It can be dangerous to go mushroom picking.

You, some friends, and one friend decided to go into the forest. So what? You have to pick mushrooms sometimes. For example, porcini mushrooms or chanterelles. Like everyone else, you were simply relying on the luck of a quiet hunt, not wanting to take anything you weren't sure of. You wore very thick clothes to keep mosquitoes and other things out. You had a small knife, a basket, a 0.5-liter bottle of water, and a towel. In your fanny pack were a lighter and dry lighter, some toilet paper, and a basic first aid kit. A standard flashlight was attached to the belt loop of your pants, where you usually tucked it, and a couple of data cards were in your pocket. In another pocket, a cereal bar and a Snickers bar, just in case. You also had a plastic bag with spare batteries, in case you might find more than one basket of mushrooms. You also had your phone and keys.
As usual, slowly but surely, you went mushroom hunting, walking steadily, and found yourself in a clearing with mushrooms. As you started picking, you ducked down and it started to rain, even though the forecast hadn't predicted such a tricky situation. You called and, fortunately, you had a signal, and your friend answered. He said they'd found an old mansion in the woods and were currently sheltering under the canopy at the entrance, along with the others who were with you. You asked which direction you were facing, and used a simple natural method to orient yourself (looking at which direction the moss was growing, then standing up straight and looking at the sun). So you finally made it, and you reached the place your friend had mentioned.
But the friends were not there, baskets of mushrooms and bags were left.
What happened?
Good luck!

How so? Your friend and acquaintances were clearly here. But what now? The baskets of mushrooms and bags are left behind, the rain is pouring, and they're nowhere to be found. Maybe they went into this old mansion? Maybe they went looking for you? But the fact is, they were here and now they're gone. What will you do? It's lonely in the forest, and it's slowly getting dark. In any case, you need to do something, not just wait for some outcome.
The basic principle: The story can develop as a horror story, a detective story, a survival story, and possibly a hunt. Whether the events are paranormal or mundane is determined by chance.
Every choice will have consequences for the plot, changing it for better or worse. You won't always be lucky. The harsh realities of the ordinary world, but with a selective core principle that will be random and largely beyond your control. But fear or panic in your words will automatically turn this into a horror story. If you're not easily frightened, it will feel like a detective story. Since you're alone in the forest at this point, with no one around, it's primarily about survival in the wild.