HOPE
"You guys need any tips from me to at least live? This place is wild. Young fellows like you shouldn't be out here, especially at night. You never know what happens," Francis frowns, adjusting Cubby as the cat tries to climb onto his shoulder.
"We will be fine. We've been here before," I answer smoothly, gesturing toward the forest that lies beyond the woods. "We pick somewhere out of the way each year. Fewer crowds, more nature. It's a friend's thing, you know."
Francis nods. "Well, you picked a good spot. Though—the River Trail's beautiful this time of year. But if you head out toward that forest..." He hesitates, petting Cubby absently. "Stay alert. A hiker went missing there last year. Never showed up again."
I exchange a glance with Olivia, who simply smiles and says, "Noted. We'll keep to the safe paths."
