A Nightmare In An Island

CHAPTER 4

Kiara tightened her jacket around her as she stepped outside the café, instantly feeling the cold, heavy rain pelting her face. The wind had picked up, turning what had been a light drizzle earlier into a full-blown downpour. She'd been caught in storms before, but this one seemed different-more intense, with each raindrop feeling like a little shock of cold as it hit her skin.

Her motorcycle was parked just a few steps away, but even in that short distance, her clothes were already soaked through. She swung her leg over the bike, shivering as the rainwater seeped into her seat. The streets were nearly deserted, and most people had taken cover indoors, leaving an eerie, muted silence punctuated only by the sound of the rain hitting the asphalt and the distant rumble of thunder.

With a deep breath, she started the engine, the roar of the bike cutting through the heavy quiet. She pulled out onto the street, visibility low as the rain blurred the lights from streetlamps and shop signs into glowing halos. She had to squint, focusing hard to keep her balance on the slippery road.

The storm raged around her as she rode, the wind pushing against her and making her grip on the handles even tighter. Each time she stopped at a red light, she felt her hands clench around the handlebars to keep steady, the rain dripping down her forehead and stinging her eyes.

"Just a little further," she murmured to herself, her voice lost in the storm's roar.

After what felt like an eternity, her apartment building finally came into view, dimly lit against the dark sky. She breathed a sigh of relief, pulling into the small covered bike parking area. Shutting off the engine, she could still hear the pounding of the rain against the metal roof above her.

She hurried up the stairs, each step heavy with exhaustion. By the time she reached her door, her hair was plastered to her face, and every inch of her clothing clung to her, soaked through. As she fumbled with her keys, the icy cold of the rain made her fingers shake slightly, and she was grateful when she finally managed to unlock the door.

Inside, the warmth of her apartment greeted her, and she felt a wave of relief as she peeled off her drenched jacket and boots, leaving a small puddle on the floor. She tossed her wet clothes in a pile and headed straight to her bedroom to change into something dry and warm.

After slipping into a thick sweater and soft pajama pants, she grabbed her phone and flopped onto her couch. The storm continued outside, the rhythmic sound of rain against the windows almost comforting now that she was safe indoors.

She opened her group chat with Lexie and Brittany, her fingers hovering over the keyboard before she started typing.

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Kiara: Hey guys, just got home. Remind me to bring a kayak tomorrow, this rain is insane.

Lexie: Lol, no kidding! I'm practically trapped over here. They're letting us form teams for the event. We gotta sign up ASAP!

Kiara: Wait, really? That's awesome! Wonder how many teams are allowed?

Brittany: I think they're allowing five max. We should find someone else to join us.

Kiara: Any ideas? We could ask Martha from the math club-she's good at brainstorming stuff.

Lexie: Ooooh, good idea! She'd be perfect. I bet she'd be down. And I was thinking, if we can nail our plan, we've got a good shot at winning.

Brittany: Absolutely! I'm hyped. Let's brainstorm ideas tomorrow after class. I've got a few tricks up my sleeve!

Kiara: Sounds like a plan! Rain or shine, we're taking that prize.