H.S | When The Flash Fades | First book

Chapter 15. The mission is completed

You're getting too comfortable again. Remember what happened last time.
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Mission Bring Back "Normal" to the Boys' Lives Is in Full Action

- Friday: Day 1 -

Camping with the Crew: Bonfire, Fishing, and Grubbin'

The first attempt at reclaiming "normal" life begins with a spontaneous decision to ditch city life for some outdoor shenanigans. Destination: the wild and untamed wilderness. Why? Just because.

Tents are set up, fishing poles are out—though, spoiler alert: no fish are caught—and now we're gathered around the bonfire, reading a scary story.

"A family was camping and left their tent to go on a day hike," I start, trying to set the eerie mood. "They were a few hours from their campsite when a storm suddenly blew up. They became disoriented in the wind and driving rain.

They tried to trace their steps back to the campsite but got lost in the unfamiliar backcountry. Being experienced hikers, they knew once they were lost, it was best to stay in one place rather than wander, so they prepared to settle down and wait for rescue.

Darkness fell, and the family built a fire to keep warm. As they snuggled up against each other and started to drift off to sleep, they heard a noise coming from the trees.

'Who's there?' one of the parents called, but there was no answer.

Then they heard the sound again. When they called out, there was still no answer.

'Perhaps it's someone who can't speak,' suggested the daughter. So her mom called out, 'Is there anyone there? Clap once for yes and twice for no.'

There was one clap.

'You were right,' the parents said to their daughter. 'There is someone out there.'

'Are you here to rescue us?' shouted the mom.

Clap clap.

'Are you lost like us?'

Clap clap.

'Do you live out here in the woods?'

Clap clap.

'Let me try,' said the son. 'Are you a boy?'

Clap clap.

'Are you a girl?'

Clap clap.

They all looked at each other, puzzled. Thinking he was being funny, the son asked, 'Are you human?'

Clap clap.

Now, the family was scared.

'Are you alone?' called the mom.

Clap clap.

The family huddled together more tightly.

'How many of you are there then?'

Clap clap clap clap clap clap clap clap clap clap clap clap clap clap..." I finish, glancing around with a grin.

"Oh fuck no!" Niall exclaims, clearly spooked.

"It's just a story," Harry reassures.

"Guess we will not be sleeping tonight," Liam adds, with a hint of dread.

Suddenly, a clap echoes through the campsite. We all spin around in unison. Louis lets out a perfect high-pitched scream.

"Hell nah! That is so not happening right now!" Zayn declares, clearly shaken.