Chapter 1: Introduction
The sun dipped low as Jasper's car crunched along the gravel driveway, the tires kicking up dust that danced in the soft golden light. The lake shimmered ahead, a mirror reflecting the twilight sky. He pulled up to the cabin, his heart pounding in his chest like a drummer on a caffeine high. This was it—the weekend he'd been both eagerly anticipating and dreading.
Grizz's cabin was everything Jasper had imagined: a rustic wooden structure nestled amidst tall pines, with a porch that wrapped around the front, boasting a swing and two rocking chairs.
The scent of woodsmoke hung heavy in the air, hinting at cozy evenings spent by the fire. A small dock jutted out into the lake, bobbing gently with the rhythm of the water.
Jasper stepped out of the car, his eyes scanning the scene. He could hear the soft hum of cicadas, the gentle rustle of leaves, and the distant hoot of an owl. It was peaceful, almost serene, but there was an edge to it, a wildness that wasn't just from the surroundings. He could feel it, like the prickle of hairs on the back of his neck.