SCAREBNB

three: one star review

"Hey," Gabriel said, kneeling to where I had distanced myself from the door. "Let's not jump to conclusions. If someone had seen the note, they'd have opened the door."

I shook my head, my mouth still opened in disbelief. "It's just—the chances are so slim."

"I know," he said. He was using his phone flashlight to try and see through the crack beneath the door. "But we have to use rational logic here."

Rational logic.

"I have a terrible feeling," I whispered. "I made sure I left an inch on this side of the door—it must've been taken."

"Nobody would take it and ignore it," he said. I could see his eyes fixed on me in the dim light. "If someone took it, help is on the way."

I nodded slowly. I wanted to believe him. It was so tempting to believe him.

"I'm sure someone will come soon."

He held out a hand, and I hesitated before taking it. It was firm around mine as he helped hoist me to my feet.

"Sorry," I muttered, aware it was annoying to put up with my paranoia. Annie had done it countless times, laid with me in my dorm room as my mind spiraled through overthought scenarios.

Gabriel dismissed my apology, crossing his arms over his chest. I caught a glimpse of his face, his features tense. I realized he was probably worried too, but his words were designed for comfort, not honesty. It made me feel stupid. It wasn't a time for sensitivity, we should be being realistic.

"I'm going to sit up in here," he said. "I'll be on look out. You can sleep."

I nodded, my heart still beating fast. I thought about going back into the bedroom, trying to fall asleep again beside Cadence...

"Can I join you?" I asked. I knew I wouldn't be able to fall asleep. And Gabriel was a stranger. I didn't trust him enough to be reassured.

He looked hesitant, and I wondered if he was thinking the same thing. "Can't stop you."

The clock on the wall showed it was close to two in the morning. Empty cups dotted the surfaces from the others. It looked like the alcohol supply was almost emptied. I hoped that'd mean we'd be more solution-driven when the others finally woke.

I checked my phone again, switching it on and off and trying to find the connection again. It was like it wasn't even searching for a signal, immediately displaying no service. I'd never seen it behave like that before, even when I was somewhere completely remote with my family.

"Weird, huh?" Gabriel spoke from across the living room. I adjusted my position on the recliner.

"Weird," I agreed.

"Definitely giving this place one star," he joked.

The corners of my lips lifted a little, but I couldn't quite laugh. I appreciated his attempt at joking, though.

"Elijah and James were adamant we shouldn't come to this town," he continued. I noticed a dimple crease as he smiled to himself. "They wanted somewhere with parties, but I convinced them on somewhere with surfing."

"We wanted somewhere quiet too," I mused. "This semester has been intense for all of us."

He looked curious. "What's your major?"

"Math," I replied. "I like statistics."

He seemed amused by this. I wondered if it was the whole Asian math stereotype, or maybe he didn't expect anyone to willingly choose a math major. I narrowed my eyes. "What's yours?"