𝐈𝐭 𝐂𝐨𝐦𝐞𝐬 𝐀𝐭 𝐍𝐢𝐠𝐡𝐭

C H A P T E R _ O N E

The car jolted over the rough dirt road, sending a cloud of dust billowing behind us. The dust obscured the rearview mirror, as if erasing the past with each passing moment. I listened to the gravel clattering against the undercarriage, a constant reminder of the rugged terrain.

"You know, you could all spend the summer vacation at home instead of in the woods," Dad said, glancing up at us in the rearview mirror. The lenses of his glasses flashed, making it impossible to see his eyes. "And Mr. Harrison, you can discipline my son at home. It's not like we wouldn't give you two any privacy."

"Dad!" I screamed, my face turning red. Harrison made an awkward face while Archie, Mylo, and Steven giggled.

"Don't be a dick, Richard," Mom snapped, slapping Dad's right arm.

Dad shrugged, a smirk playing at the corners of his mouth. "Just trying to keep things interesting," he said, his tone half-apologetic, half-amused.

Mom rolled her eyes but softened slightly. "He's just worried sick about leaving you all in the woods alone," she said, her voice gentler now. "He doesn't like to show it, but he cares more than he lets on."

"I know, Mom," I replied, trying to reassure her. "We're not exactly roughing it out here in the woods. It's a cabin that belongs to Mylo's parents. We'll be fine."

"Yeah, and watch out for the Wendigo in the woods. It might come to pick you up and eat you limb by limb," Dad chuckled darkly

I rolled my eyes. "Dad, I'm 17, not 8. I'm not scared of stories like that anymore," I replied, trying to sound more confident than I felt.

Dad smirked. "Oh, I know. But you never know-maybe the Wendigo prefers more mature flavors."

Archie snickered. "Well, if the Wendigo's got a taste for fabulous, you both might just be in trouble," he quipped, giving me a playful nudge.

"Good one Archy," Dad said with a chuckle.

I rolled my eyes and leaned my head on Harrison's shoulder. "Ignore them" Harrison wiheopered which made me smile.

The SUV we were traveling in was a spacious, sleek black vehicle, but with seven of us crammed inside, it felt anything but roomy. Dad was driving, with Mom in the passenger seat. Archie, Mylo, Steven, Harrison, and I were squeezed into the back, the leather seats pressing us closer together than we liked.

The air was filled with a mix of dust, the scent of fast-food wrappers stuffed in the cup holders, and the faint whiff of sweat from our long journey.

Backpacks and duffel bags were piled up in the trunk, and the occasional bump in the road sent them shifting and tumbling, making the already tight quarters feel even more claustrophobic. The windows were slightly rolled down, letting in a breeze that did little to alleviate the stuffy atmosphere inside.

Steven peered out the window, squinting at the darkening sky. "It's gonna rain," he announced, his tone matter-of-fact.

I glanced up, noticing the ominous clouds gathering on the horizon. "Great," I muttered. "Just what we need."

Mom turned to Mylo, her brow furrowed. "How far is the cabin, Mylo?"

Mylo glanced out the window, scanning the surroundings. "Not too far now. Just stop the car when you see the green signboard. It should be coming up soon."

Mylo had dark hair that framed his face neatly, with square glasses perched on his nose, giving him a scholarly appearance. He always looked like the smartest person in the room, and he usually was.

Next to him, Steven sat with his skinny frame and golden brown skin, looking relaxed despite the cramped quarters. He had an easygoing demeanor that contrasted with his lanky build. Despite constantly munching on chips, as he was doing now, Steven remained remarkably skinny, a mystery to everyone around him.

Archie, with his short blond hair, was constantly fidgeting, his bright blue eyes always scanning for something to laugh about. His playful nature was evident in his every movement.

Harrison, on the other hand, had a sturdy build and light brown hair that was slightly tousled. He exuded a quiet strength, making me feel safe as I rested my head on his shoulder.

After an hour of driving, we finally stopped near a signboard that read "Green Hills." A dirt path led up to the hill, disappearing into the thick foliage.

Archie squinted out the window. "I don't see any cabin. Did it run away?" he joked, earning a few chuckles.

Mylo rolled his eyes and pointed to the dirt path. "It's up the hill, Archie. Just follow the path."

"So, we have to carry our things up the hill?" Steven asked, his voice a mix of disbelief and complaint.

"Afraid so," Mylo replied with a shrug.

With a collective groan, we all began to unload the car, grabbing backpacks, duffel bags. The prospect of lugging everything up the hill was daunting, but there was no other option.

After unloading the car, Dad and Mom stood by, ready to say their goodbyes.

"Alright, you kids be safe and take care of each other," Dad said, giving each of us a stern look.

"Call us if you need anything," Mom added, her voice tinged with worry. She hugged me tightly. "And have fun, okay?"

"We will, Mom," I reassured her, trying to sound more confident than I felt.

With final waves and a few more reminders to be careful, they got back into the SUV and drove off, the dust kicking up behind them.

I looked up the hill, noticing the dark clouds looming ominously over the mountains. It seemed like the rain Steven predicted was getting closer.

"Guess we better get moving before the rain hits," I said, adjusting my backpack and starting up the dirt path.

"Hey Steven, let's race!" Archie shouted, sprinting up the hill with his bags.

"If I win, your chips are mine!" Steven called back, rushing after him.

"Be careful, there are bears here!" Mylo shouted at them, but it was too late-they were already too far ahead to hear. Mylo sighed and started walking up the hill, shaking his head.

I looked back to see Harrison standing there. "Let's go," he said, grabbing my arm gently. With a nod, we began our climb.