Warning: Triggers Ahead
Kida lingered in the kitchen, her gaze sweeping over the dusty surfaces and empty spaces of the room. The sight of neglect made her uneasy, a stark contrast to the vibrant memories that once filled the space. She could almost hear the echoes of laughter and conversation that used to resonate within these walls, a poignant reminder of happier times.
So many memories, all contained within the confines of this one room, flooded Kida's mind with a bittersweet nostalgia.
Trailing towards the counter, Kida's stomach rumbled in protest, reminding her of her hunger. She scanned the countertop in search of food, her fingers brushing against scattered papers in vain. With a hint of irritation, she wondered where Josh had stashed the food. Surely, he would have planned better, knowing he was having guests over. Her thoughts echoed with incredulity at the possibility that he might have neglected to stock up.
Kida turned her attention to the cabinets, hoping to find something to satisfy her craving. But the cabinets yielded nothing, and her frustration grew. She checked the refrigerator, her eyes lighting up as she spotted a platter filled with sandwiches wrapped in cling film. Without hesitation, she grabbed one, unwrapping it eagerly and taking a bite. The simple combination of fresh bread and filling brought a sense of comfort to her hungry stomach.
As she savored the flavors, Kida couldn't help but hum in delight, the sandwich providing a momentary respite from the emptiness around her.
Her search for something to drink led her to a bottle she recognized all too well. With a sudden jolt, Kida's heart skipped a beat as she read the label: "Jeremiah Cragg."
The memories came rushing back, threatening to overwhelm her as she struggled to swallow the last of her sandwich. The taste of the past mingled with the present, leaving Kida reeling in a whirlwind of emotions.
Washington Lodge- A Year Ago
Kida was sprawled across the sofa, her sleep deep and untroubled after an evening that could only be described as a triumph. The Jeremiah Cragg bottle slipped from her relaxed grasp, the last sips of its contents a testament to the night's revelries. Her first night at the Washington Lodge had been everything she hoped for—she was black-out drunk, but pleasantly so, cradled in the warmth of friendship and laughter.
The hot tub session had been a particular highlight, with Ashley, Beth, Sam, and Hannah all sharing in the buoyant, carefree joy. It was a rare moment of pure happiness, a stark contrast to the fragmented reality of her daily life back home. If only, Kida mused in her drunken slumber, she could capture this feeling and keep it forever—a lodge full of laughter, devoid of the usual familial strife.
Earlier in the evening, Matt had pulled her aside, hinting he had something important to share, but their conversation was cut short. Mike and Josh had whisked him away in search of additional firewood to keep the evening's cheerful blaze alive in the living room fireplace.
As the night deepened, Kida's rest was disturbed—not by the chill of the mountain air, nor by the remnants of a nightmare fading into consciousness, but by a sense of urgency she felt through hands firmly shaking her awake.
"Beth?? What's wrong?" Kida's voice was hoarse, clouded with sleep.
"No time to explain. There's someone outside—" Beth's voice trembled with urgency.
"It's probably Josh or Mike," Kida mumbled groggily, struggling to sit up.
"I'm serious, Kida. I think it's Hannah!" Beth's eyes were wide with panic.
"What??" Kida jolted upright, the fog of sleep instantly clearing. "Where are the others?"
"I tried waking Josh and Chris, but they're out like lights in the kitchen," Beth replied, her voice fraught with worry.
"Shit..." Kida muttered as she hastily shoved her feet into her shoes. "Come on."
They hurried toward the back door, their rushed steps halted by a distant voice piercing the cold night air.
"Hannah!" Sam's shout came from outside.
Bursting through the door, Kida and Beth found themselves amidst a group assembled in the freezing cold. The scene was a mix of concern and ill-concealed amusement among the faces gathered.
"She should be back any minute now," Mike said, trying to sound assured.
"What's going on? Where's Hannah going?" Beth's question cut through the murmuring, jabbing through Mike and Matt.
"It's fine, she just couldn't handle a little joke," Jessica replied dismissively.
"A joke? What kind of joke?" Kida's voice rose sharply, her eyes narrowing as she scanned the group for answers.
Ashley spoke up, her voice timid and hesitant. "We... we kind of played a prank on her. It was about her and Mike—"
"Does it really matter? She's fine. She's probably just crying it out and will be back soon," Emily interjected, her tone indifferent.
Kida's anger flared as she turned on the group. "I should've known you assholes were fucking with her!"
"Kida—" Sam began, but Kida was beyond listening, her focus entirely on finding Hannah and undoing whatever harm had been done.
"No! Do you really have to stoop so low because of a stupid crush over Mike?" Kida's voice sliced through the chilly air, her frustration boiling over.
"It was just a simple prank," Mike replied, his voice an irritating blend of dismissiveness and amusement.
Beth shoved Mike with force, her face contorted with anger. "God, you really such a fucking dick!" With that, she turned on her heel and dashed off into the woods after Hannah.
Kida moved to call after Beth but stopped, her anger redirecting towards those still gathered in front of her. Jessica rolled her eyes, the gesture dismissive. "Seriously. She'll be back, and we will move on from it."
"I sure hope so. And every one of you will be apologizing to her. If not, I'm kicking your asses." Kida's words were a firm promise, each one enunciated with precision and threat. Her gaze then shifted to Matt, who had remained silent during the confrontation. Her eyes bore into him, disappointment etched into her features. "I expected better from you."
Matt opened his mouth to respond, but Kida was already sprinting into the woods, following the path Beth had taken. Her departure was swift, leaving no room for discussion.
"Kida—" Matt called out after her, but it was too late; Kida was already vanishing into the depths of the forest, her form a shadow amongst shadows.
Inside the darkened woods, Kida's calls for Hannah and Beth echoed unanswered. The cold bit through her pajamas, making her shiver uncontrollably as she navigated the undergrowth. At a fork in the path, she hesitated—footprints led down one way, animalistic and irregular, while indistinct noises came from the other. Her decision was swift; she followed the sounds, her heart pounding with a mixture of fear and adrenaline.
Her mind raced as she darted between the trees, thoughts of the cruel prank swirling with her growing worry for Hannah. It was clear to her now—Mike, Jessica, and especially Emily, who had always harbored a dislike for Hannah, were behind this malicious game. And they had likely coerced Matt and Ashley into playing along. When this was over, Kida promised herself, there would be consequences.
Suddenly, a high, piercing scream cut through the night, halting Kida in her tracks. It was unlike any animal cry she knew; this was abnormal, filled with terror and pain. Heart thudding, she paused only for a moment before a bright flash of flame erupted in the distance, illuminating the woods with a ghastly light.
Instinct took over. Kida turned and ran in the opposite direction, away from the flame and the scream, her mind a whirlwind of panic and confusion. She had to get out of these woods, find help, and most importantly, ensure that Beth and Hannah were safe. The prank had spiraled into something far beyond a simple jest, and now every second counted.
Washington Lodge- Present
Kida's fingers paused over the familiar label of the Jeremiah Cragg bottle. A chill that wasn't from the cold lodge air washed over her as she touched a sticky note affixed to the back of the bottle. In Josh's unmistakable handwriting, it read:
"Kida, hope this finds you well. Let's bury the hatchet—and nothing else—tonight. Enjoy the trip down memory lane. - J"
As Kida read the note, a small frown creased her brow. The phrase "bury the hatchet—and nothing else" reverberated in her mind, its levity undercut by a haunting resonance. For a moment, she stood still, the laughter and noise of the lodge fading into a muffled backdrop. She glanced around the dimly lit kitchen, the shadows seeming to lean a little closer.
"Typical Josh,"she muttered under her breath, trying to dismiss the creeping chill that slid down her spine. But the effort was half-hearted. With a reluctant sigh, Kida tucked the note into her pocket.
Kida trailed out of the kitchen, her mind preoccupied with thoughts of Matt. Their recent fallout had left a lingering tension between them, but Kida knew that they had made amends before Josh and Chris found their way into the lodge. She longed for Matt's return, hoping to seize the opportunity to reconnect with him and perhaps even mend the fractured bonds that had once held them together.
As she moved through the empty living room, the absence of Ashley, Chris, and Josh only served to intensify her longing for the familiar presence of her friends. With each step, Kida's anticipation grew, fueled by the desire to engage in heartfelt conversations with Matt. The prospect of repairing their fractured relationship filled her with a sense of determination and hope.
A faint voice echoed through the lodge, drawing Kida's attention back to the present moment. It was Sam's voice, drifting from downstairs. Despite the allure of joining her friend, Kida's thoughts remained fixed on the impending return of Matt. She knew that his presence held the potential to bring about much-needed closure and reconciliation.
Clutching the bottle that Josh had handed her, Kida sighed, her heart heavy with anticipation and longing. With each passing moment, she yearned for the sound of familiar footsteps and the warmth of Matt's friendly face. As she made her way upstairs to one of the guest rooms, her mind remained consumed by thoughts of Matt, hopeful that his return would mark the beginning of healing and forgiveness.
As they walked, Emily's mind buzzed with a mix of frustration and uncertainty. She couldn't shake off the annoyance at Matt's probing questions about her whereabouts earlier. "Why does he always have to be so nosy?" she thought, her irritation simmering beneath the surface.
The tension between them was palpable, and Emily couldn't help but feel a pang of resentment towards Matt's attitude. She prided herself on her independence and resilience, and yet his questioning made her feel like he didn't trust her judgment. "I can handle myself just fine," she muttered silently, her frustration mounting with each step.
But beneath her irritation, Emily couldn't help but feel a twinge of insecurity. Matt's disapproval of Mike's presence had been evident, and Emily found herself torn between loyalty to Matt and the lingering memories of her past relationship. "Why does he have to make everything about Mike?" she mused, her thoughts swirling with confusion.
As they walked in silence, Emily's mind drifted to the recent confrontation at the picnic table. Matt's reaction had caught her off guard, and she couldn't understand why he was making such a big deal out of a harmless prank. "It's not like I was the one who carved it," she thought defensively, her frustration bubbling to the surface.
Despite her annoyance, Emily couldn't deny the pang of disappointment that washed over her. The anticipation of retrieving her bag now felt pointless, overshadowed by the tension between her and Matt. "Great, now our evening is ruined," she muttered bitterly, her mood souring with each passing moment.
Lost in her thoughts, Emily trudged on, the weight of uncertainty heavy on her shoulders. She longed for the warmth and comfort of familiarity, but with each step, she couldn't shake the nagging feeling that things between her and Matt had irrevocably changed.
As Emily called out to him, Matt's footsteps faltered for a moment, but he didn't turn back. His mind was a whirlwind of conflicting emotions, each one vying for dominance over the others.
"Why can't she just see it?" he muttered under his breath, frustration evident in his tone. For Matt, the situation with Emily felt like a broken record, playing the same tune over and over again. He couldn't understand why she seemed so hesitant to commit, why she always seemed to keep one foot out the door.
But amidst his frustration, there was a simmering resentment, a resentment towards guys like Mike who seemed to have no qualms about playing with people's hearts. Matt had always prided himself on being different, on treating people with respect and dignity, but seeing Emily caught up in Mike's web of manipulation grated on his nerves.
And then there was Kida, a beacon of light in the darkness of his uncertainty. She saw him for who he truly was, flaws and all, and yet she still stood by his side, unwavering in her support. Despite their past disagreements, Matt couldn't shake the feeling of gratitude towards her, the feeling that she had been there for him when no one else had.
But as he walked on, his thoughts consumed by the complexities of his emotions, Matt couldn't help but feel a twinge of regret. Regret for not speaking up sooner, for not laying his feelings bare and risking it all for the chance at something real. And as he continued on his journey, the weight of his regrets hung heavy on his shoulders, a constant reminder of the risks he had been too afraid to take.
Emily sighed, her frustration mounting as she faced Matt. "Are you seriously not going to answer me?" she pressed, her tone tinged with exasperation.
Matt's jaw tightened, his gaze piercing as he met her eyes. "What is it, Em?" he replied, his voice strained with pent-up emotions.
"I just wanted to thank you for helping me find my bag," Emily said, her words laced with a hint of sarcasm. "Although I'm a bit high maintenance at times."
Matt's expression darkened, his frustration simmering beneath the surface. "Yeah, well, it's not just about the bag, is it?" he retorted, his voice sharp with accusation.
Emily bristled at his tone, her defenses rising. "What's that supposed to mean?" she shot back, her eyes narrowing in defiance.
"You know exactly what I mean, Emily," Matt snapped, his patience wearing thin. "You lied to me about where you were earlier, and I'm tired of being kept in the dark."
Emily's eyes widened in surprise, a flicker of guilt crossing her features. "Matt, I... I didn't mean to lie to you," she stammered, her voice faltering.
"Then why did you?" Matt demanded, his frustration boiling over. "And don't give me that 'not ready' excuse again. I'm tired of hearing it."
Emily recoiled at his words, a pang of guilt stabbing at her heart. "Matt, I... I didn't mean to hurt you," she whispered, her voice barely above a whisper.
"Then stop pushing me away, Emily," Matt pleaded, his voice tinged with desperation. "I'm trying to make this work, but I can't do it alone."
Tension hung heavy in the air between them, the weight of their unspoken emotions palpable. They stood in silence, each grappling with their own fears and insecurities, unsure of how to bridge the growing divide between them.
As they continued along the trail, Matt and Emily walked in tense silence, their thoughts churning with the weight of their unresolved argument. The path ahead, shrouded in shadows and lined with towering trees, seemed to stretch endlessly before them, reflecting the growing distance between them.
Matt's mind raced as he considered the events of the evening. Emily's lies, the carving at the picnic table, and her reluctance to make their relationship official all swirled in his head like a storm. The cold wind bit at his cheeks, but the chill inside him felt even sharper. Despite his anger, he couldn't bring himself to let Emily go find her luggage alone on a night like this. The memory of the Washington twins' disappearance haunted him, a grim reminder of how quickly things could go wrong in these woods.
Washington Lodge- A Year Ago
As he watched Kida run into the wilderness, Matt felt his heart sink with uncertainty. Should he rush out after her or wait by the fire, hoping Kida, Hannah, and Beth would return to the lodge on their own?
Throughout the altercation, driven by Beth and Kida's anger and concern, Matt was lost in a sea of guilt. The harmless prank on Hannah had spiraled out of control. Kida, despite being half drunk, had spat out her harsh words with a sobering clarity. She had a knack for doing what was right, and the disappointment in her eyes made Matt want to crawl into a hole. Her stare was like a burning flame, ready to consume his soul. He had never seen her so upset with him before. They had their small quarrels, sure, but they always ended with smiles and giggles, followed by heartfelt apologies. But he knew that when she returned, he would have to be the first to apologize—not only to her but to the Washington twins as well.
Emily scooted past him, strutting into the cabin, masking her guilt with a feigned nonchalance. Jessica happily followed, the two inseparable best friends heading into the living room, likely to talk insensitively about what had just transpired. Ashley, on the other hand, was consumed by guilt, turning pale not from the cold but from the fear of what might come next. Matt noticed his close friend's distress and decided to comfort her.
"They'll be back," he said, trying to sound reassuring.
Ashley looked at him with wide, fearful eyes. "How do you know that, Matt?"
The question hung heavy in the air. The thought of Kida, Hannah, and Beth lost in the dark, ominous woods was overbearing. The snowstorm wasn't helping their chances of finding their way back. The three girls weren't dressed appropriately for the freezing weather: Hannah had run out half-naked, Beth had only leggings, a sweater, a puffer jacket, and a beanie, and Kida was in her pajamas.
Matt, wanting to remain optimistic, felt trapped in his bubble of uncertainty. Ashley's eyes begged for some hopeful reassurance from him.
"I just... know. Okay?" he said, his voice faltering slightly.
Ashley nodded, though her worry remained evident. "We didn't mean for this to happen. We were just having fun, right? Hannah should be okay, right? Honestly, I don't know why I agreed to this silly prank. What if they—"
Matt gently grasped her shoulders, trying to steady her spiraling thoughts. "It's going to be alright, Ashley. Hannah, Beth, and Kida will return safe and sound. You're right, we didn't mean for this to happen, but once they come back, we'll apologize, and everything will shift back to normal. Okay?"
Ashley nodded again, though her fear was palpable. "Yeah... yeah. I just can't shake off this feeling."
"Go inside, Ash. I'll stay out here a bit longer to see when they come back."
Ashley hesitated, then trailed inside to join the others.
Matt stood outside, reflecting heavily on the night's events. The cold bit at his skin, but the chill in his heart was even more intense.
Sam approached him quietly, her presence a comforting contrast to the biting wind. "She'll be pissed at you, but I'm sure you two will be back on good terms."
"Sam, we are sorry for this. I'm not sure about the others, but Ash and I are genuinely sorry."
"What were you guys thinking, honestly?" Sam asked, her voice laced with disappointment.
"I-I don't know. I thought it would be something light, something we'd all get over quickly."
"And may I remind you, Hannah is super sensitive. You, of all people, know that her crush on Mike wasn't harmful."
"I get that, Sam. Honestly. I felt shitty about it all."
"Is that because you knew it was bad, or because you all got caught when she ran into the woods?"
Matt sighed deeply. "I really am sorry, Sam."
"I'm not holding this against just you," Sam replied, her tone softening slightly. "But everyone else will be getting this lecture once they come back."
With that, Sam walked back into the lodge, heading into the living room where Mike was waiting for her.
Matt shook his head, the weight of his guilt pressing heavily on him as he kept counting down the time, hoping that Kida, Hannah, and Beth would return safe and sound.
Present Day
Kida lay sprawled across the guest room bed, her mind restless and bored. She glanced at her cellphone, hoping to send a quick text to her parents about her arrival, but a frown creased her brow when she noticed the lack of signal. With an exasperated sigh, she cursed under her breath, feeling a pang of frustration at the inconvenience.
As she stared at the ceiling, thoughts swirled in her mind like leaves caught in a gust of wind. She couldn't shake the anticipation of everyone's return, especially Matt's. Despite their past disagreements and the rift that had formed between them, she found herself oddly relieved that they had rekindled their friendship. She missed their late-night talks, the laughter they shared, and the unwavering support they offered each other's dreams.
But amid the reminiscing, a shadow of doubt crept into her thoughts. What if she hadn't pushed him away after the prank? What if she had been more forgiving, more understanding? She couldn't help but wonder if things would have turned out differently, if their bond would have remained unbroken.
Her mind then drifted to the note Josh had left her with the Jeremiah Cragg bottle. She eyed it warily, contemplating whether to indulge in its contents. Memories of her unconsciousness during the prank flashed through her mind, stirring a mix of emotions. But ultimately, her bold spirit prevailed, and she decided to raise a toast to Hannah and Beth, silently hoping for their safety and return.
As she took a cautious sip of the whiskey, her thoughts churned with a sense of foreboding. Yet, before she could dwell further, a sudden darkness enveloped her vision, plunging her into an eerie silence that sent shivers down her spine.
As Matt and Emily approached the cable car station, a glimmer of hope flickered. They were close to the end of their trek for Emily's bag. But their relief was short-lived. Rounding a corner, they came to an abrupt stop, their path blocked by an eerie sight: a pig's head, wrapped in barbed wire, mounted on a stick. A note was attached to it.
Emily's eyes widened in alarm. "What the hell?" she gasped, subconsciously grabbing onto Matt's letter jacket.
Matt, too, was taken aback. The gruesome display made him feel sick to his stomach. He wasn't a vegan like Sam, but the sight of the slaughtered animal made him rethink his dietary choices. He felt a wave of nausea at the sheer brutality of the act.
"Someone's made a snowman," Matt muttered, trying to mask his unease with a bit of dark humor.
Emily, trying not to gag, pointed at the yellow paper attached to the pig's head. "Uh...that wasn't there before. Is that a note?"
They both stared at the note, reluctant to approach. Emily's eyes locked onto Matt's, silently conveying that she wasn't going to touch it. Taking a deep breath, Matt mustered the courage to step forward. The foul stench of decomposition hit him like a wall. He held his breath and quickly grabbed the note, stepping back to Emily's side. They hovered over it, reading the scrawled message: "Welcome Back."
"Whoa," Matt breathed.
"Uhhhh..." Emily's voice quivered. "It's gotta be Chris. Or Josh. They're just trying to mess with us."
"Kind of uncool, guys. I don't like this," Emily said, her voice shaky.
"Me neither," Matt agreed, looking around nervously.
Suddenly, the lights went out, plunging them into darkness.
"Hohhh!!!" Matt exclaimed, his heart racing.
"MATT!!" Emily screamed, her grip tightening on his jacket.
"The hell is going on? What the hell did this?" Matt asked, his voice tinged with fear.
Emily, her earlier bravado gone, shivered. "You know, I'm kinda not giving a shit about my panties anymore. Kinda just wanna split."
"Agreed," Matt said, nodding vigorously. The sense of foreboding was overwhelming, and they knew they needed to get out of there fast.
In the suffocating darkness, Kida's senses slowly awaken to the sound of her own labored breathing, the rhythmic thud of her heartbeat echoing in her ears. Panic surges through her veins like wildfire, igniting every nerve ending as she struggles to make sense of her surroundings.
As she tries to move, her limbs feel heavy, constrained, as if wrapped in a thick, suffocating blanket. Fear grips her chest like a vise, squeezing the air from her lungs as she fights against the oppressive weight pressing down on her.
With a jolt of terror, she realizes she's trapped. Confined in a space so small, so tight, she can barely move an inch in any direction. Panic bubbles up inside her, threatening to consume her whole as she frantically searches for a way out.
But there's nothing. Just darkness. Just the oppressive weight of the earth pressing down on her from all sides, crushing her, suffocating her.
And then, like a dagger to the heart, she hears it. A voice. Haunting, twisted, filled with a chilling malice that sends shivers down her spine. The person's voice, taunting her, tormenting her with memories she'd rather forget.