At first, the taxi was going according to the route I had seen to get to the hotel, but suddenly the driver took a different turn than the one I was anticipating. The hotel was supposed to be on the left, and we went right. My brother must be thinking the same thing because he eyed the driver suspiciously.

Thick, heavy air filled the environment, a moment so still and quiet.

The taxi came to a halt. “Uh-oh. The car seems to require some troubleshooting. Please remain seated and do not be frightened. Meanwhile, I will have a look at this problem.” The driver said in a monotonous sound and without looking at us.

We stared at each other blankly.

“Something seems totally off about this dude.” Mont declares, and I can’t help but agree.

The driver gets off and opens the bonnet to check the car’s contents. Just as quickly as he opened the bonnet, he shuts it close. He motions for me to come out of the car.

“You guys remain seated,” I say as I get off the car.

“No.” The driver shakes his head.

“No?” I repeat.

“All of you. Out.” The driver sounded dangerously weird. I had a feeling of wanting to run.

“The car. It’s not working; it’s something I cannot fix.”

.......

We had to leave the taxi and are currently walking to the hotel, which on my phone is at least a mile away. And I guess the driver knew where he was headed. I might have just made a mistake remembering.

“Look. Olivia. There’s light coming from the woods.”

“Light from the woods?”

Between the many trees and leaves covering what was inside, a yellow light was peeking out. My phone beeped. An alert for severe thunderstorms appeared on the screen. Oh, c’mon. Just how worse could things get?

In response, my mom almost lost her balance while walking. Of course.

“Olivia. Mom isn’t feeling right. How about I go check out the place where the light is coming from? Who knows? There might be someone living in there who could probably allow us to stay for a while or something.” Mont proposes.

“No. If we go in there, we go together.” I reply.

We turn towards the light. Although it didn’t seem that far, it turned out to be quite a walk.

Finally reaching our destination, an enormous white cement thick and high building shone bright with yellow lights. There were even castle-kind points at the top of the building. The door was a wooden door with circle loops as the handles. Which I suppose could also be used for knocking. I grab one of the handles and knock on the door.

First knock: Nothing.

Second knock: Nothing.

Third knock: Something.

The door creaked slightly open. Behind the door, stood a bald skinny old man.