His breath stopped in a gasp. An almost drowsy terror stole through his veins. Yes. Yes. There was something in here with him, some awful thing the Overlook had saved for just such a chance as this. Maybe a huge spider that had burrowed down under the dead leaves, or a rat... or maybe the corpse of some little kid that had died here on the playground. Had that ever happened? At the far end of the concrete ring, Danny heard the stealthy crackle of dead leaves, as something came for him on its hands and knees.
While The Shining may be known for its more iconic moments such as the elevator full of blood, the staring silent dead twins, or the typing of Jack Torrance as he goes steadily crazy, this scene set outside of the Overlook Hotel is not one to be missed. So, the animal hedges come alive scene. It's hella tense, and King portrays Danny's inner panic so well. Danny's child-voice knows it's madness for hedges to come to life and try to kill him: but that's what happens. We're there with him as the snow falls off the hedges to the ground, we're breathing hard alongside him as he makes his way steadily back to the hotel, and we're running alongside him as he finally lets panic take over and sprints to safety. You'll never admire crafted hedges the same way.
I love Stephen King and music festivals; I eat my toast upside down; I daydream about getting married probably a bit too much; and I wish every day for a pet sausage dog puppy (who never materialises – sob).
