Until Dawn

Chapter 2: Memento Mori

ONE YEAR LATER

TEN HOURS UNTIL DAWN

SAM - PATH TO THE CABLE CAR 21:02

 "Today is the one year anniversary of the dreadful accident that took place on Mount Washington. Sheriff Annie Cline, who was in charge of the investigation." The radio man stated, passing off the conversation to the sheriff.

"Thanks for having me, Marty."

"Listeners, an update on Josh and Hannah Washington, the young siblings who are still missing."

"One year ago tonight, the Washington teens left the safety of their families lodge, and headed off into the storm."

"Foul play?"

"Not officially, no. There is an individual we are considering a person of interest, but his whereabouts are currently unknown. He has an interesting history with the Washington family. He had warned them against pursuing their construction project, and claimed the land was sacred to his forefathers."

"You know there is still that old Sanitorium on the mountain. Could he be hiding there?"

"My officers did search the grounds, but...the kids themselves couldn't have made it that far."

"Something about that mountain breeds tragic events."

"More than you know, Marty."

"Well, thank you for being here with us, Annie."

The radio soon cut off, and I turned my attention back to the video that I had saved onto my phone. It was sent to every single one of us a week ago by Beth, urging us to come back to the mountains to honor her brother and sister.

I sighed, replaying the video. Beth stood in front of the camera, swallowing a bit nervously. She was never one for being on camera, so the discomfort on her face was clear. Beth was wearing a blue, white, and gray flannel shirt, it seemed to be one of Josh's considering how big it was. I couldn't see the rest of her outfit from the video. What hurt more was seeing her wearing Hannah's necklace, well, her necklace, they had matching ones for years... and now... She kept the same gray beanie on, her hair style not changing in the slightest.

"Hey guys, I know, I know. It has been an insanely long time since any of us talked. And... fuck, I thought I was ready for this." Beth paused for a moment, taking a deep breath, "Look, I know a lot of us are still reeling from everything, but again, thank every single one of you for coming today. I know it would mean a lot to Josh and Hannah, because it means everything to me." The message ended, and I turned off my phone, closing my eyes as the bus finally stopped.

Sam, Hannah's best friend. Diligent, considerate, adventurous

A heavy sigh left me as I got off the bus, silently looking around. It had only been a year since any of us had been here but it felt like so much longer. So many great memories of being here every year...but it was hard to think of the happy memories when I remember what happened a year ago.

I still couldn't believe that Hannah and Josh had been missing for a year, it was just...impossible to believe.

"Come on Sam, you gotta do this for Beth. She wants us all to be here." I whispered to myself, trying to encourage myself not to be a coward and turn back. It's what Josh and Hannah deserved... plus she was right, Josh would totally want them to party hard and remember them.

Securing my bag, I made my way down the snowy path, following the familiar path to the lift. This mountain felt bigger somehow, going all the way up to the mountains. Making my way down the path, I saw the gate was closed. "What the Hell?" I asked, approaching the gate and taking off the piece of paper that was attached to it. 'Gates busted. Climb over - Chris'. "Oh my god, she actually got Chris to come..." I frowned, putting the paper back.