Logan groaned as he entered the cabin, dragging his duffle bag behind him as he climbed the stairs. He didn't want to be here. He didn't want to come to the stupid family vacation, but he had no choice in the matter. For weeks, he had begged his parents to let him stay home. He came up with hundreds of excuses and even faked being sick the day they were leaving. All of his attempts failed.
This was an annual trip his parents forced him and his younger twin siblings to endure. Their dad often traveled and was hardly around to spend quality time with his family. So for two weeks every year in the beginning of June, the bunch made the trip to the family cabin.
Logan, being the typical teenager he was, resented spending time with his dad. In fact, his father was almost a complete stranger to him. And on top of everything, they hardly ever got along.
The adolescent slumped onto the lumpy bed, still in a bad mood. He wished that these two weeks would pass quickly.
There was a quick knock at the door. It swung open before Logan could respond.
"Hey, kiddo." It was his father.
"Hey," he groaned, turning his attention to the ceiling.
"Look," he began. "I know you don't want to be here, but for god's sake, kid. Lighten up. This is supposed to be a relaxing vacation, so at least pretend to not hate every moment. Do it for your mother."
It took everything in Logan's power to not roll his eyes. Of course he'd bring his mom into it. What a cheap move.
"Sounds great," he said, faking enthusiasm. Painfully, he forced a smile, hoping it would send his father away.
His dad, in turn, returned the expression and rewarded him with a pat on the shoulder. He was gone within seconds.
A few hours of nothing had passed, and Logan decided he would go outside and walk around for a bit.
Summer was just beginning to set in; the skies were blue, the grass was green, and the air was comfortably warm. He took a deep breath in, savoring the pine. Although he didn't love spending time with his family, Logan really enjoyed the clean air. Back home in the city, it was unusual to feel so refreshed. It was like he could finally clear his head.
Logan followed a path that led into some thicker trees. He wanted to explore a bit and get as far away from his family as humanly possible.
The trees provided some shade in the slightly-too-warm weather, and for that he was grateful. Slowing his pace, he really tried to focus on his surroundings, soaking the simplicity in. To Logan's surprise, he was filled with joy. But it was unfamiliar. It was so raw and real, unlike things back at home.
Hearing a rushing water nearby, Logan decided to leave the path. He was, after all, beginning so sweat a bit and could use a refreshing splash.
*+*+*+*
Tanner ran. He ran as fast as his legs could possibly carry him. Every few seconds he would look back, hearing the predator slowly yet surely catching up with him.
Stupid! He muttered to himself, scolding him for his idiotic actions.
I'm so stupid!
Tanner groaned as he pushed on, willing his legs to go faster. This was a matter of life and death. His frustration with hisself allowed him an extra boost of adrenaline, surging him forward.
If only I hadn't gone out into the clearing like I was warned not to. If only I had brought my spear with me. If only I had decided not to egg on the stupid rat.
