldn't see me.
That book, the one you read?
It was given to me when I was a boy.
I used to try and guess the answer...
but I was wrong, just like you.
I left it here so you could find it...
so you could understand.
Now I have to make a new book.
There's a darkness all around you, but it's not a shadow...
the darkness is me!
No! No!
Maddie! No! No!
Maddie! No!
Maddie? Maddie, wake up.
Maddie...
Agh!
No.
Maddie, Maddie...
Mommy!
Oh, my god.
Mommy. My poor, little...
Mommy. Mommy.
Here we go. Come on, honey, help me with her.
Mommy... Come on.
Help me.
Time's up, little Mouse.
The riddle is done.
Can you see where it is so you don't have to run?
Because the Darkness, it hides in the light of the day.
And if you're not careful, it will come out to play.
Now if you're reading this story, please don't be afraid.
The Mouse guessed right and the Crow flew away.
So come little children...
let's play a little game.
Do you know where Darkness hides on a bright sunny day?
And just like the Mouse, if you guess right, too...
you don't have to worry that it will come looking for you.
Mommy... where did he go?