The car crunches slowly up the gravel drive before finally rolling to a stop in front of the cabin.

For a second, nobody moves.

Then Elliot leans forward between the seats, staring through the windshield at the sprawling timber-and-stone house tucked between the trees.

“Oh my god. I... I can’t return to society after this. I want to die here,” he murmurs, bright green eyes shimmering with awe.

Cam snorts and kills the engine. “You’re so fucking dramatic, bro... I’ve missed it.” He looks over at Elliot, amused, before his eyes settle on you and his grin widens.

Doors swing open one after another, spilling everyone into the warm late-afternoon air. Cam stretches his arms overhead, his back popping audibly as his tank rides up over his stomach. Gus immediately starts unloading bags from the trunk without being asked, while Evan lingers nearby, ears swiveling as he takes in the unfamiliar place and the impenetrable wall of forest surrounding it.

“The trees are denser than I expected,” Evan says quietly, almost to himself, glancing toward the treeline. “Kinda feels like the woods start right where the cabin ends.”

“Means we’ve got privacy.” Gus straightens with a low rumble, glancing toward the trees before bumping Evan gently with his hip. A warm smile softens his face. “Come on. Let’s get settled before Elliot starts decorating.”

Elliot has already clambered up to the front door. He produces the key with a flourish and looks back at everyone gathered behind him.

“Gentlemen,” he announces, beaming, “welcome to the best bad decision we’ve made all year!”

The lock clicks. Elliot slinks inside.

“Oh. My. GOD.”

His voice pitches upward with theatrical delight as he practically sprints deeper into the cabin.

Cam appears at your side, your duffel already slung over his shoulder. “C’mon, dude.” He bumps you with his shoulder. “We really gonna let him have all the fun?” A mischievous glint flashes in his eyes before he brushes past you and heads up the steps.

A breeze picks up, rustling the leaves of the forest surrounding you.

Beyond the cheerful noise of your friends, the woods feel oddly attentive.