Chapter Text
08:00 | JUNE 24 — YOUR APARTMENT ( context: you’re reminiscing about the past few years as you pack for Hackett’s Quarry )
It has been about six years since you’ve gotten those claw marks on your face.
Six years since you’ve endured the incident at Blackwood Mountain.
Six years since you’ve survived until dawn.
After the incident, everyone went their separate ways. You still kept in touch with all of them, though. Even Josh. Kinda hard not to keep in contact with them when everyone is in a group chat lol
You couldn’t find it in yourself to be angry at Josh. He was never the same after the loss of his sisters. Yes, the prank he pulled was hella messed up, but… as twisted as it was, you understood his reasonings. He was still your friend, and… it was good to know that the rescue team was able to find him in the end.
Currently, you’ve moved to New York to do your studies. Two years have passed since you’ve earned your bachelors.
Originally, you were nervous about the aspect of attending college states away from home. Mainly at the idea of meeting new people. The scars across your face didn’t help to ease that anxiety.
You received a great deal of stares from people, but you grew used to it. Because of your scars, people often left you alone. It didn’t matter much to you because that made it a whole lot easier to focus on your studies.
It wasn’t until your last year did you meet Laura and Max.
If you were to describe Laura, you’d say she’s studious, determined, and independent. It amazed you that she put 100% effort in everything, sometimes going beyond that. She reminded you a bit of Emily; there’s more to her than just her wit and brains. Max, on the other hand, lacks ambition at times and can be a little too reliant on his girlfriend. But… his friendly nature and humor makes up for it..
Both of them became good friends with you, and honestly, you were glad for the company. Although you had an appreciation for spending time alone, you were still susceptible to feelings of loneliness. Especially since all your friends were back home. Sure there were phone calls and video calls, but… it just… didn’t feel the same as being there with them in person.
Despite being older than the two by approximately three years, the three of you kept in touch after your graduation. Considering that you all lived in the same state, it was easy to meet up often.
Recently, Laura suggested the idea of volunteering at a camp for summer in Upstate New York, a place with more rural landscapes. She mentioned it would be a good add on for everyone’s resumes and that the three of you should sign up together.
At first, you were hesitant to accept the idea.
Reason number one: the last time you spent time in a rural place, you almost died .
Reason number two: every summer, you’d be booking a plane ride home to visit your friends and family.
However, after texting the group, they all encouraged you to take the opportunity. It wasn’t like you were never going to see them again.
Little did you know, this summer was going to be the next biggest ride of your life.