⸻As the night of fun and bonding with friends began to fade away, the lodge settled into a quiet stillness. Each friend drifted into their own activities, seeking solace in the isolated corners of the expansive cabin. Matt decided to relax by the fire, feeling the need to reflect and gather himself.
He sank down onto the plush rug in front of the hearth, the warmth of the fire providing a comforting cocoon against the chill of the mountain air. The crackling of the logs and the soft glow of the flames were a welcome contrast to the noise and chaos of his everyday life. Matt let out a long, deep breath, feeling the tension of the day slowly ebbing away.
The invitation to Josh's lodge had been a much-needed reprieve. His day had been a whirlwind of responsibilities, starting with his part-time job at the local grocery store. As a stocker, he dealt with endless shelves to fill, a nagging supervisor whose demands seemed never-ending, and customers whose needs felt overwhelming. The constant hustle left him drained, yearning for moments of peace like this.
Beyond his job, the looming uncertainty of his future weighed heavily on his mind. Just yesterday, he had submitted his college applications, each form a step toward his dreams. He had spent countless hours perfecting his essays, gathering recommendations, and filling out forms. His hopes were pinned on these applications, the culmination of years of hard work and dedication.
Matt had promised himself that during his senior year, he would pour his energy into his studies, determined to excel. He wanted to be the best he could be, to make his family proud, and to prove to himself that he was capable of achieving great things. The support of his friends, especially Chris and Ashley, had been invaluable. Their encouragement and assistance had given him the confidence to apply to five colleges, with the hope that he'd be accepted into at least three.
The firelight danced in his eyes as he lost himself in thoughts of the future. He imagined the excitement of receiving acceptance letters, the thrill of stepping onto a college campus, and the promise of new adventures and opportunities. But with these dreams came a hint of anxiety, a fear of the unknown, and the pressure of expectations.
Matt also had something else on his mind as he drifted his eyes towards the couch where a figure continued to slip deeper into slumber. The sight of her peaceful face bathed in the soft glow of the firelight captivated him. Kida looked so serene, so content, and Matt couldn't help but watch her, his heart swelling with affection.
He wanted to finally build the courage to tell Kida how he was in love with her. Matt wasn't oblivious; he knew that love could come at any unexpected time. He had always wanted to be her other half, even though they were already incredibly close. Their deep connection as best friends was undeniable, forged through years of shared experiences, unwavering belief in each other, and an unshakeable trust.
Throughout the years, they had been there for each other through thick and thin. During the hardest times, Kida had been his rock, just as he had been hers. He valued her and their relationship so much that the thought of losing it terrified him. But the desire to take their bond to the next level, to explore the potential of something more, was growing stronger every day.
Matt's hand found its way towards hers, gently intertwining her wine-colored nails with his fingers. The simple touch brought him comfort, grounding him in the moment. He knew he had to tell her how he felt, but the timing had to be right. He couldn't risk waiting too long, not when the stakes were this high.
He always questioned if she felt the same way. Kida was flirty by nature, bold, and confident in a way that often left him guessing. He thought about the banter they had shared earlier in Sam's car, when she had teased him with the words, "I'll make you my boyfriend. Be careful."
Was she joking, or was there a hint of seriousness in her playful tone? The ambiguity kept him on edge, caught between hope and doubt. He replayed countless moments in his mind, searching for signs that she might reciprocate his feelings.
Matt's phone beeped, alerting him that the battery was dangerously low. He fished it out of his pocket, checking the screen. Only 10% left. He sighed, reminding himself to charge it later. As he glanced at the Lock Screen, a wave of nostalgia washed over him. The background image was a photo of him and Kida at prom during their junior year.
Kida looked stunning in a champagne-colored prom dress with emerald accents and gold jewelry. Her hair, which had once been dyed purple when she first arrived at Blackwood High, was now back to its natural dark color, styled elegantly in an updo with a pearl headpiece. Matt stood beside her, tall and handsome in a matching tuxedo. They posed for the camera, bodies turned towards each other, hands placed familiarly on each other—his on her waist, hers on his shoulders. Their million-dollar smiles radiated happiness and confidence.
They had looked so good together that night, sparking speculation among their peers that they were a couple. Their friends most definitely teased them about it. Matt couldn't help but smile at the memory. He wished he could relive that night over and over again.
Seeing her for the first time as she approached him in that dress had taken his breath away. They had hung out with everyone at the dance, including Hannah and Beth, who were Josh and Sam's dates. The two sophomores had been thrilled to join the juniors for such a special night. Matt and Kida danced together, took countless photos, and ended the night eating at a local McDonald's before it closed. As teenagers working part-time jobs, they could only afford so much, but that made the night even more memorable.
As Matt's hand remained intertwined with Kida's, he was lost in his thoughts, reflecting on the night and their shared history. The warmth of the fire and the comfort of her touch provided a momentary solace from the chaos and uncertainty that surrounded them.
Ashley was leaving the kitchen, a book in hand, having finished her cleaning duties with Beth. She glanced over at Matt, noticing how deeply he seemed to be lost in his thoughts. Her eyes glimmered with amusement and affection as she saw him holding Kida's hand, finding the sight endearing.
She rounded the couch and settled a few inches away from Matt, breaking his reverie.
"Hey you," Ashley greeted softly.
Matt looked up, slightly startled but then relaxed. "Oh, sup Ash."
"I finished my part of cleaning with Beth in the kitchen," Ashley said, setting her book down on her lap. "I thought that it'd never end honestly. Should've known that Chris and Josh would make such a mess."
Matt chuckled, nodding. "They always enjoyed the pizza rolls."
"Most definitely," Ashley agreed, rolling her eyes playfully. "I'm trying to figure out how the hell one managed to get across to the other side of the kitchen."
Matt laughed, shaking his head. "Beats me. Those guys have a talent for making the biggest messes."
Ashley's eyes softened as she looked at Matt, her gaze flicking to Kida and then back to him. "You two look cozy," she remarked with a hint of teasing.
Matt blushed slightly but didn't pull his hand away. "Yeah, she fell asleep a while ago. Just wanted to make sure she's comfortable."
Ashley smiled warmly. "You're good to her, Matt. It's sweet."
He shrugged, trying to downplay his emotions but failing. "She means a lot to me."
Ashley nodded, understanding the depth of his feelings. "I can see that. You two have something special."
Matt glanced at Kida, her peaceful expression tugging at his heart. "I hope so."
Ashley opened her book but paused, sensing there was more Matt wanted to say. "You know, it's okay to take a leap sometimes," she said softly, offering him a gentle nudge.
Matt shifted slightly, adjusting his position on the floor to get more comfortable. He glanced at Kida again, her peaceful face a calming sight amidst the chaos of his thoughts. He then turned his attention back to Ashley.
"Like you and Chris?" he asked, a teasing lilt in his voice.
Ashley blushed, her cheeks turning a rosy hue. "Don't put me in the chair!" she protested, though there was no real heat behind her words.
"Come on, Ash. When are you going to tell him that you like him?" Matt pressed, a smirk playing on his lips.
Ashley sighed, her shoulders slumping slightly. "Chris doesn't like me like that..." she said, her voice tinged with uncertainty.
Matt gave Ashley a look she knew all too well—a look that said, "Are you serious? He does like you."
"Okay! Maybe he likes me," Ashley admitted, rolling her eyes. "But I don't know, Matt. If I make the move, would I be considered the desperate one?"
"Not at all," Matt assured her, shaking his head. "I think it makes you braver and maybe even overpowering and sexy. Guys like boldness in girls too, the same way if it was the other way around."
"Possibly," Ashley muttered, her fingers playing with the edge of her book.
Matt leaned in slightly, his tone becoming more earnest. "I thought that from those cheesy romance novels you've read, you'd build your endurance on romance with that smart brain of yours."
Ashley's blush deepened. "Hey! They're not cheesy," she protested, though she couldn't hide the smile tugging at her lips.
"Whatever you say," Matt said, chuckling. "But how about this? Tomorrow, before we go back home, I tell Kida about how I feel and you tell Chris. Cool?"
Ashley hesitated, biting her lip. "I'll see what I can do," she said finally.
Matt groaned, feigning frustration. "You're killing me, Ash. Don't leave me hanging."
"Alright, alright," Ashley relented, laughing softly. "I'll do it."
Matt smiled, feeling a weight lift off his shoulders. "Good. We got this."
Suddenly, footsteps echoed into the living room as Jessica, Mike, and Emily appeared, their faces adorned with conniving grins. Their plan, apparently involving more people, was clearly unfolding.
"Matty, Ash. We need your help," Jessica announced, her voice dripping with mischief.
Matt looked up, puzzled. "For what?"
Jessica's grin widened. "Do you guys want to play a game?"
Emily giggled, trying to suppress her laughter as she nudged her best friend. The two of them seemed to be bursting with anticipation.
Ashley raised an eyebrow, curiosity mingling with caution. "A game? What kind of game?"
Mike, looking less enthusiastic, began to speak, "Okay, this is such a dumb id—"
Emily cut him off sharply. "Shut it, Mike." She turned back to Ashley and Matt, her eyes gleaming with excitement. "I was thinking about playing a nice little prank on Hannah."
Jessica nodded, her eyes twinkling with mischief. "It's simple, really. I'm going to write a letter as Mike and place it under the kitchen door while Hannah and Beth are cleaning. The letter will ask Hannah to come alone to the guest room. Then Mikey here—"
She pulled Mike closer, and despite his apparent uncertainty, he masked it with a smirk.
"Will seduce Hannah into thinking that I'm into her," Mike finished, trying to sound more confident than he felt.
Emily's eyes gleamed with mischief as she continued, "And once she undresses herself, we jump out and surprise her."
Emily and Jessica let out a cackle, their laughter echoing through the room like the sinister laughter of evil masterminds behind a scheme.
Matt's brows furrowed, a deep line of disapproval etched on his forehead. He couldn't believe how far they were willing to take this prank. "Don't you think you guys are taking this too far?" he asked, his voice heavy with concern.
Jessica waved off his worry with a dismissive hand. "Oh, don't be such party poopers. We're only doing this for fun. Hannah would understand."
Matt felt his frustration building. "So let me get this straight. You only want me and Ash to come so we could just watch?"
Jessica smirked and tossed something at him. Matt's reflexes kicked in, and he caught it easily. He looked down at his hands to see a camera. His brain clicked into gear, understanding their full plan now.
"Not just that," Jessica said with a sly grin. "We need a cameraman, and you'd be the perfect fit."
Matt's stomach churned at the thought. Filming Hannah in such a vulnerable state for a laugh was beyond cruel. He glanced at Ashley, who looked just as uncomfortable.
Matt frowned, his mind churning over the choices in front of him. "And who's to say that I want to join?"
Emily rolled her eyes. "Don't be such a lame. I'm sure that Josh and Chris would find it funny compared to the pranks they've done towards us."
Ashley chimed in, her voice hesitant but agreeing. "They have embarrassed us a few times, Matt."
Jessica crossed her arms and gave him a challenging look. "Exactly. So what's it going to be?"
Matt was torn. He didn't want to see Hannah upset, but he couldn't deny the appeal of getting back at Josh and Chris. Memories of the time they'd stolen clothes from the boys' locker room during P.E. last year flashed in his mind. He recalled running around in a towel, desperately trying to find his clothes. He had to spend the rest of the day in his smelly gym attire, feeling humiliated until Josh and Chris finally returned his clothes in the sixth period. Maybe this prank could be his revenge.
He glanced at Kida one last time, her familiar presence calming his nerves. She was still asleep, unaware of the moral dilemma he faced. Her steady breathing and peaceful expression made him question if he really wanted to do this.
Finally, he sighed and made his decision. "Fine. But just this once."
Jessica's excitement was palpable as she threw her arms around the taller guy, who stiffened but didn't return the gesture.
"Great. Now meet in Mike's room in thirty minutes," she said, her eyes gleaming with mischief.
Without waiting for a response, Jessica, Mike, and Emily trailed off into the depths of the lodge, their chatter echoing faintly in the expansive hallways. The sound gradually faded, leaving an uneasy silence in their wake.
Matt and Ashley exchanged a look, both lost for words. They just sat there, the crackling fire in the hearth the only sound breaking the heavy silence. The flickering flames cast dancing shadows on the walls, adding to the surreal atmosphere.
Ashley fidgeted with the hem of her sweater, her eyes downcast. "I can't believe we're actually going along with this," she murmured, her voice barely above a whisper.
Matt sighed, running a hand through his hair. "Yeah, I know. It feels... wrong."
They both glanced at Kida, still peacefully asleep on the couch, oblivious to the plot unfolding around her. Matt's heart ached with a mix of guilt and protectiveness. He didn't want to betray her trust, but peer pressure and the chance for petty revenge against Josh and Chris weighed heavily on his mind.
"I don't know, Ash. I just—" Matt began, but was cut off by Ashley's soft voice.
"We could still back out, you know. We don't have to do this," she said, her eyes meeting his with a hint of desperation.
Matt hesitated, the camera feeling like a lead weight in his hands. "I know, but... we've already agreed. And besides, what if they pull something worse on us if we don't go along with it?"
Ashley nodded, understanding his predicament. "Yeah, you're probably right. Let's just make sure it doesn't get out of hand, okay?"
Matt nodded, the pit in his stomach deepening. "Agreed. Let's try to keep it as harmless as possible."
The minutes ticked by in tense silence, each second bringing them closer to the moment they'd have to face the consequences of their choices. Matt's thoughts kept drifting back to Kida, her hand still resting gently in his. He squeezed it softly as if drawing strength from her even though she was unaware of what was happening.
Present Day
⸻Matt's eyes fluttered open, his vision blurry and unfocused as he struggled to regain consciousness. His ears were ringing, a high-pitched whine that drowned out all other sounds. Every muscle in his body felt strained and sore as if he had been put through a meat grinder.
What had happened?
He tried to piece together the fragments of his memory. Slowly, the ringing in his ears began to subside, replaced by the ominous sounds of rumbles and the crackling of fire. The air was thick with smoke and the scent of burning wood, a stark reminder of the disaster that had befallen them.
His vision started to clear, and he saw the chaotic scene around him. The fire tower was a wreck, pieces of wood and metal strewn about like a giant had torn it apart. The once sturdy structure was now reduced to rubble, and flames licked at the remains, casting eerie shadows in the night.
Matt groaned, his mind slowly connecting the dots. They had been in the fire tower – he, Kida, and Emily – desperately trying to find help. The radio call, the faint hope of rescue, and then... the sudden, terrifying collapse.
He pushed himself up, wincing as pain shot through his limbs. His eyes darted around, searching for any sign of his friends. "Kida? Emily?" he called out, his voice hoarse and shaky.
The only response was the crackling of the fire and the distant rumble of collapsing debris. Panic surged through him as he remembered Kida's unconscious form and Emily's fall. He needed to find them, and fast.
Alarmed as the memories rushed back to him, Matt knew he had to get out of this fire tower. Groaning, he felt blood trickle down his face, likely the result of a head injury.
The pain was overwhelming as he strained to turn his neck, taking in his disheveled and bruised body. His sweater and jean jacket were ripped along the left side of his waist, the grey straggly yarn unraveling. His sweatpants were also torn slightly on each leg, exposing a freshly opened cut on his leg.
But the worst part was his right calf. It was stuck with the axe. The blade hadn't seeped deeply enough to disable him, but it had left a significant wound.
"H-holy shit," he muttered, his voice shaky.
Matt hated the sight of blood. It was one of his deepest fears, stemming from a childhood aversion to needles and blood donations. He even dreaded the thought of a woman on her menstrual cycle. To him, blood was supposed to stay inside the body, not outside. It was one of the reasons he avoided horror movies. The sight of his blood now made him feel lightheaded, and he had to fight against the rising tide of panic.
Matt looked around, checking his surroundings. There was no sight of snow or sounds of wind gusting at him. It was dark, with small flames of fire slightly illuminating the area. The air was thick with smoke and the scent of burning wood, adding to the disorienting chaos.
To his left, he saw her. Kida lay unconscious, not moving a limb.
"Kida!" he called out, panic lacing his voice.
Without haste, Matt knew he had to take quick action. Grabbing the handle of the axe embedded in his calf, he braced himself for the pain. He counted down slowly, mentally preparing himself for the excruciating moment.
"Three... two... one.."
He ripped the axe from his calf, letting out a muffled scream. "Oh fuck! Oh fuck! Oh fuck!" he groaned, wincing as he covered the wound with his hands. The blood soaked between his fingers, warm and sticky. He had to stop the bleeding before it became too much.
Looking around desperately for an emergency kit, Matt realized it was futile to waste time searching through the scattered debris. He needed a quick solution. His eyes fell on his torn sweatpants, and an idea formed.
With trembling hands, he began to rip shreds from his sweatpants, fashioning them into makeshift bandages. The fabric tore unevenly, but he managed to create strips long enough to wrap around his calf.
He winced as he tied the makeshift bandage tightly around his leg, trying to stem the flow of blood.
Once he felt confident the bleeding was under control, Matt forced himself to his feet, limping toward Kida. Every step sent jolts of pain through his leg, but he pushed through it. She needed him.
She was unconscious, a trickle of blood running down her forehead from a nasty gash. Matt's heart ached at the sight of her, and he hurried over, dropping to his knees beside her.
"Kida, wake up. Please, wake up," he pleaded, gently shaking her shoulder.
She didn't stir, and panic threatened to overwhelm him. He checked her pulse, relief flooding him when he found it steady, albeit faint. He needed to get her to safety, away from the fire and collapsing tower.
"Kida, come on," he urged, shaking her gently.
"I need you to wake up."
She stirred slightly, her eyelids fluttering.
"Matt?" she whispered, her voice barely audible.
"Yeah, it's me. I'm here," he said, his heart aching with relief. "We need to get out of here. Can you move?"
Kida tried to sit up, wincing in pain. "I... I think so," she said, her voice trembling.
"Take it slow," Matt advised, helping her to her feet. He supported her weight, feeling the strain on his injured leg but ignoring it.
They had to keep moving.
Kida's voice was tight, her eyes scanning the chaotic mess around them for any escape. "We gotta find a way out of here."
Matt nodded grimly, feeling the weight of the moment. "No doubt."
"This is probably the worst day of my entire life," Kida muttered, her gaze flickering over the debris.
"Try crossing that off your bingo card," Matt replied, attempting to lighten the mood.
Kida managed a strained laugh, but a wince of pain cut it short. She looked up, her eyes catching a glimpse of light from above. "There," she pointed, her voice a mix of hope and urgency.
Matt followed her gaze and saw the opened hatch. He faced her with a determined look. "I'll climb up first. And then I'll pull you up."
"Okay," Kida agreed, her trust in him evident despite the dire situation.
Matt climbed his way out of the tower, which shook a bit. He looked around and saw that they were underground somewhere. He had no idea where they were. He then saw the tower hanging precariously, descending very slowly. Matt knew that within minutes, he and Kida could fall to their deaths for real.
He reached for Kida's hand and pulled her out. He helped her stand as she took in the insight of where they were. The tower rumbled again, making them almost lose their balance.
"Oh fuck! Dammit! Dammit!" Matt cursed.
"MAAATTT!!! OH GOD MATT HELP ME PLEAAAAASE!" Emily's voice rang out, full of panic.
Matt's heart leaped in relief. He spotted Emily sitting carefully on a rail, her face pale with fear but very much alive. "I'm comin'! I'm comin'!" he shouted back. "Em, this is pretty unsteady over here..."
"Matt, you've got to do something right NOW! What are you WAITING FOR?!?!" Emily's voice was shrill with terror.
"I'm thinking! Let me think!" Matt tried to keep his voice calm, but the pressure was getting to him.
"Don't think, you idiot, just get me outta here!" Emily's desperation was palpable.
"Emily... you're upset, you need to calm down, you're gonna be fine -"
"Ugh, stop talking, I can't take it!" Emily cut him off.
"Stop yelling at me and let me work this out, okay?" Matt snapped back, frustration seeping into his voice.
Kida scanned the area for a way out, her mind racing along with a gnawing headache. She did not want to die after just turning nineteen a few hours ago. She had a life to live, and so did Matt and Emily. Her eyes caught sight of a ledge right across from their standpoint.
"I see a way out!" Kida shouted. "We may be able to jump across."
Emily's panic flared again. "Well, can you both get me off this goddamn tower?! Please, please, please just do something!"
"We are trying to! Just stop bitching!" Kida retorted, her own stress levels peaking.
"Yeah, right. You both want to leave me so you can live your happy, miserable lives," Emily snapped back, her voice dripping with accusation.
"What the hell are you talking about?!" Kida was incredulous.
"This is so rich. It's so clear that you both are in love with each other! Matt is always rushing to your rescue even when you had abandoned him and I picked up the pieces," Emily spat out, her fear morphing into anger.
"Emily, now is not the time for this!" Matt shouted, exasperated. The ground beneath them groaned ominously, reminding them all of the precarious situation they were in.
Emily's words cut deep, but Matt couldn't afford to dwell on them. They needed to act fast. The tower was moments away from collapsing completely.
"Admit it, Matt! You say that I'm wrong for still being in love with Mike, but here you are with Kida on your brain. Even when you two had stopped talking!" Emily's voice was frantic, a mix of anger and desperation.
Matt shot back, his frustration boiling over. "Emily, you and I are done! I don't see why my feelings toward Kida concern you. You didn't want to be with me because you're not over Mike, and the fact that I want to put myself first for once bothers you. So pick a damn side, Emily. All you do is bring the worst out of people. Please, grow the hell up!"
Emily's eyes flickered with a mixture of sadness and anger. "Screw you!" she spat.
The tower rumbled again, more violently this time. Kida glanced ahead, her body tensing for the jump. "Whatever you plan on doing, Matt, it's now or never!"
Matt turned to Emily, his voice urgent. "Give me your hand!"
Emily hesitated, a single tear sliding down her cheek. Despite her anger and bitterness, she wanted to live. She reached out her hand, and Matt stretched to grab it. Just as their fingers brushed, the tower shook aggressively. Emily's grip slipped, and she lost hold of the bar she clung to. Her scream echoed hauntingly as she plummeted into the darkness below.
Matt's eyes widened in horror. "Oh fuck! Emily!!"
Kida's face mirrored his shock. "Oh my god!"
The tower's final collapse was imminent. The structure groaned and tilted more violently, throwing debris into the air. Matt and Kida had no choice.
"Jump!!" Kida shouted, grabbing Matt's hand. They leaped off the tower together as it descended into the abyss where Emily had fallen.
They landed hard on the ledge, the impact knocking the wind out of them. They lay on their stomachs, gasping for breath, the cold, hard ground biting into their bodies.
Matt's heart pounded in his chest, his mind racing with fear and adrenaline. He turned his head to look at Kida, who was also trying to catch her breath. "Are you okay?" he asked, his voice strained.
Kida nodded weakly, her eyes filled with a mixture of relief and sorrow. "Yeah... I'm okay. But Emily..."
Matt swallowed hard, the reality of what had just happened sinking in. "We have to keep moving. We need to find the others and get out of here."
Kida pushed herself up, her body aching from the fall. "You're right. We can't stay here."
With one last glance at the destroyed fire tower, Matt and Kida helped each other to their feet. They knew they had to keep going, no matter how difficult it was. The nightmare was far from over, but they had each other, and that gave them the strength to continue.
As they started to move away from the ledge, Matt felt a surge of determination. He wouldn't let Emily's sacrifice be in vain. They would survive this, and they would find the others. Together, they would make it through the night.
The cold wind whipped around them, but Matt and Kida pressed on, their resolve unwavering. They had faced the darkness and survived, and now they were more determined than ever to see the dawn.