Sebastien Struck

1: a storm unleashes

one: a storm unleashes

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almost four years after their first meeting,

a few months after Jakob and Callan's wedding.

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There was a very short list of things that Josephine Jennings had done that could be considered idiotic.

So short that a list wasn't even warranted.

But this instance definitely made the list not-list. In fact, it was probably at the very top of it.

"Stupid," she said out loud, "Stupid," she groaned, hitting her forehead against the steering wheel and then wincing upon impact. She turned the key in the ignition again, hoping for some sign of life. But the car emitted no sound.

"Stupid," she practically screamed, more at herself than her beloved blue car.

How she had ended up in this predicament, wasn't entirely a mystery to her. She had signed up for the extra credit conference herself, and she was thoroughly glad she had done so. She had gotten to attend a myriad of enlightening talks and speak with professionals, hearing their experiences in the medical field.

She had even booked a room in the small town, knowing that the conference would run late, and she wouldn't want to drive home.

But then she showed up to the lodge, and immediately, it was a tale of reality betraying expectations.

It was more rundown than it had looked on the website, and farther away from town than she had initially assumed.

And the owner, well, she'd rather take caution against the odd look in his eyes, and his interest in her plans for the evening.

So not at all a mystery why she was down the dark stretch of single lane road on her way back home, late at night.

What was a mystery however, was why her trustworthy car had chosen tonight of all nights to break down.

And why she had missed the storm alert.

And why she hadn't remembered to charge her phone.

The rain wasn't incessant yet, a light drizzle falling across her windshield, obstructing her view regardless. She manually locked all her doors, squinting out at the dark road, wondering if she actually wanted anyone to stop and help her.

Given her luck today, it would be an axe-wielding murderer that stopped beside her.

"You're fine," she coached herself, not giving into the axe-wielding murderer induced panic.

Picking up her phone, she debated which lifeline she should use with her limited battery.

Limited battery and a singular bar of service.

She swore under her breath, and mulled over her options.

Tai, who had an exam tomorrow.

Her parents, away on vacation, and would probably panic and be disappointed in equal amounts.

Faye, had a baby, and would fret over Josephine's well-being.

Uncle Syl, his disappointment would be even more scarring than her parents'.

Selina and Oscar, two kids, and she wanted to be deemed smart in Dr. Hughes eyes. This would be a step backward.