Chapter 1: Introduction
As the sun dipped below the horizon, casting an orange hue on the mountains surrounding our humble abode, we stumbled into the small motel room, exhausted from the arduous journey that lay within the labyrinthine wilderness. Our lungs, accustomed to the crisp mountain air, begged for a respite from the stifling odors wafting from the ancient mattress that reclined proudly upon the creaking wooden floorboards.
We groaned as we exchanged knowing glances, acknowledging the gravity of our situation. With a smirk, Tom quipped, "Well, I guess we're all gonna have to share a bed tonight!"
Mark rolled his eyes, the corners of his lips curving upward, "What's the big deal? We do it when we go camping, don't we?" He shrugged off his backpack, tossing it haphazardly onto the threadbare rug beneath his feet.
Ben followed suit, sighing as he unbuckled his hiking boots and removed them gingerly, leaving them neatly placed beside the door. Tom, ever the joker, kicked off his shoes and flung them wildly against the wall, chuckling heartily when they ricocheted back onto the cold tile floor.
Mark wrinkled his nose, "I have no idea whose feet smell worse."
The trio surveyed the sparse accommodations, which consisted solely of a sagging mattress positioned between the dilapidated television and cracked bathroom mirror. It was apparent that privacy would be scarce this evening, and the prospect of sleeping alone offered a fleeting sense of comfort amidst the close quarters.
Ben approached the rumpled bed, gingerly laying down on the edge, his gaze darting between his companions, who stood idly watching his every move. "So," he began with a hint of trepidation, "Who's going to take the couch?"
Mark shook his head, his eyes never leaving Ben's face. "I don't think so, buddy. It's not exactly comfortable, you know?" He laughed, flashing a mischievous grin.
"You know what? I'm gonna take the couch--"
Suddenly, the hinges on the door gave way, allowing it to swing open violently. The sudden intrusion startled them, causing them to jump and stare wide-eyed at the source of the commotion. Their collective gasps echoed loudly in the claustrophobic space.
A disgruntled man stormed into the room, his burly figure blocking the entrance. "What the hell is going on here?" he demanded.
His piercing gaze swept across the room, taking in the sight of the disheveled young men before him. "What do you mean 'only one bed'?"
Ben swallowed thickly, his Adam's apple bobbing uncomfortably. "There must have been some sort of mix-up, sir. We were told there were three beds, but there's only one."
The burly man sneered, his voice low and angry. "That's impossible. I made sure to book a room with three beds.
But somehow, I ended up booking a room with one bed. What a moron! I thought to myself. My face reddened, feeling my cheeks flush under the weight of embarrassment. My cousins eyed me warily, concern etched into their faces.
"Alright, let's just make the best of it," said Mark, breaking the awkward silence. "Ben, you take the middle. Tom - you're on the left.
Tom said, "Fine by me. I need to take a shower, I'm ripe as fuck." He disappeared for a while. The other two heard cursing from the bathroom. Tom reemerged in a towel with bad news. "The shower is broke. Looks like we sleep sweaty tonight."