Caleb edged toward the shed, the charm in his pocket flaring with heat, his mind flicking to his mom's lost lullabies and Ethan's comic-trading grin from years back.
The red-haired girl in the woods haunted him again, stirring as Lila's hair caught the moonlight, but he shook it off.
"Let's make this quick—move," he grunted, his voice rough, nerves buzzing.
Jenny stumbled beside Lila, her shoulder a bloody mess, her face tight with pain. "My arm's screaming-- I don't think I will make it ," she rasped, glaring at Tara.
Lila steadied her, plank in hand. "We'll find something—don't give up," she said, her tone firm but shaky, eyeing Tara too.
Ethan limped up, leg aching. "Just great, another creepy hole--my leg's already cursing me," he muttered,
"that's rich coming from someone who always looks for adventure" Caleb couldn't hold back his frustration, his voice dry, Ethan couldn't refute him, so he turned to Tara, shooting Tara a look.
They would be moving in darkness if not for the charm's light...fortunately they have it...Caleb thought to himself.
They moved around a bit and found another door...which leads to a difference room..
Tara fidgeted by the door, bag rustling. "There's old stuff inside—maybe bandages," she said, her voice trembling, stepping closer.
Caleb's eyes narrowed. "you better not screw with us," he warned, his voice low and hard, a new edge to it. Lila nodded. "Open it, Tara—slowly," she ordered, plank ready.
Tara pushed the door, its screech cutting the air, revealing crates and rust.
A clatter rang out, and Jenny jumped, grabbing Lila. "What's that noise? its here already? " she snapped, her voice cracking.
Caleb stepped in, charm warm. "Wait—I'll check," he said, firming up, thinking of his dad's courage.... He couldn't help but mimic it....i can do this...caleb started ranting it in his head like a mantra.
He reached for a crate with a red mark, and a rat darted out, making Ethan flinch. "Ugh, damn rodent!" he cursed, stumbling back, face red.
Lila swung the plank, smashing the crate, and bandages with a dented box spilled out. "Yes—got it!" she cheered, a rough laugh breaking free as she snatched them.
Jenny sank, a shaky breath turning to a grin. "Finally… my pain has become really unbearable," she muttered, easing as Lila wrapped her arm with bandages, after good deep spray have been applied.
Caleb watched, the woods girl flickering—her hair, Lila's focus, and playful grin she's wearing.
"Not a terrible call, Tara," he admitted, voice gruff.
Tara nodded, hesitant, but a low rumble shook the shed, crates jittering.
Ethan tensed. "What's causing that shake?" he asked, voice tight. Lila tying his ankle with a bandage, jaw set. "We're not staying," she snapped.
Caleb gripped the charm, resolve hardening, trying to swallow down his fear. "Grab the gear—let's go," he said, and they snatched the supplies, edging out as the ruins hummed with unseen menace.
Jenny leaned on Lila, wincing. "Thanks… didn't think you'd bother," she said, her tone softening slightly.
Lila shrugged, keeping her eyes on the dark. "Someone's got to—don't get used to it," she replied, a faint smirk.
Ethan nudged Caleb, grumbling, "Next time, I pick the hideout."
Caleb smirked back. "Sure, if you can walk straight." Tara trailed, quiet, but piped up, "I saw a path ahead—safer maybe?"
Caleb cut her off. "you sure do know a lot of hideouts huh, I hope I can put my trust in you" he said, his voice stern. She nodded, leading on, the group following, tension thick in air as an eerie image overshadowed them."