Until Dawn Remake: "Between Life And Death"

Chapter 2

Y/N POV:

I rubbed my hands together, trying to fight off the biting cold. My breath puffed out in visible clouds, a reminder of just how freezing it was. Chris, shivering beside me, groaned with exhaustion. "Man, I swear this mountain gets bigger every time I climb it," he muttered.

Josh folded his arms and chuckled. "Oh yeah? Feels the same to me."

Chris scoffed, playfully. "Well, you and Y/N grew up here. It probably feels like it's shrinking to you two."

Smiling, I walked past, rubbing my arms for warmth. "He's got a point," I added.

Chris pulled out his phone and waved it around. "So, when you gonna install some cell towers up here? I'm getting withdrawals."

Josh smirked. "Got a spare million lying around? I'll fix you right up."

Chris made an exaggerated, thoughtful expression, patting his pockets. "Funny you should say that. Pretty sure I left it in my other jacket."

"Oops," I muttered, stepping aside with a grin.

We reached the lodge, and Ashley was sitting on the steps while Matt stood off to the side, looking withdrawn and tense. Something was definitely off about him.

"Hey, you guys make it up okay?" Josh asked, glancing between them.

Ashley shrugged with a small smile. "Yeah... more or less. But it's so good to see you."

Josh noticed Matt's distant expression and leaned over, whispering to us, "What's up with him?"

I shrugged. "I couldn't care less," I said flatly, heading up the stairs.

Josh followed closely behind me, handing over the key. "So, uh, how you been, bro?" he asked, his tone casual but probing.

I fumbled with the key, trying to unlock the door. "Just... fine and dandy," I replied, feeling the resistance from the lock. Frustrated, I muttered, "Shit."

Josh's concern piqued. "What is it?"

I turned, showing him the lock. "The damn thing is frozen," I said, shaking my head. "We're gonna need to find another way in."

Josh rubbed his face, clearly stumped. "Uh... yeah, that's a problem."

I glanced back at him, trying to lighten the mood. "It's fine, don't stress. I'm sure there's an open window around here somewhere."

Josh shifted uncomfortably. "So... you're suggesting we break in?" he asked, unsure.

I chuckled and gave him a reassuring grin. "Ah, brother, there's a lesson here—it's not breaking in if our parents own the place." With a wink, I headed down the stairs, ready to find another way inside.

Ashley suddenly jumped up from her spot on the stairs, her face lighting up when she saw me. "Hey, Y/N!" she greeted, a little too pleasantly. "Been a while."

"Indeed it has," I replied, my tone skeptical of her sudden kindness.

She reached out and gently caressed my arm, her eyes searching mine. "You doing okay? No crazy thoughts stirring?" she asked, her voice a little too soft.

I tensed, knowing exactly what she was hinting at. "No," I replied firmly, cutting off the conversation. "I gotta go." Without waiting for a response, I turned and walked away, spotting Sam further down the trail.

As I approached, Sam gave me a playful smirk, her arms crossed over her chest. "So, you and Ash are all buddy-buddy now?" she teased.

I chuckled softly. "Yeah, no. Way too chatty for my taste. Plus, Chris likes her, and you don't step on a bro's territory."