The group — Louis, Luna, Lisa, and John — were surrounded by thick mist. When the fog slowly cleared, they could finally see each other again.
"Is everyone okay?" Lisa asked.
"Yes, we're fine," Louis replied.
"Where did that damn mist come from?" John said, frowning.
"How should we know?" Lisa answered.
As they tried to understand where the mist came from, Louis noticed something strange.
"Um, guys… where's Luna?" he said.
The group froze at his words and began looking around in panic.
"Luna! Where are you?" Lisa shouted.
"Where the hell did she go?" John said.
"Hey Luna, you're not pranking us, right?" Louis called out.
"I don't think she's joking, Louis," Lisa said nervously.
"Just what is going on in this jungle?" John muttered.
"This isn't the time to be mad — we need to find Luna and Max," Louis said firmly.
"Right," Lisa agreed.
John frowned but followed them.
_____________________________________
Meanwhile, Luna, Lisa, John, and Max were still searching for Louis and Stephanie's parents. They walked through the jungle, scanning their surroundings — but there was no sign of anyone.
"I'm really starting to give up," Luna said tiredly.
"Just a little longer, Luna. I have a feeling we might find them," Lisa replied.
"How much longer do we have to keep looking?" Luna sighed.
"Calm down, Luna. We'll find them," John said.
"Yeah, just don't be impatient," Max added.
"I'm not being impatient! I just hate being stuck here," Luna snapped.
"Well, we're all stuck here — you're not the only one who hates it," Max said.
"I said I'm just tired of looking for Louis, okay?"
"Hey, mister and miss, why are you both fighting?" Stephanie asked softly.
Both froze at her words.
"We're not fighting, Stephanie. We're just talking," Luna said quickly.
"Yes, just a normal talk," Max added.
"But you both look like you're going to beat each other up," Stephanie said.
"No, Stephanie. They're just having a little argument," Lisa explained gently.
Lisa whispered to them,
"That's why I told you not to fight in front of a kid."
"Exactly! But you two never listen," Max muttered.
"But she's the one who started—" Max whispered before Luna glared at him.
Before Luna could say anything, John interrupted.
"Enough, both of you! We have a kid with us, so don't start again."
Both went silent, and the group continued searching for her parents and Louis.
_____________________________________
Meanwhile, Luka and Louis were walking deeper into the jungle. Luka looked annoyed by Louis's earlier joke but kept going.
"How much longer do we have to keep searching?" Luka asked.
"I told you, we have to keep looking," Louis replied.
"This is annoying. I'm regretting my decision now," Luka said.
"What decision?" Louis asked.
"To leave the van and come find you guys with Anna," Luka said. He paused for a moment and added,
"But you know what my biggest regret is?"
"Your biggest regret? What is it?" Louis asked.
"Coming to that stupid party in the first place. I never wanted to go, but you all forced me," Luka said.
"Well, we didn't force you, Luka. We just asked," Louis replied.
"Yeah, at first you just asked — but then you said something. Do you remember what it was?" Luka said, stopping and looking at Louis.
"Well, yes, I remember," Louis said.
"Then say it. What did you all say?" Luka demanded.
"Huh?" Louis started to speak, but suddenly they heard a loud crash — like something heavy being thrown.
Both looked at each other.
"What the hell was that?" Luka said.
"I don't know, but it sounded like something big hit the ground," Louis said.
"But who would throw something that heavy in the middle of a jungle?" Luka asked.
"I don't know, but maybe we should check it out," Louis said.
"Hell no! I'm not checking anything," Luka said quickly.
"Oh, come on, Luka," Louis teased.
"I said no!" Luka growled.
"Is it because you're scared?" Louis smirked.
"I'm not scared!" Luka snapped.
"Then prove it," Louis said with a grin.
"Fine! Let's go," Luka said through gritted teeth. The two ran toward the sound.
______________________________________
Meanwhile, Anna and Max were still searching for the others.
"Do you think we'll ever find them?" Anna said.
"I'm sure we will," Max replied.
"But it's been so long, and we haven't found anyone. We even lost Luka and Louis," Anna said.
"Like Louis said — if we don't find them now, maybe we'll find them by morning," Max said calmly.
"I really think splitting up was a bad idea, but you and Louis never listen," Anna said.
"Well, if we hadn't split up, we'd just be wandering in circles. This way, we might cover more ground," Max said.
"Oh really? Then tell me, Max — have we found anyone yet?" Anna asked sharply.
"No, but we will soon," Max said.
"You and your big talk," Anna muttered.
"Hey, what's that supposed to mean?" Max said.
Before Anna could reply, both of them heard something — a faint sound of someone crying.
"Hey, Max, did you hear that?" Anna asked.
"Yeah, I heard it. I'm not deaf," Max said.
"Do you know who's crying?" Anna asked.
"How would I know? But we should check it out," Max said.
"Do you really think it's a good idea?" Anna asked.
"Yes, because maybe whoever's crying can help us — or it might even be one of our friends," Max said.
"You think so? I don't recognize the voice though. It's so faint," Anna said.
"Exactly. That's why we need to get closer," Max said.
Anna nodded and followed him. They both started walking toward the sound.