⸻As Sam, Matt, Ashley, and Chris sat in the living room, they shared their experiences of the night. It wasn't a competition to see who had the worst time; they had all endured horrors. Chris listened to Matt's story, and though he wanted to tell him where Josh was, he knew that doing so would likely send Matt on a rampage. Chris saw Matt as a gentle giant, someone who, despite being only two inches taller, had more strength and generosity unmatched by any of the guys in their group. Matt had always been there for his friends, through thick and thin, always motivated in his own way. Seeing him now, consumed by grief, was heart-wrenching.
Chris's thoughts shifted to Josh, contrasting him with Matt. Josh had always been a peculiar guy, and Chris remembered times when Josh's erratic behavior seemed like an act—perhaps inspired by one of his father's movie characters. But now, Chris realized he had been blind to Josh's need for genuine mental help. Josh had masked his instability well, and Chris felt a pang of guilt for not seeing through it. He understood Josh's desire for those who caused his sisters' disappearance to suffer, but this was too far. Too many people were hurt, too much had been lost. This wasn't the Josh he knew and loved.
Chris's heart ached as he thought of Kida, Emily, and Jessica. Each girl had held a special place in his life, and now they were gone. The weight of their loss pressed heavily on him, and he knew he had to move forward despite the pain.
He looked at Ashley, her face pale and eyes filled with tears. He reached out and held her hand tightly, finding some solace in her presence. Could this be what Josh had meant when he said he wanted to bring people together? If so, it was the most twisted way to do it.
Chris squeezed Ashley's hand, drawing strength from their connection. He knew that despite the horrors they had faced, they had to find a way to survive and move forward. This tragic event had brought him closer to Ashley, and he hoped that together, they could find some way to heal.
Chris opened his mouth to speak but was interrupted by a sudden, frantic pounding on the door. Sam, Chris, and Ashley jumped up, rushing to see what was going on, while Matt remained lost in his grief.
"Let me in, let me in!" came a desperate voice from outside.
Ashley's eyes widened with familiarization. "Is that—?"
"It's Em!" Sam exclaimed as she quickened her steps in urgency.
Chris didn't hesitate. "Let her in! Quick!"
Chris, Ashley, and Sam ran to the front door. Chris yanked it open, and Emily practically fell inside, her face pale and eyes wide with terror.
"Shut the door! Oh, my God, shut the door!" Emily cried as she scrambled backward with terror and apprehension.
Chris slammed the door shut, locking it securely. "Em, are you alright?"
Emily collapsed to the floor, shaking. "I didn't think I'd make it..."
"You were screaming bloody murder," Chris said, his voice filled with concern.
"Are you okay?" Sam asked, kneeling beside her.
"You look totally wiped," Ashley added, her face etched with worry.
Emily's eyes darted around the room, her breathing ragged. "There was something... something's out there..."
"Em, you should come sit down," Sam suggested gently.
But before Emily could move, she burst into tears, her sobs wracking her body. "Oh, my god! Oh, my god! I should've grabbed his hand! I should've said I was sorry!"
"Em—" Sam began, reaching out to comfort her.
"I was such a bitch to them both! I didn't mean for anything to happen!" Emily cried, her voice filled with regret and anguish.
"Emily, please come sit down," Ashley pleaded, her eyes filled with tears.
"I don't even know where they are—" Emily sobbed, her despair overwhelming her.
"Emily?"
Emily looked up, her eyes widening in disbelief. There stood Matt as he was disheveled, his eyes carrying exhaustion, despair, and relief. "Matt? You're alive!"
Matt's heart lurched as he took pacing steps. "You are too?!"
In an instant, Emily rushed forward, throwing her arms around Matt and sobbing into his shoulder. Matt returned the embrace, holding her tightly, his own tears welling up.
"I'm sorry, Matt! For everything! You were right!" Emily cried, her voice muffled against his chest.
Matt stroked her hair gently, his voice soft and filled with relief. "It's okay, Em. I'm just glad you're alive."
Chris watched them, his heart heavy with the weight of their shared grief and relief. "Let's go and sit," he suggested gently.
They walked into the living room, Emily leaning heavily on Matt. Her eyes scanned the room, noting that it was just them, but she couldn't bring herself to ask about the others. The trauma of the mines still haunted her. They all settled on the couch, Matt sharing his blanket with Emily. Sam and Ashley sat on either side of them, offering comfort and support. Chris stood in front of them, his expression one of urgent concern.
"Emily, what happened?" Chris asked, his voice steady but intense.
Matt glanced at Chris as he too was curious about Emily's whereabouts. "I filled him in with most of our journey. Just tell us what happened to you. You can even start over."
Emily nodded, her voice trembling slightly as she began to speak. "We were climbing up the fire tower after trying to get help at the cable car station, but the keys were missing. Then the whole tower just fell! Right into the mines..."
Chris's eyes widened in shock. "So it is true."
"There are these mine shafts all over, running under everything," Emily continued, her voice gaining strength. "When the tower fell, we ended up down there. Matt, Kida, and I were forced to split up because of how I fell when Matt tried to save me."
Emily's voice broke as she recalled the terrifying moment. "I was walking down there, in the mines, and it was dark. I found this pile... and there was Beth's head!"
Chris's face paled. "Wait, what?"
"Beth's head," Emily repeated, her eyes wide with horror. "I found it."
"Oh, my God!" Ashley exclaimed, her hand flying to her mouth.
"Holy shit!" Matt muttered, his grip tightening around Emily.
Chris shook his head in disbelief. "What the fuck?"
"Are you serious?!" Sam asked, her voice filled with a mix of shock and sympathy.
"YES, I'm serious!" Emily cried, her voice breaking. Tears streamed down her face as the reality of the night's horrors washed over her again.
Emily sat on the couch, clutching the blanket tightly around her shoulders. Her voice trembled as she continued to recount the horrors she had witnessed. "I think they fell down there."
"Jesus Christ," Chris muttered, shaking his head in disbelief.
Emily's eyes were wide with fear and sorrow. "But the worst part is I don't think Hannah died, like, from the fall, not right away..."
Ashley's face paled. "What? What do you mean?!"
"I don't know..." Emily stammered, her voice breaking. "I feel like she was down there... like, starving to death for weeks... When we were all up here looking for her, we had no idea!"
Chris's face twisted with horror and guilt. "Jesus, that's horrible..."
"Listen," Emily continued, taking a deep breath to steady herself. "In... In the tower, there was a radio, and I... I got through to someone, but that was right when the tower collapsed!"
Chris ran a hand through his hair, trying to process the information. "Jesus Christ, Emily. I'm so sorry you had to go through that. Both of you."
Emily nodded, wiping her tears. "It was the most terrifying thing I've ever experienced. And then... there was something else down there. Something... inhuman."
"Inhuman?" Sam echoed, her eyes narrowing in concern while glancing with Matt as his story was confirmed.
"It was like a creature," Emily said, shuddering at the memory. "It attacked us. It was relentless."
Matt took a deep breath, his voice steady but filled with underlying fear. "We have encountered it too. It's like nothing I've ever seen. We barely escaped with our lives."
Emily's voice trembled as she asked the question that had been gnawing at her. "Matt? Where's Kida?"
Matt's expression darkened, his anger returning as his eyes filled with unshed tears. Emily saw the pain in his face and shook her head, already fearing the worst. "Matt, don't tell me—"
Before he could answer, the back patio door burst open, and footsteps echoed through the room. Mike appeared, his face a mix of relief and urgency.
"Em, Matt! You made it!" Mike exclaimed, rushing over to them.
Emily let out a sob of relief. "Oh, God, Mike..."
Chris interjected, his voice laced with bitterness. "Yeah, yeah, barely!"
Mike's eyes darted around the room, looking for the missing faces. "Where's Kida?"
Chris's expression turned grim. "She's gone..."
"What?!" Mike's voice was filled with rage and disbelief. "Josh! I knew it!"
Chris shook his head, his tone somber. "Nah, man. She survived the claustrophobia... she just didn't make it long afterward."
Mike's face twisted in pain. "Em, what happened?"
Sam stepped forward, her voice calm but firm. "Okay, we all are upset about the loss of our two friends. But right now, we need to stay strong and come up with a plan."
A sudden bang echoed through the lodge, coming from the back door. The group froze, tension thick in the air.
"Whoa," Chris muttered, his eyes darting towards the source of the noise.
Mike's face hardened. "Who the fuck can that be?"
"Josh?" Ashley suggested, her voice trembling.
"Jess?" Chris added, his face filled with worry.
"Kida?" Emily whispered, her eyes wide with hope and fear.
Mike shook his head, his expression grim. "It's not Jess."
Chris sighed, his heart heavy. "Sorry, man... but who is it?"
"I don't know," Mike replied, his voice tense. "We should check it out."
Chris nodded, stepping forward with a determined look. "I got your back."
"Good," Mike said, his grip tightening on the gun he held.
They moved cautiously towards the back door, the sound of their footsteps muffled by the thick carpet. The rest of the group watched anxiously, their breaths held in anticipation.
As Chris and Mike headed towards the door, Emily's unfinished question to Matt hung heavily in the air. Sam turned to her, her voice gentle but firm.
"She sacrificed herself," Sam said softly.
Emily's eyes widened in disbelief. "No—Matt, is this true?"
Matt nodded, his expression filled with sorrow. "Yeah... she's gone, Em."
Emily shook her head remorsefully. "She didn't deserve this. I hate how much I was a bitch to not only you guys but towards Hannah. I was wrong! I was so wrong!"
Sam stepped closer, offering comfort. "It's okay, Emily. We all have regrets. We just have to stick together now."
Emily gripped Matt's hand firmly, her resolve hardening. "We got to get out of here!"
Suddenly, the sound of footsteps echoed through the living room. They all turned, their hearts pounding. A man they didn't recognize entered the room, his expression unfriendly and intense. He stopped, staring at them with a look that sent chills down their spines.
Chris stormed in, his face flushed with anger. "Who do you think you are barging in here—"
Sam cut him off, her voice sharp. "Who are you?"
Emily's eyes widened in recognition. "It's you!"
The stranger's expression remained impassive. "I see that you managed to escape."
Before anyone could respond, Mike trailed in, carrying someone in his arms. The sight caused everyone to gasp in shock. Emily's mouth dropped open.
"Jessica?!" Emily exclaimed, her voice trembling with disbelief.
Jessica lay conscious but weak in Mike's arms, dressed in a jacket that matched Mike's and oversized pants and boots. The group, except for Matt and the stranger, swarmed around her, their voices overlapping in a cacophony of relief and concern.
"Oh my God, Jess!"
"How did you find her?"
"Is she okay?"
The stranger, standing impatiently, decided to gather everyone's attention. He cleared his throat, his low, gruff voice cutting through the noise. "Okay. Everybody just calm down."
The stranger stepped forward, his presence commanding the room. "Now just move over there. Go on, move! Let me say what I came to say. I'm here to tell you what you're up against being back on this mountain. You should never have returned. I don't know why you did after what happened last year."
He dropped his bag near the fireplace, the heavy thud echoing through the room. The group sat down with a sense of urgency, understanding the gravity of the situation. Mike placed Jessica on the far side of the couch as she groaned in pain. Her appearance was haunting—scars covered her washed-out skin, and her hair was disheveled. Mike stood protectively by her side, while Emily held Jessica's hand tightly.
Ashley's voice broke the silence. "You mean with Hannah and Beth?"
Chris frowned, suspicion in his eyes. "Yeah, how could you know without being involved—"
Sam's tone was sharp, cutting through the tension. "Or responsible—?!"
Mike's frustration boiled over. "He probably did something—"
The stranger raised his hand, his voice steady but firm. "You hold on to your horses. I don't take kindly to you kids coming up here to my mountain—"
Mike interrupted, his anger palpable as he scoffed amusingly. "Your mountain? I'm sure the Washingtons would be very surprised to hear that."
The stranger chuckled darkly, his eyes glinting with a mix of amusement and warning. "Hehheh. Well, this mountain don't belong to me, it's true. But it don't belong to the Washingtons either. This mountain belongs to the Wendigo."
Matt and Emily's bodies froze, their minds racing as they pieced together the implications of what the stranger was saying. The memories of their harrowing journey through the mines flooded back, each terrifying moment replaying in their heads.
Chris frowned, his confusion evident. "Who?"
Sam turned to the stranger, her expression demanding answers. "What's he talking about?"
Mike's frustration boiled over. "What the hell's a Wendigo?"
Sam held up a hand to calm the group. "Let's hear him out."
Mike scoffed, crossing his arms. "Not like we have a choice."
The stranger's gaze was steely and unyielding. "Now I'm only going to tell you this once. It doesn't matter to me if you believe it or not. I got reasons I want to... get it off my chest."
Mike's eyes narrowed, his suspicion turning into anger. "See? I told you! He's guilty as shit! Guilty of something!"
Sam shot Mike a sharp look. "Shh. Shut up, Mike!"
The stranger's voice was solemn as he continued, "There is a curse that dwells in these mountains. Should any man or woman resort to cannibalism in these woods, the spirit of the Wendigo shall be unleashed."
Mike's face paled, his mind flashing back to the harrowing events that had led him to the sanatorium. "Oh crap."
He gazed at Jessica as she was releasing staggered breathing. He recognized that this Wendigo was what took her away from their night of intimacy at the guest cabin.
The stranger's eyes locked onto each of them, the weight of his words heavy in the air. "You're going to need to find somewhere safe."
Sam, trying to think quickly, suggested, "The basement might be okay..."
The stranger nodded. "Okay. Get down there, now. All of you. And wait."
Sam's face creased with concern. "What? Why? For how long?"
Emily's voice trembled, understanding the gravity of the situation. "Until dawn."
Mike, his expression filled with guilt, spoke up. "Guys... I ran off and left Josh when I heard screaming."
The stranger's gaze sharpened. "Where did you leave him?"
Mike swallowed hard, his voice barely above a whisper. "In the shed..."
Matt's eyes blazed with rage upon hearing this, his fists clenching at his sides. The anger and frustration of the night boiled over, making the tension in the room palpable. Ashley, Sam, and Emily exchanged cautious glances, understanding the storm brewing within him.
The stranger's voice was unyielding, a harsh reality check. "Your friend will already be dead."
Chris's eyes widened with disbelief and desperation. "No... No, he can't be... We were just with him!"
The stranger remained stoic. "A lot can happen quickly on this mountain."
Chris shook his head, determination and guilt clashing in his eyes. "No. I'm gonna go get him."
Ashley grabbed his arm, her voice urgent and filled with fear. "You can't go out there, Chris!"
Chris's eyes met hers, filled with regret. "I'm supposed to be his best friend and I let him down."
Ashley's grip tightened. "No... he let you down, Chris—he let all of us down."
Chris's jaw clenched, his resolve firm. "I don't care. I'm going to get him."
Matt, his anger still simmering, stepped forward. "How can you let him live after all the shit that he put us through?"
Chris looked at Matt, his voice pleading for understanding. "Matt, I understand your anger. But you don't see what I see when it comes to Josh."
Matt's eyes narrowed. "I think that you don't."
Chris took a deep breath, his voice trembling with emotion. "I hit him. We thought he had killed Kida, you, Em, and Jessica... and so he got me riled up... and I hit him in the head."
"Chris!" Sam's voice was a mix of shock and concern.
Ashley's eyes were cold, but her voice was steady. "Maybe he deserved it."
Chris shook his head, his face filled with pain. "No matter what, we can't just let him die."
The stranger's eyes met Chris's, a flicker of respect in his gaze. "Then I'll go with you."
Chris shook his head, his pride and determination warring with his fear. "I don't need your help."
The stranger's voice was firm, unyielding. "Going alone is suicide."
Chris hesitated, then finally nodded. "Fine."
Matt stepped forward, his voice strong and resolute. "I'm coming too."
Emily's voice trembled with urgency. "Matt, you can't go back out there!"
Sam stepped closer, her face etched with concern. "You're injured, Matt. You need to rest."
Matt's jaw tightened, his resolve unshaken. "I don't care. I want to see whether or not if he's alive."
Emily's frustration boiled over. "And then what? You're gonna beat the shit out of him knowing that THING is out there?!"
She grabbed his hands, her eyes searching his. "I do not want to lose you!"
Matt looked at her, then glanced at Sam, Ashley, and Jessica, seeing their worry reflected in their faces. He turned back to the stranger and Chris, his decision made.
"I'm sorry, Em," he said quietly.
Emily's eyes filled with tears as she planted a gentle kiss on his cheek and stepped back. "Make sure you come back."
The stranger's voice cut through the tension. "Son, we don't have much time to waste."
He turned to the others, his expression serious. "The rest of you—get down to the basement. Be safe. Don't go outside again until we're back."
The Stranger turned to Chris and Matt, his eyes steely and resolute. "You both don't seem to understand the magnitude of the situation."
Chris squared his shoulders, trying to mask his fear with bravado. "Well, I'm going to get Josh, aren't I?"
The Stranger's expression hardened. "No, I'm going to get Josh. You're going to help me. Do you understand?"
Matt stood silently, his jaw clenched.
Chris hesitated, then nodded slowly. "... Uh... Yeah... I think so..."
The Stranger's gaze shifted between the two young men, his tone commanding. "Both of you need to follow me. And do everything I tell you."
With a nod, Chris and Matt fell in line behind the Stranger. They moved towards the kitchen, then down a hallway leading to a side exit of the lodge. The cold air bit at their faces as they stepped outside.
The Stranger paused, pulling a shotgun from his pack and handing it to Chris. "Here. You'll need this."
Chris took the shotgun, his hands trembling slightly as he adjusted his grip.
Next, the Stranger produced a machete, turning to Matt. "You look like you can handle yourself."
Matt accepted the weapon, his grip firm and determined.
The Stranger's gaze locked onto Chris, his expression unyielding. "This is the end you point towards the thing you want to kill," he said, gesturing to the shotgun.
Chris bristled at the implication. "I know how to use a shotgun, man."
The Stranger's eyes narrowed, his voice calm but firm. "No, you don't."
Chris's frustration boiled over. "What? How do you know?"
The Stranger's face was a mask of experience and hard-earned knowledge. "Trust me. I know." He gives a small smile of amusement.
Ashley walked in, trailing towards Chris. "Hey... come back safe."
Before Chris could respond, she leaned in and kissed him softly. The unexpected gesture brought a brief, genuine smile to Matt's face amid the chaos surrounding them. Despite everything, there was a small glimmer of hope in seeing Chris and Ashley finally confess their feelings for each other. It reminded him of the moment he and Kida had shared at the fire tower, their kiss sealing the unspoken connection that had been building between them.
The Stranger's voice broke through the moment, urgent and commanding. "We need to hurry, son."
Chris nodded, squeezing Ashley's hand one last time. "I'll see you soon."
Ashley smiled, her eyes shining with unshed tears, before turning to Matt. She placed a comforting hand on his shoulder. "You come back safe too, okay?"
Matt nodded, his determination solidifying. "I will."
With that, the Stranger, Chris, and Matt trailed out the door, their breaths visible in the cold air. The gravity of their mission weighed heavily on them, but they moved with purpose and resolve.
Ashley closed the door behind them, her heart heavy with worry and hope. She watched as Matt, Chris, and the Stranger trailed down the stairs, disappearing into the cold, dark night.
Matt, gripping his machete tightly, followed closely behind Chris and the Stranger. The tension in the air was palpable, every step crunching softly in the snow, their breaths visible in the frigid air.
Chris broke the silence, his voice tinged with anxiety. "So... so tell me. You're the expert on these 'things.' What's... uh... what's a guy gotta know...?"
The Stranger glanced back, his eyes hard and unyielding. "You just be careful. You follow my lead."
Chris tightened his grip on the shotgun, his nerves on edge. "So... how many times do I have to shoot it with this shotgun before it's dead?"
The Stranger's response was blunt. "Well, you'd be shooting a long time."
Chris frowned, a mix of confusion and frustration on his face. "You mean this thing won't even kill it?"
The Stranger shook his head. "No... but it'll slow it down."
Chris's frustration grew. "Well, how do you kill it?"
The Stranger's voice was calm but firm. "They don't like fire."
Chris raised an eyebrow. "I don't like fire—"
The Stranger continued, cutting him off. "They fear it, and it can kill them if you have to... See, their skin is like... it's like tough armor unless you burn it off first."
Matt's mind raced back to the harrowing moments he and Kida had faced in the mines. The Wendigo—that's what it was called—had hunted them relentlessly. He remembered how the flare gun and Kida's firecrackers had scared it off, the bright flashes of light making the creature recoil. He glanced at the machete in his hand, questioning its utility now that he knew fire was their best defense.
Chris's voice broke the silence, filled with curiosity and a hint of fear. "That's gross... What are these things like? I mean, are they just crazy unpredictable or can you figure out what they're gonna do?"
The Stranger's gaze was steady, his voice measured. "Well... they adhere to some patterns... like any animal... or human."
Chris raised an eyebrow, trying to grasp the concept. "Wh—You mean, like how? Like they've got schedules?"
The Stranger shook his head slightly. "Well, they only hunt at night."
Chris's face twisted in confusion. "Oh. Why?"
The Stranger's tone was flat. "I didn't ask."
Chris tried to lighten the mood, though his voice betrayed his nervousness. "Any, uh, pro Wendigo tips? Like if I rub garlic all over me they won't be able to smell me or something?"
The Stranger's expression remained serious. "They'll still smell you."
Chris's frustration grew. "Anything like that?"
The Stranger's voice was calm, almost clinical. "They can't see you if you're standing still. It's like toads... sight is based on changes of movement in their field of vision."
Chris's eyes widened with a mix of fear and curiosity. "So if I don't move... I'm basically invisible."
The Stranger nodded slightly. "Yeah, well, I wouldn't recommend testing it out... unless you have no other choice."
Chris's mind whirled with the new information. "If these things... Wendigos... are or were human do they still have some aspect of humanity in them?"
The Stranger's eyes darkened, his voice low and firm. "Well, they retain certain things."
Chris's voice was almost pleading. "I mean, is it really right to kill them? Maybe they can be cured or—"
The Stranger's response was sharp, cutting through Chris's hopes. "They surrender human rights the moment they eat one another. There's no cure. There's no redemption."
Chris's face fell, his moral dilemma evident. "I- I mean if they're still human... I don't know if it's right to hurt them."
The Stranger's gaze bore into Chris, his words final and cold. "When you're staring one in the face... it's them, or you. Feel free to take the high route, you won't be on it for long."
Matt, still gripping his machete, muttered to himself, "Wished that I knew about this sooner..."
The Stranger, Chris, and Matt continued through the forest, the weight of their mission pressing down on them. The trees closed in around them, the night air thick with tension. Every sound seemed amplified, every shadow a potential threat.
As they neared the lodge, the Stranger paused, holding up a hand for silence. He scanned the area, and his senses heightened. "We're close. Stay sharp."
Chris nodded, his grip on the shotgun tightening. Matt adjusted his hold on the machete, his mind replaying the harrowing moments in the mines.
The Stranger and Chris arrived at the shed with Matt tailing behind, the door creaking ominously as they stepped inside. Chris's eyes widened in horror as he took in the scene. Josh's stool lay empty and broken, shards of wood scattered across the floor. Matt trailed in behind them, his heart sinking.
The fire of vengeance that burned within him was left smoldering, unsatisfied.
Chris's voice trembled with urgency and frustration. "Oh no... Dammit! What happened? He's gone...! We're too late!"
The Stranger's expression was stern, his voice a low hiss. "Shh! Quiet! We gotta go.
Right now."
Chris shook his head, his desperation clear. "We gotta find Josh - he could still be out there!"
Matt, though filled with rage, felt a pang of confusion. He stepped further into the shed, his eyes scanning the remnants of Josh's gruesome setup. His gaze landed on a large saw blade, still stained with blood. The sight made his stomach churn, and he turned away, gagging.
The pungent smell of gore wafted through the air, assaulting his senses. Matt forced himself to look down, spotting the dismembered remains of a dummy, its innards spilling out grotesquely. It was clear now that the blood was fake, part of Josh's elaborate ruse.
Questions raced through Matt's mind. How had Josh pulled this off? How much time had he spent setting up this twisted scene? Was this where Josh had been during those months of absence? Piecing together this nightmare to haunt them all for the sake of vengeance?
Chris watched the jock stare at the horror before him, his eyes fixed on the gruesome scene.
"Matt... come on," Chris urged gently.
Matt's voice was low, filled with a mix of anger and disbelief. "He's so... twisted."
Chris nodded, understanding the turmoil Matt was feeling. "Yeah, he is. I wouldn't say that I forgive him for that, but he's still Josh. He's been going through so much. He went the wrong route to make us understand, yes. But he lost his sisters, man."
Matt shook his head, the anger still simmering beneath the surface. "It still doesn't make it right..."
Chris put a supportive hand on his shoulder, trying to offer some comfort. "I'm sorry about Kida, bro. She didn't deserve to die. But I still feel that she's out there."
Matt's eyes were filled with sorrow and resignation. "Chris... I watched her fall to her death. She's not coming back."
The Stranger's voice cut through their conversation, sharp and impatient. "You two comin' or what?"
Matt and Chris exchanged one last look, a silent understanding passing between them. They needed to keep moving. Matt took a deep breath, his grip tightening on the machete, and followed Chris towards the Stranger.
The Stranger hauled his flamethrower, his eyes scanning the dark forest around them as they trailed out of the shed. Matt looked back at the device one last time, the image of the saw blade and the fake blood burning into his memory. It was a symbol of Josh's descent into madness, a reminder of the twisted path their friend had taken.
The Stranger's voice was sharp and urgent. "Let's go now. It might still be near!"
As they turned to move, the Stranger suddenly froze, his eyes widening in alarm. "Wait! Don't... move..."
Chris and Matt held their breath, their eyes darting around to spot whatever had caught the Stranger's attention. The silence was heavy, each second stretching into an eternity. Then, out of the shadows, the Wendigo emerged, its grotesque form illuminated by the faint light filtering through the trees.
"Run! Go! Now, now!" the Stranger shouted, breaking the stillness.
Matt's heart pounded in his chest. "OH FUCK!" he yelled, adrenaline surging through his veins.
Chris's voice trembled with fear and shock. "Holy shit! What the fuck?!"
The Wendigo let out a chilling scream, its eyes locked onto them with predatory intent. The Stranger acted swiftly, unleashing a torrent of flames from his flamethrower. The fiery blast lit up the night, casting eerie shadows on the surrounding trees.
"Back! Back!" the Stranger shouted, directing the flames at the advancing creature.
The Wendigo recoiled, its screeches echoing through the forest as it retreated from the intense heat. The smell of burning flesh filled the air, a sickening reminder of the peril they were in.
Chris's eyes were wide with terror. "Goddamn!"
The Stranger didn't waste a second. "We're right out in the open. We gotta get out of here!"
The Wendigo lunged at the Stranger with terrifying speed, its clawed hand swiping across his neck. Blood sprayed through the air, and the Stranger's body fell to the ground with a sickening thud, his head rolling away.
Chris's voice trembled with shock and horror. "Oh, my God, oh, my God, oh, my God, oh, my God!"
Matt's eyes widened in disbelief as he saw the gruesome scene unfold. "Goddamit!" he yelled, his heart pounding in his chest.
Chris's eyes were wide with fear, but he kept his composure. "Matt, run to the lodge! I'll handle it!"
Matt hesitated, torn between helping his friend and following the Stranger's last command. "A-Are you sure, man?!"
Chris nodded, his grip tightening on the shotgun. "Yes! You heard him, only fire defeats it! You don't have a weapon that would slow them down! GO!"
The Wendigo lunged at Chris with terrifying speed. Matt turned and bolted, his heart pounding in his chest. The sound of a gunshot echoed behind him, and just moments later, Chris was at his heels, running for his life. The forest around them blurred as they sprinted, ducking and dodging obstacles in their path. Chris would stop momentarily to fire shots at the pursuing Wendigo, each blast illuminating the dark, twisted branches of the trees.
They burst into the backyard of the lodge, their breaths coming in ragged gasps. The back patio loomed ahead, a beacon of safety amidst the chaos.
Basement
⸻Emily, Sam, and Jessica were huddled in the basement where the ugly truth of Josh's prank had been revealed. The air thick with tension as they waited for Matt and Chris to return. The cold, damp atmosphere did little to ease their anxiety. Mike and Ashley were upstairs, keeping watch and ready to defend the lodge if necessary.
Emily carefully placed Jessica on the table, her eyes filled with concern. The blonde girl was a shadow of her former self, scarred both emotionally and physically. Emily gave her a worried look, struggling to find the right words.
Sam was gently tending to Jessica's wounds, her hands steady despite the turmoil swirling around them.
"God, you don't look so good—" Emily began, the words slipping out before she could stop them.
Sam shot Emily a disapproving look, and Emily quickly shook her head, signaling that she would keep quiet. She felt a pang of guilt for stating the obvious and possibly making Jessica feel worse.
Sam continued her work, carefully grabbing Jessica's wrist. The touch elicited a whimper of pain from Jessica, who winced but didn't pull away.
"I'm sorry," Sam murmured, her voice soft and filled with empathy. "I'm just trying to do my best..."
Jessica managed a weak smile, though it didn't reach her eyes. "I-I'm fine."
Emily's brow furrowed, her voice edged with frustration. "That's bullshit, Jess."
Jessica's eyes welled with tears, but she didn't argue. Instead, she looked down at her hands, her voice barely a whisper. "T-that old guy... h-he saved me."
Emily, her eyes filled with a mix of worry and frustration, looked at Jessica. "He saved me too. Jess, what the hell happened to you?"
Jessica's voice trembled as she tried to find the words. "M-Mike and I were just fooling around and, and then we..."
Emily cut her off, her voice sharp. "Oh god, spare me the details about you two hooking up—"
Jessica shook her head, her eyes wide with fear. "No. We didn't do that. I was by the window and there was all this glass, and it was in the snow and then... it was moving so fast, fuck... and then I was, I was down in the mines..."
Emily's eyes softened, realization dawning. "It got you... didn't it?"
Sam, who had been quietly tending to Jessica's wounds, looked up, her face pale. "This is so much to take..."
Jessica nodded, her voice barely above a whisper. "And Mike...h-he came after me. When it dragged me outside of the cabin."
Emily's expression shifted, a mixture of surprise and something softer. "Seems... seems like he cares about you."
Jessica weakly took hold of Emily's hand, her eyes filled with tears. "I know that we had fallen off with our relationship because of my betrayal. But Em, I am really sorry. Not only just with me being with Mike but the fact that I'm the reason why we are all in this shit."
Sam gently squeezed Jessica's hand, her voice soft and reassuring. "It's okay, Jess. Really. I'm just glad that you are alive."
Emily nodded, her eyes filling with tears. "I am too... especially for you, Sam. Hannah was your best friend, and I took her away from you."
Sam's expression softened with empathy. "We can't change the past, and we can't bring either of them back. We have to move forward."
Emily took a deep breath, her voice trembling as she spoke. "I didn't only do it because of Mike..."
Sam frowned, confusion evident on her face. "What are you talking about?"
Emily's eyes dropped to the floor, shame and regret washing over her. "This is going to be embarrassing on my end, but so be it. Before I moved here from California... I used to be like Hannah. Naive, delusional, and I was once in a position where I was weak."
Sam and Jessica looked attentively, their expressions filled with curiosity and empathy.
Jessica's voice trembled with confusion. "What?"
Emily took a deep breath, her eyes reflecting the weight of her past. "It's true. I wasn't always this badass that you see on the daily. I honestly pitied Hannah and despised her for being so in love, knowing that she'd never be with Mike. I remember my old crush named Dylan... and he reminded me so much of Mike. But like Mike, he was dating someone too. That bitch, Maria Sanchez. I used to always wish that he'd notice me. But it never happened. I did everything to make him notice me. From tight clothes to dying my hair red once, and my god, that was horrible. It was hopeless. So when I saw Hannah coming towards Mike, I guess I projected my past self onto her. I know that it was a bitchy move, but I just—"
Sam's eyes softened with understanding. "You wanted her to learn the hard way?"
Jessica nodded slowly, her voice weak but sincere. "That m-makes sense. You, Sam... You could let her down gently, but she's not going to take it because it feeds her on."
Emily sighed, her voice filled with regret and self-awareness. "Exactly. I just wanted her to find her worth, that there's more to life than guys. And that there's always someone for her. And for a while... I thought that Mike was my person, which he was, but I wasn't his due to some shit that I have to handle on my own. I hate that tonight is the only time that I stop running from my inner turmoil and admit my faults. I owe so many people apologies."
Sam's voice was soft, filled with understanding. "I appreciate you doing that, Emily. I know that it wasn't easy. I'd admit, it does hurt that I can't see my best friend anymore, but I guess I can see from your perspective why you went through with that prank. Just wish that you'd done it differently."
Emily nodded, tears glistening in her eyes. "I know. I know. I'll never forgive myself for it."
Jessica's voice was quiet but sincere. "I'm sorry too."
Emily looked at her, a small smile tugging at her lips. "Your bruises and scars make up for it."
Jessica let out a strained chuckle, her voice filled with affection. "Bitch."
Emily and Jessica embraced, holding each other tightly as if drawing strength from their shared pain and forgiveness. Sam watched them, a sense of satisfaction and hope washing over her. This moment of reconciliation was a small beacon of light in the darkness surrounding them.
Just then, the door creaked open, and Mike, Matt, Ashley, and Chris walked inside. Relief washed over the girls as they saw the boys were safe and unharmed.
Emily's eyes widened as she saw the group re-enter the basement. "Oh, my God, guys! Thank God!"
Sam stepped forward, her concern etched on her face. "What took you so long?"
Chris shook his head, his expression grim. "It's not so good up there right now..."
Mike let out a bitter laugh, his eyes filled with exhaustion. "Understatement of the night."
Sam's gaze darted around, realizing someone was missing. "Chris, where's the flamethrower guy?"
Chris hesitated, his eyes dropping to the floor. "Ah, yeah, he, uh..."
Ashley stepped closer, her voice tinged with fear. "He didn't make it?"
Matt shook his head, his expression dark. "No..."
Emily gasped, her hand flying to her mouth. "Oh, no!"
Sam's face paled as she pressed for details. "What happened?"
Chris's voice trembled as he recounted the horrifying event. "The thing, it... it tore him apart! Right in front of me!"
Matt clenched his fists, his voice filled with anger and disbelief. "It's insane! He was just breathing five seconds before it happened!"
Sam felt a wave of nausea wash over her as she processed the news. "Oh, God..."
Jessica, still weak from her own ordeal, looked up with wide eyes. "How did you get away?"
Chris swallowed hard, his voice shaky. "He... he saved us. He distracted it long enough for us to get away. We wouldn't have made it without him."
Emily's eyes were filled with concern as she looked at her friends. "Well, you guys are okay, right?"
Mike trailed towards Jessica, his eyes scanning her for any new injuries. Chris let out a bitter laugh as he spoke. "Define okay."
Sam's eyes trailed to Chris's leg, noticing his limping state. "Chris, your leg!"
Chris leaned against the table, wincing in pain as Ashley assisted him, not leaving his side for a moment. "It's just a scratch," he said, trying to downplay the severity, but the strain in his voice was evident.
Mike glanced around the room, his frustration bubbling over. "This room is turning into a goddamn infirmary."
Mike's eyes darted around the basement, his voice sharp with urgency. "Alright. These all the doors?"
Sam nodded, her expression tense. "Yeah."
Mike's eyes narrowed, his frustration evident. "Are you sure?"
Sam furrowed her brow, sensing his agitation. "What are you looking for?"
Mike's gaze shifted to the computer monitors, his mind racing. "Another way out." He made his way toward it as Sam followed.
Sam's heart sank, fear creeping into her voice. "Mike... I really don't think that's a good idea. We should stay put, right here, until dawn. At least we're safe down here—"
Mike's voice was laced with sarcasm and frustration. "Oh, yeah? All wrapped like a little present with a bow on top for that thing to tear us apart on Christmas morning?"
Sam took a deep breath, trying to steady her nerves. "People will come for us. In the morning."
Mike's eyes bore into hers, doubt evident. "You don't sound so sure."
Sam turned to Emily, her voice pleading. "That's what'll happen, right Em?"
Emily hesitated, glancing around at the worried faces of her friends. "Yeah, I mean... right?"
Mike shook his head, his determination unwavering. "Well, you can wait, I'm leaving!"
Emily's eyes widened with alarm. "Mike, there's no key for the cable car—"
Mike's eyes flashed with a sudden idea. "Josh. He's gotta have it."
Sam's voice broke the tense silence, filled with concern and urgency. "Josh?"
Matt shook his head, his expression grim. "Good luck trying to find him, because we didn't see him back at the shed."
Mike's face twisted in frustration and anger. "One of his dirty little tricks."
Sam threw her hands up in exasperation. "Great. Great!"
Mike ran a hand through his hair, his voice thick with anxiety. "If that fucking thing got a hold of Josh, then... we're shit outta luck."
Emily's eyes darted around the room, her expression thoughtful. "I don't know, Mike, it's possible."
Sam turned to her, frowning. "What's possible?"
Emily took a deep breath, her voice steady but filled with tension. "It may have taken him down to the mine."
The group gathered in the dimly lit basement, their breaths visible in the cold air. Mike paced back and forth, the tension in the room palpable.
Mike's voice was filled with frustration and confusion. "What?"
Emily took a deep breath, her eyes wide with the memory of what she had seen. "I saw some horrible stuff down there... I think it's where that thing lives and... ...huh."
Sam stepped closer, her concern evident. "Em? What?"
Mike's jaw tightened, his eyes filled with determination. "Fuck it. I'm gonna get that key. Right from that thing's goddamned bedroom, and then I'm gonna get us all the hell out of here."
Sam's eyes followed Emily's, landing on a tattered bag in the corner. "Em, what is all that?"
Emily moved toward the bag, pulling it closer. "It's that old guy's bag."
Mike leaned over her shoulder, his eyes widening in surprise. "Is that a map?"
Sam peered over, her voice filled with awe. "The guy was prepared for anything."
Mike shook his head, a grim smile on his face. "Not quite."
Emily unfolded the map, her finger tracing the lines that led to the sanatorium. "What is this place?" she asked, directing her question to the sanatorium marked on the map.
Mike's face paled, memories flooding back. "Oh, my God."
Sam leaned in closer, her curiosity piqued. "Wait, wait, wait. What is that?"
Mike's voice was strained, haunted by what he had witnessed. "I was down there. It was horrible."
Sam's eyes widened in shock. "You were?"
Mike nodded, his face etched with pain. "Some of them survived, but like... fifteen of 'em didn't make it."
The room fell silent, the weight of Mike's words sinking in. The sanatorium was a place of death and suffering, and it seemed their only hope lay within its haunted walls.
Matt stood off to the side, his eyes trailing towards Jessica as she sat in silence. She looked horrible, her physical and emotional scars visible to anyone who cared to look. Her body trembled horribly, tears filling her eyes as she stared somberly into the distance. Matt moved to sit next to her, offering silent companionship as Ashley, Mike, Emily, and Sam talked in the distance.
Jessica broke the silence with a strained attempt at humor. "Never imagined myself in desperate need of a makeover..."
Matt looked at her with confusion, wondering if she was seriously talking about changing her appearance in the midst of everything happening. Before he could voice his thoughts, she continued.
"A reality check. Karma."
Matt nodded, understanding the depth of her statement. "Tonight... it was unexpected."
Jessica's eyes met his, a mix of sorrow and regret in her gaze. "I always thought I could control things, you know? That if I played my cards right, everything would go my way. But tonight... it's like the universe decided to remind me how small and powerless I really am."
Matt reached out, taking her trembling hand in his. "We're all feeling that way, Jess. None of us expected any of this. But we're still here. We're still fighting."
Jessica's grip tightened on his hand, as if drawing strength from his presence. "I'm scared, Matt. I've never been this scared in my life."
Matt squeezed her hand reassuringly. "I know. We all are. But we have to keep going. We can't give up."
Jessica's eyes were filled with empathy as she turned to Matt. "I'm sorry about Kida. I always knew that you two were very close, but I know love when I see it."
Matt's shoulders slumped, the weight of his grief evident. "It sucks that I only shared so little time with her. You know, after everything that happened with Hannah and Beth."
Jessica sighed somberly. "Right... but you noticed how everyone that's been through the crazy shit happening tonight is still here standing?"
Matt nodded slowly. "Yeah..."
Jessica's eyes sparkled with a glimmer of hope. "I survived an elevator shaft dropping. Then there's Emily and you in the mines with that... thing."
Matt looked at her, confusion knitting his brow. "What are you getting at, Jess?"
Jessica leaned closer, her voice filled with conviction. "If we could survive all of this, Kida could be out there too."
Matt's face darkened, his voice thick with emotion. "You don't understand... she sacrificed herself right before that Wendigo came for us. She fell into this dark abyss... probably..."
Jessica shook her head, her voice unwavering. "I still think that she's alive, Matt."
Matt blinked, surprise mingling with a flicker of hope. "It's funny because Chris told me the same thing."
Jessica smiled softly. "Seems like I'm not the only one with good intuition."
Suddenly, a voice boomed throughout the room, shattering their moment of quiet reflection. Matt and Jessica looked over toward their friends, alarmed to see Ashley backing away from Emily, her finger pointed accusingly at her.
The basement was filled with tense silence as everyone processed the events of the night. The dim light flickered, casting long shadows on the concrete walls. Suddenly, Ashley's voice cut through the quiet, filled with alarm.
"It bit you?! What bit you?!"
Emily's eyes widened with fear and hesitation. "The... the Wendigo."
Mike's face twisted in confusion and concern. "The what?"
Emily tried to downplay it, her voice shaky. "It's nothing, really. It's not a big deal—"
Matt's eyes narrowed as he moved closer, his gaze fixed on the wound on Emily's right shoulder. "Wait, what—" His voice trailed off as he gently inspected the bite mark. "Emily, why didn't you tell us?"
Sam's eyes filled with worry. "Are you okay?"
Mike muttered a curse under his breath. "Shit."
Emily shook her head, trying to reassure them. "It doesn't hurt anymore. Really. It's not that bad."
Mike's eyes were filled with doubt and fear. "Em, if that thing bit you..."
Emily cut him off, her voice firm but trembling. "I know what you're thinking, and I'm fine..."
Matt's face was set with determination. "We got to get you situated."
"Are you?" Mike asked skeptically, his eyes locked on Emily.
Emily's response was immediate, filled with urgency and frustration. "Yes!"
Sam stepped forward, her voice gentle but firm. "Emily, at least let us check it out."
Mike's face was lined with worry. "Emily, if the Wendigo bit you, you could turn into one of those things."
Sam shook her head, dismissing the idea. "Oh, that's ridiculous!"
Ashley's voice was shaky, but she tried to remain calm. "He said it was from eating each other. Remember, he said that!"
Sam paused, thinking back to the stranger's words. "Wait, is that how it worked?"
Matt's voice was firm, his protective nature coming to the forefront. "No way in hell would she turn into one of those things!"
Ashley's voice was filled with panic, her eyes wide with fear. "Yes! It happens if it bit you, you're gonna turn into one and then you're gonna turn on us! Oh, my God, oh, my God, oh, my God!"
Mike's face hardened, his voice steely. "You can't be down here with us."
Emily's eyes widened in shock. "What?!"
Sam stepped forward, her voice sharp. "Mike!"
Mike's expression didn't waver. "You gotta go."
Matt intervened, his voice filled with disbelief. "Dude!"
Emily's voice trembled with anger and fear. "Are you kidding me?!"
Mike's eyes were filled with a mix of fear and resolve. "You're putting us all in danger!"
Emily shot back, her voice defiant. "Like hell, I am!"
Mike's voice grew louder, more urgent. "Emily, you can't stay here!"
Sam tried to diffuse the situation, her voice firm but calm. "Mike, just cool your head, okay? We don't know if it works like that. Maybe it's just a bite."
Matt turned to Chris, desperation in his eyes. "Chris, you got to have some type of reasoning."
Chris looked torn, his face pale with fear. "Matt, we've seen what these fuckers can do. I don't want to see it again."
Matt's voice was filled with determination. "There's gotta be another way!"
Emily looked around, her voice breaking. "What is this? Guys, what are you doing?"
The basement's air grew even more tense as Mike's voice cut through, sharp and unyielding. "Door's right here. I am letting you do this voluntarily."
Emily's eyes flashed with anger and betrayal. "Oh, no, you're just making yourself feel better about sending me to my death. You are just a coward!"
Ashley's fear turned to frustration, her voice rising. "Oh, my God, will you just go?! Go, get out of here!"
Matt stepped in, his voice firm. "Ashley, cool it!"
In a flash, Mike grabbed the gun and pointed it at Emily, his hands shaking but his eyes resolute.
Sam's voice was filled with shock and desperation. "Whoa!"
Emily's breath hitched, her voice trembling. "Okay..."
Matt's voice was laced with panic and disbelief. "The hell are you doing, man?!"
Sam took a step forward, her hands raised in a placating gesture. "Whoa, whoa, whoa, Mike. Calm down!"
Emily's eyes filled with tears as she stared down the barrel of the gun. "You're going to shoot me? Mike, me?"
Mike's face twisted with inner conflict, but he didn't lower the gun. "This is the safe room, Em!"
Emily's voice cracked with desperation. "Please!"
Mike's voice was filled with desperation and fear. "It's not safe as long as you're in it! Not for us!"
Emily's voice trembled with a mix of fear and defiance. "No, don't do this!"
In a flash, Matt moved in front of Emily, his body shielding her from Mike's gun. His voice was filled with determination and anger. "You're not going to shoot her, Mike! Not on my watch!"
Ashley's voice was high-pitched with fear and urgency. "Don't be stupid, Matt! She could get us all killed."
Matt's eyes blazed with fury and loyalty. "Like hell she would! This is Emily, our friend!"
Mike's grip on the gun tightened, his voice cold. "That doesn't mean that she's safe from keeping us all alive."
Matt's voice was firm, his words cutting through the tension. "Would you have shot Jessica?! Would you instantly kill her without figuring another way out?"
Mike's eyes flickered with doubt and anger. "Matt, if you don't move out the way, God help me, there's no guarantee that I won't shoot you too."
Jessica's plea cut through the air, her voice filled with desperation. "Mike, please!"
Sam joined in, her voice trembling with urgency. "Mike, come on!"
Ashley, her fear turning to frustration, shouted, "What are you waiting for, Mike? Do it!"
Matt stood his ground, his voice firm and resolute. "If that's how it's going to be, then so be it!"
Emily whimpered in anguish, tears streaming down her face. The intense stare down between Matt and Mike sent shivers through everyone watching in fear.
Mike's grip on the gun tightened, his voice breaking with emotion. "I'm sorry..."
Jessica's voice suddenly broke through the tension, filled with a desperate urgency. "STOP!"
Everyone turned to see Jessica holding a book, its cover worn and weathered. It was a journal, likely belonging to the now deceased stranger. She had it opened to a specific page, her eyes wide with shock.
"It says in this journal that the bite is harmless," Jessica read, her voice shaking with relief.
Sam's eyes widened in disbelief. "What?"
Mike's hands began to shake as he lowered the gun,
Sam moved quickly to Jessica's side, her eyes scanning the page. "Let me see that!"
Jessica handed the journal to Sam, her hands trembling. Sam read aloud, her voice steadying as she went on. "It says here that the bite of a Wendigo does not spread the curse. The transformation occurs only through cannibalism."
The basement, which had briefly found a moment of calm, erupted once more with Emily's voice, filled with a mix of rage and hurt. "Are you fucking kidding me!"
Mike, his face pale with regret, stepped forward, hands raised in a placating gesture. "Em- I'm sorry!"
Emily's eyes blazed with fury. "You really were going to fucking shoot me, Michael?! Kill me for nothing!"
Mike's voice was desperate. "I am really sorry!"
Emily's anger surged, her voice a venomous whisper. "Fuck your apologies! You can rot in hell for all I care."
Mike opened his mouth to speak, but before he could, Matt's fist connected with his face, sending him tumbling to the floor. Gasps echoed around the room as everyone recoiled in shock.
Sam quickly moved between them, her voice firm. "Guys, cool it!"
Emily turned her wrath toward Ashley, her finger pointed accusingly. "And you!" she spat. "You have some fucking nerve to egg him on like that."
Ashley's eyes filled with tears, her voice trembling. "I-I'm sorry! Please understand-"
Understand the palm of my hand, bitch!"Emily's hand flew out, slapping Ashley across the face. "
Ashley cradled her cheek, tears streaming down her face. "I'm sorry... I'm so, so sorry!"
Emily's eyes were cold, her voice filled with finality. "Both of you are dead to me!"
Mike groaned as he got up from the floor, his hand clutching his jaw where Matt's punch had landed. His face was a mix of pain and frustration, but mostly regret.
Matt's voice was low and filled with anger. "You should fucking be ashamed of yourself!"
Mike's eyes flashed with defiance and guilt. "Sorry that I wasn't wasting my time on such a dangerous moment!"
Matt took a step closer, his voice unwavering. "You need to go, man."
Mike looked around at everyone, seeing the disappointment and hurt in their eyes. He sighed in defeat, the weight of his actions pressing down on him. His eyes darted from one friend to the next, seeing their anger, fear, and the bonds that were still holding them together despite everything. It stung to realize how much he had fractured that trust.
"I'm going to find Josh... I should be back soon."
Emily's voice was laced with bitterness and pain. "Try not to get eaten by a Wendigo on your way there!"
As Mike was out of view, Emily broke into sobs, her body shaking with the release of pent-up fear and anger. Jessica quickly moved to her side, wrapping her arms around her in a tight hug. Jessica's eyes glistened with unshed tears, her heart aching for her friend.
Sam rubbed Emily's back gently, feeling a wave of sympathy wash over her. She hated violence and had tried her best to prevent it from spiraling out of control. She trailed over to Matt, who had grabbed the emergency kit and was ready to fix Emily's wounds. She couldn't help but notice the change in Emily and Matt's relationship. What once seemed like a one-sided connection had now blossomed into a closer bond forged in the fires of their shared ordeal.
She saw growth in everyone in the room. Jessica, who had once been so self-centered, now showed a depth of compassion and empathy. Ashley, despite her moments of panic, displayed a resolve and strength that Sam hadn't seen before. Even Mike, despite his recent mistakes, was driven by a fierce determination to protect his friends. And then there was Chris, who had found the courage to confess his feelings to Ashley, feelings they had danced around for so long. It was a moment of raw honesty that added a glimmer of hope amidst the chaos.
Yet, amidst this growth, Sam felt a gnawing uncertainty about her own relationship with Josh. The night's events had driven a wedge between them, making her question whether he was worth forgiving. Grief could explain some of his actions, but it didn't excuse the pain he had caused everyone in the room. And then there was Kida. Losing her was a fresh wound on top of the still-aching loss of Hannah and Beth. Another best friend was gone, leaving an emptiness that seemed impossible to fill.
Sam's thoughts were heavy with hope and dread as she watched Matt tend to Emily's wounds with a tenderness that spoke volumes about their bond. She hoped that Mike would bring Josh back, if only to see him alive and perhaps get him the help he so desperately needed. She prayed that everyone around her would live to see dawn.