The Woman in The Mountains

Prologue

Josh and Rachel cower under their bed, holding each other, their bodies trembling in fear. 

The sun is setting, making its departure behind the large grey clouds. A soft golden glow lights up the small, dimly lit motel room. 

The couple is hidden from view, thanks to the overhanging sheet that's hanging off of their bed. Their hearts pound so loudly that for the next few minutes, it's all they can hear. Josh turns his head towards Rachel; she's holding her breath, afraid to exhale and give away their location.

Josh offers her a reassuring smile, rubbing small circles on her lower back as if to say, It's going to be ok. Relax. Breathe.

Of course, Josh can't speak out loud given their rather unfortunate situation, but even if he could, he's not sure if he'd believe his own words, either.

The door creaks open, and Rachel feels as though she might pass out from fear and terror then and there. Josh widens his eyes at her, a warning as if she needs to be reminded that the woman's in the same room as them.

The floor shakes gently beneath them with the soft thud of the woman's footsteps. Every thud feels like an eternity, and Rachel softly claps a hand over her mouth, extra cautious to not make any unnecessary noises.

The footsteps come to an abrupt halt. Through the sheet, Josh and Rachel can see the shadow of her feet standing right in front of them. The couple glances at each other, their eyes wide as saucers, full of a thousand unspoken words.

For a moment, everything is silent.

And then...