the monsters of the night (Done)

On the way to the cabin

On the Highway - Gas Station Stop

The sun begins to lower in the sky, casting a golden hue over the highway as the station wagon rumbles along. The excitement of the trip has settled into a comfortable rhythm, with the group chatting, music playing softly in the background, and the occasional comment about the scenery.

After a while, they spot a small, old-fashioned gas station just off the highway, a lone relic of a time when road trips were an adventure. The group agrees to stop and fill up the tank before heading deeper into the forest.

The Gas Station:A small, slightly rundown place with a single pump, faded signage, and a bell that jingles as cars pull up. There's a vending machine outside, and an old man sits on a rocking chair near the entrance, lazily watching the world go by.

The station wagon pulls up to the pump, and the group slowly files out, stretching their legs after the long drive.

Mark:Stretching and yawning as he steps out."Alright, let's fill her up and grab some snacks. Anyone want anything specific?"

Jessica:Barely looking up from her phone. "Diet soda. And make sure it's cold."

Jake:Leaning against the car, grinning. "I’ll take anything with sugar. And maybe some chips."

Sarah:Opening the car door wider. "I’ll come in and help you pick. I’m craving something salty."

Mark:Chuckling, looking at Ethan. "How about you, goth prince? Any weird cravings?"

Ethan:Rolling his eyes, but there’s a hint of a smile."Just something dark and sweet. Surprise me."

Mark nudges Ethan playfully as they head into the gas station together. The door chimes as they enter, greeted by the smell of old wood and the faint scent of gasoline.

Inside the Gas Station:
The gas station is a nostalgic mix of dusty shelves and brightly colored packaging. The refrigerator hums in the corner, stocked with cold drinks, while a small snack aisle beckons with chips, candy, and various road trip essentials.

Mark:Grabbing a large cup and filling it with a slushie, half cherry, half cola. "How about this? It’s dark, sweet, and has enough sugar to keep us awake all night."

Ethan:Smirking as he watches the mix swirl together."You know me too well. But if I get a brain freeze, you’re the one dealing with it."

Mark:Leaning in slightly, lowering his voice teasingly. "Maybe that’s part of the plan."

They share a quiet laugh, the tension of the upcoming trip momentarily forgotten. Mark grabs a few more snacks—chips, candy bars, and drinks—while Ethan picks out a dark chocolate bar and a bag of licorice.

Mark:At the counter, paying for the gas and snacks, he glances at Ethan."You think the others are ready for a week with no Internet?"

Ethan:Shrugging, leaning against the counter."Probably not, but that’s the fun of it. No distractions, just us, the woods, and whatever’s lurking in the dark."

Mark:Grinning as he hands Ethan the slushie, taking a sip first. "As long as I’ve got you, I’m good."

They exchange a brief, knowing look, the warmth between them clear despite the joking tone. Mark pays for the gas and the snacks, then they head back outside to the car.

Back at the Car:
The group is lounging around, waiting for them to return. Jessica checks her nails, Jake is tossing a small ball in the air, and Sarah is flipping through a map, trying to figure out how much longer the drive will be.

Mark:Passing out the snacks and drinks. "Alright, folks, we’re stocked up and ready to go. Next stop, the middle of nowhere."

Jessica:Grabbing her soda, wrinkling her nose at the slushie Mark and Ethan are sharing."Seriously, Mark, you’re gonna let him drink that?"