Brief Summary
Max recounts a terrifying camping trip in the Appalachian Mountains with his best friend, Alex. They encounter warnings from locals about strange occurrences in the woods, which they initially dismiss. Alex goes missing, and when he returns, he's subtly different, exhibiting odd behaviors and gaps in his memory. Max discovers that Alex has been possessed by an ancient entity, a "hollow walker," that is slowly learning to mimic him. With the help of a local expert, Elias, Max confronts the entity in a harrowing ritual, risking his life to save his friend's soul.
- Camping trip turns into a nightmare due to ancient Appalachian entity.
- Alex is possessed, exhibiting strange behavior and memory loss.
- Max and Elias perform a dangerous ritual to banish the entity.
Introduction
Max Coleman shares a disturbing experience from a camping trip in the Appalachian Mountains with his friend, Alex Morrison. He warns anyone planning a trip near Milfield, West Virginia, to heed his story, as it could save their life or sanity. Max and Alex, both college students, planned the trip to disconnect from technology and reconnect with nature.
Arrival in Milfield and Ominous Warnings
Max and Alex arrive in Milfield, a small mountain town, and stop at Betty's Diner. They encounter Sarah Beth, a waitress, and Elias Crowder, an old hunter, who warn them about the dangers in the mountains. They advise them to stick to marked trails, as GPS devices malfunction and strange phenomena occur deep in the woods. Elias speaks of carved symbols on trees and people going missing, with some returning changed. Sarah Beth gives Max an iron nail for luck, advising him to avoid investigating unusual sounds.
The Hike and First Night
At the trailhead, Max and Alex notice numerous missing persons flyers, which unsettles them. They begin their hike, and the trail is initially well-marked and beautiful. They set up camp and enjoy the evening until they hear whispers in the darkness, which they can't explain.
Alex's Disappearance
On the second day, Alex wanders off the marked trails to take photographs. He spots something large moving in the trees and rushes after it, ignoring Max's warnings. After waiting for him, Max follows and finds Alex's torn camera bag and strange carvings on a tree. Alex is nowhere to be found.
The Search and Rescue
Max returns to the trailhead and calls for help. Sheriff Daniels and a search and rescue team arrive, along with Elias Crowder. Elias suggests that Alex chased something he shouldn't have and that they might find something wearing his face. The search continues through the night, but the dogs refuse to follow the scent beyond a certain point.
Alex's Return and Subtle Changes
On the third day, Alex is found, claiming he got lost chasing a deer and sheltered in a cave. He appears unharmed, but Max notices inconsistencies in his story and unsettling details, such as his cold skin. Back at their apartment, Alex speaks in an unknown language in his sleep, and his eyes reflect light strangely.
Growing Unease and Strange Behavior
Max becomes increasingly uneasy as Alex's behavior grows stranger. Alex's account of surviving on berries and stream water seems implausible, and he struggles to recall shared memories. At a gas station, Alex is fascinated by everyday objects and pays with exact change without looking. He also incorrectly recalls the nickname of Max's car.
More Oddities and Disturbing Habits
Back at their apartment, Alex behaves like a tourist, examining everything with detached curiosity. He eats raw ground beef straight from the package and watches TV without any of his usual reactions. He seems to be learning when to laugh and how to act appropriately.
Further Memory Tests and Physical Changes
Alex sleeps soundlessly and wakes up with unnatural grace. He consumes raw eggs and shows inconsistencies in his memory, sometimes remembering things too perfectly and other times forgetting important details. He also knows things he shouldn't, such as Max's worries about his organic chemistry grade. His skin remains cold, his eyes gleam strangely, and plants wilt around him.
Seeking Help and Hollow Walker
Convinced that something is wrong, Max calls Sarah Beth, who suggests that Alex might be a "hollow walker," something wearing a person's skin but not understanding how to be human. She advises him to look at Alex's reflection, which might not match exactly. Max researches Appalachian folklore and discovers stories of ancient spirits that possess bodies.
The Ominous Warning and Decision
Max hears Alex speaking in perfect English, saying he will soon understand him completely. Max decides to take action to save his friend or get killed trying.
Contacting Elias and Preparing for Confrontation
Max calls Elias Crowder, who confirms his suspicions about the hollow walker. Elias explains that these entities crawl inside a person and learn to be them. He suggests a ritual using iron, mountain ash, salt, and ancient words of power. Max gathers the necessary items and acts normal around Alex, who seems to suspect something.
Discovery and Revelation
Alex discovers Max's ritual preparations and confronts him. The entity reveals that Alex volunteered to be possessed and that it is learning to be human. It plans to wear Max's skin as well.
The Transformation and Escape
The entity begins to transform Alex's body, bending it in unnatural ways. Max flees, pursued by the entity, which is no longer bound by human limitations. He plans to reach Elias and perform the banishment ritual.
Seeking Refuge and Calling Elias
Max spends the night in his car, haunted by the entity's words. He calls Elias, who agrees to help him perform the ritual. They arrange to meet at an old Cherokee spirit-binding site.
Return to Milfield and Preparations
Max drives back to West Virginia and stops at Betty's Diner to inform Sarah Beth. She provides him with additional protective items. Max meets Elias at the clearing, where they prepare the circle with iron stakes, mountain ash, and salt lines.
The Confrontation
Alex arrives, but it is clear that the entity is in control. It defies their attempts to command it and begins to transform Alex's body. Elias fires iron shot at the creature, which staggers but does not fall.
The Ritual Begins
Max begins reading from the Cherokee binding manual, and Alex's body convulses as two consciousnesses fight for control. Max encourages Alex to fight back.
The Banishment
Max presses a silver cross against Alex's forehead and speaks the final words of the banishment. The entity is forced out, and Alex collapses, his body finally his own.
Aftermath
Three months later, Alex and Max are in therapy, trying to process their experience. Alex has physical scars from the possession, but he is human again. They avoid camping and rural areas. Sometimes, Alex wakes up speaking the entity's language, but he is always himself. They have survived, but the experience has left lasting marks on their souls.
