Willow’s Rest
The group stood outside Willow’s Rest Bed & Breakfast, a charming, ivy-covered building that looked as though it had been plucked straight from a postcard. The late afternoon sun cast long shadows across the cobblestone path leading up to the entrance, and a gentle breeze rustled the leaves of the old oak trees that dotted the property. With their flights arriving so late, they had decided to stay the night in one of the local hotels to avoid the nearly three-hour drive to their resort on unfamiliar roads at night.
Calvin was in the middle of recounting the local lore as they gathered around, waiting for Emmaline to finish checking in with the proprietor. Zack leaned against the old wooden fence that lined the property, listening with a mix of interest and amusement as Calvin launched into yet another of his impromptu history lessons.
“So, Zack,” Calvin began, his tone a blend of excitement and earnestness, “did you know that Cedar Hollow, the town we’re heading to, has a pretty rich and somewhat eerie history?”
Zack raised an eyebrow, curious despite himself, recognizing Calvin’s tone–trying to distract himself, to channel his anxiety into something that felt productive. “Eerie how?”
“Well,” Calvin said, adjusting his glasses with a slight twitch, “back in the late 1800s, there was this hermit named Grimsby—Old Man Grimsby, they called him. He lived way up in the mountains, away from everyone else, and folks said he was a bit… strange. He claimed to have visions, prophecies, about the town’s future. Specifically, he said that Cedar Hollow would one day play a crucial role in the battle between good and evil.”
Felicia, who had been idly picking at the leaves of a nearby shrub, smirked. “Sounds like someone spent too much time alone in the woods.”
Calvin chuckled, unfazed. “Maybe, but here’s the interesting part. Fast forward to the Confederate States War in 2025, Cedar Hollow actually did become pretty important—it served as a major hospital location for the troops. It was one of the few places that remained standing after the initial bombings, and they used it to treat a lot of the wounded.”
Zack tilted his head, intrigued. “So you’re saying the hermit was onto something?”
“Exactly,” Calvin replied, his eyes lighting up, though his smile was tight. “It’s just… interesting, you know? How this obscure little town ended up playing such a significant role in recent history. It’s like there’s something about Cedar Hollow that draws these big events to it, something almost… predestined.”
Jeremy, who had been leaning against the side of the bed and breakfast, rolled his eyes and grinned. “Yeah, yeah, sure. And I bet you think there are Goatmen roaming the woods too, huh, Calvin?”
Rosie laughed, nudging Calvin playfully. “Careful, he might start quoting more local legends at you.” Her voice was bright, but Zack could see the tension in her eyes, the way she glanced at the others as if making sure everyone was still on the same page. Rosie was the glue that held them together, always smoothing over conflicts, always making sure everyone was okay.
Calvin shook his head, grinning back with a small bit of flush appearing. “I’m just saying, the place has a history. And for the record, the Goatmen are just folklore. AND that’s Maryland, not Arkansas. But the Ozark Black Howler, on the other hand…”
“Oh no,” Felicia groaned, “here we go.” She glanced towards Jeremy, almost as if seeking his approval.
His joke landing exactly how he wanted, filling him with joy, but also led his mind to another piece of folklore, causing Calvin to continue despite the group’s groans, his enthusiasm was palpable as he leaned forward, his eyes sparkling with excitement. “There’s also the Fouke—big Sasquatch-like critter in the southern regions. And the Gowrow.”
Felicia rolled her eyes, but there was a playful smile tugging at the corners of her lips. “The Gow-what now?”
“The Gowrow!” Calvin replied, as if the name itself held some kind of magical significance. “It’s a legendary creature said to live in the caves around here. Kind of like a dragon, but without the wings. It’s supposed to be massive, with tusks and a long, spiked tail. They say it can tunnel through the ground like a mole and tear through solid rock.”
Jeremy, ever the skeptic, scoffed. “And I suppose it breathes fire too? Come on, Cal, you don’t actually believe any of this crap, do you?”
Calvin shrugged, a mischievous grin on his face. “Believe? No. But it’s fun to think about, right? The idea that there could be something out there, something we can’t explain. Besides, whether it’s true or not. There’s always some truth buried in legends, even if it’s just about the fears or beliefs of the people who tell them.”
Zack, sensing the tension rising between Calvin and Jeremy, decided to jump in. “It’s like the Loch Ness Monster or Bigfoot—people love these stories because they add a bit of mystery to the world.”
“Yeah, well, I’ll stick to things that are actually real,” Jeremy shot back, his tone a bit sharper than before. “Like bears. Or getting lost in the woods because someone’s too busy chasing fairy tales.”
Rosie, always quick to defuse a brewing argument, chuckled softly. “Come on, guys. It’s all just harmless fun. We’re on vacation, right? No need to get worked up over some old legends.”
Before Calvin could respond, a local man, maybe in his late forties with a weathered face and a scruffy beard, walked by their table. He wore a trucker hat and a faded flannel shirt, his jeans stained with dirt. As he passed, he let out a loud, amused laugh, clearly having overheard their conversation.
“Y’all city folks really buyin’ into that Gowrow nonsense?” he drawled, his voice thick with an accent. He gave Felicia a wink, his smile wide and toothy. “Ain’t nothin’ out there but rocks and trees, darlin’. But if yer lookin’ for a good time, I could show ya ‘round these parts. There’s more to this place than made-up monsters.”
Felicia’s smile faltered, and she glanced nervously at Jeremy, who immediately tensed up, his eyes narrowing as he focused on the man.
Jeremy’s voice was cold, cutting through the awkward silence like a knife. “Why don’t you keep walkin’, old man? We’re not interested in your bullshit.”
The man’s smile faded, replaced by a hard glare. “Just tryin’ to be friendly, son.”
“Yeah, well, we don’t need your kind of friendly,” Jeremy snapped back, his voice rising with each word. “So why don’t you take your winks and your stories and shove ‘em where the sun don’t shine?”
The local man’s face twisted in anger, but something in Jeremy’s tone, or maybe the way his shoulders squared, made him think twice about pushing further. With a grunt, he turned and walked off, muttering something under his breath as he went.
The group sat in tense silence for a moment, the air heavy with the remnants of the confrontation, before Rosie forced a laugh, though it sounded strained. “Well, that was…something.”
Felicia reached out to touch Jeremy’s arm, her voice soft. “You didn’t have to go that hard on him, Jer. He was just being a jerk.”
Jeremy shrugged off her touch, his jaw clenched. “Yeah, well, I’m not in the mood for assholes today.”
Calvin glanced between them, the earlier enthusiasm drained from his face. “Maybe we should just focus on the trip,” he suggested, his voice quieter now. “Leave the legends and the locals alone.”
Zack, picking up on the tension, nodded in agreement. “Yeah, we’ve got enough on our plate with the trip. No need to get into it with the locals.”
“We’re all just tired.” Rosie said as she gave everyone a small, tight smile. Shortly after, Emmaline emerged from the bed and breakfast, her expression a mix of excitement and determination.
“Alright, I’ve got everything sorted,” she announced, catching everyone’s attention. “I booked us a couple of rooms for the night so we can rest up before heading out tomorrow. And I rented us a 2028 Narglatch SUV to take us up to the cabins.”
Jeremy’s face twisted into a look of disbelief. “A Narglatch? Seriously? That thing’s almost 30 years old! Couldn’t we have gotten something a little more… I don’t know, modern?”
Emmaline sighed, clearly anticipating his reaction. “It was the only vehicle with four-wheel drive that could fit all of us and didn’t cost a fortune. Besides, it’s sturdy and reliable—just what we need for the mountain roads.”
“Sturdy, sure,” Jeremy muttered, crossing his arms. “As long as it doesn’t break down halfway up the mountain.”
“It’ll get us where we need to go,” Emmaline insisted, her tone firm but patient. “Trust me, we’ll be glad to have it once we hit those rough trails. Plus, it’s part of the adventure, right?”
The others seemed to take Emmaline’s words to heart, and the grumbling subsided as they began gathering their bags and preparing to settle in for the night. The prospect of a good night’s sleep and a sturdy vehicle for the journey ahead helped to ease any lingering doubts.
Zack stretched lazily, the warmth of the cozy room making it difficult to leave the comfort of the bed. The early morning light filtered through the thin curtains, casting a soft glow over the room. With a sigh, he pushed himself upright, running a hand through his blue-dyed hair, which stuck up in every direction. The room still held the faint smell of cedar and fresh linens, a comforting reminder of where he was.
He dressed quickly and slipped out of the room, leaving the soft sound of Emmaline’s breathing behind him, with whom he shared a room to cut costs. The hallways of Willow’s Rest Bed & Breakfast were quiet, the floorboards creaking softly under his feet as he made his way toward the dining area. As he descended the stairs, the sounds of clinking dishes and muffled conversation grew louder, the warm scent of breakfast greeting him like an old friend.
The dining area was already bustling with activity. Several families, clearly tourists like themselves, were seated at the rustic wooden tables, enjoying plates of eggs, bacon, and fresh biscuits. The atmosphere was cheerful, filled with the hum of contented conversation and the occasional burst of laughter.
Zack spotted Jeremy at a table near the window, already halfway through his breakfast. When Jeremy saw Zack, he raised his glass of orange juice in a mock toast, grinning widely.
“Happy you made it,” Jeremy called out, his tone light and teasing.
Zack couldn’t help but smile as he walked over and took a seat across from Jeremy. “Yeah, barely,” he replied, rubbing his eyes. “Felicia still asleep?”
“Out cold,” Jeremy said with a smirk. “She’s not exactly a morning person. But that means more bacon for me.”
Zack chuckled and glanced around the table. Calvin sat next to Jeremy, his head propped up on one hand as he stared blankly at his plate. His usual energy was nowhere to be seen, and his responses to Jeremy’s occasional jabs were little more than grunts or half-hearted nods.
Turner, however, was a different story. Sitting across from Calvin, he looked surprisingly lively, his eyes bright and a small, content smile on his face. He chatted animatedly, despite Calvin’s drowsy and somewhat rude responses, seemingly unbothered by the lack of engagement.
Zack observed them for a moment, trying to reconcile this Turner with the quiet, awkward one he had known yesterday. It was as if a switch had flipped overnight, and Turner was now radiating a warmth and energy that Zack hadn’t seen before. The contrast between the two of them—Turner’s upbeat demeanor and Calvin’s groggy grumpiness—was almost comical.
After a few moments of listening to Turner’s chatter about the day’s plans, Zack excused himself and made his way to the buffet line. The smell of freshly brewed coffee and warm syrup filled the air as he approached the spread of breakfast options. He grabbed a plate and started loading it with scrambled eggs, toast, and a few slices of freshly made waffles.
As he reached for a biscuit, a warm, drawling voice interrupted his thoughts. “Howdy, honey, welcome to the South.”
Zack looked up, surprised, and found himself face to face with an older woman who seemed to be staring him up and down. She had a friendly, almost flirtatious smile on her lips, and her thick Southern accent added a layer of charm to her words. Despite her age, she was still striking, with sharp features softened by a light touch of makeup and auburn hair styled in loose waves.
“Uh, hi,” Zack replied, a bit taken aback. “How did you know I wasn’t from around here?”
The woman’s smile widened, a playful glint in her eyes. “Oh, honey, it’s not that hard to tell. Most Southern boys don’t dye their hair blue.” She reached out and gently tugged at a lock of Zack’s hair, her touch light and teasing.
Zack felt his cheeks warm slightly. “Yeah, I guess that’s a bit of a giveaway.”
“Just a bit,” she drawled, her eyes twinkling with amusement. “And let’s not forget that build of yours—slim, runner-like. Most boys your age down here are cornfed, got a little more meat on their bones. Stalkier, you know? Makes ‘em good for hauling hay and fixing up trucks.”
Zack laughed nervously, not entirely sure how to respond. “I guess I’m not cut out for farm work, then.”
“Oh, don’t sell yourself short, sugar,” she said with a wink. “You’d do just fine down here. We might even make a Southern boy outta you yet.”
Zack grinned, relaxing a bit as he realized the woman’s teasing was all in good fun. “Maybe,” he replied, glancing at the food options. “So, what’s good here?”
“Oh, everything’s good,” she assured him. “But if you want a true taste of the South, don’t skip out on the grits. They’re creamy, buttery, and just right. And those biscuits? They’ll melt in your mouth.”
Taking her advice, Zack added a helping of grits and another biscuit to his plate. “Thanks,” he said, genuinely appreciating the tip.
“Anytime, sweetheart,” she replied, giving him another wink. “You enjoy your breakfast now, and if you need anything else, just holler. We’re all family down here.”
Zack nodded, smiling as he made his way back to the table. As he sat down, Jeremy immediately shot him a knowing look, his grin wide and mischievous.
“So, how was your chat with the local cougar?” Jeremy teased, nudging Zack’s arm. “She looked like she was ready to eat you up—more than just breakfast.”
Zack felt his face flush as he ducked his head slightly. “She was just being friendly,” he mumbled, trying to downplay the encounter.
“Friendly?” Jeremy snorted. “Friendly like a cat with a mouse. She was all over you, man. I was half-expecting her to ask you to stay for another night.”
Turner, catching on to the conversation, chuckled softly. “Hey, at least you got some good advice on the food. Could’ve been worse.”
Calvin, still drowsy but managing to join in, muttered, “You could’ve ended up with her phone number instead of grits.”
The table erupted in laughter, with Zack trying to hide his embarrassment behind a sip of coffee. He knew they were just messing with him, but the attention was still a bit overwhelming. Despite that, the teasing helped ease the tension he’d felt about the trip, and he found himself smiling along with the rest of them.
“Alright, alright,” Zack conceded, raising his hands in mock surrender. “Maybe she was a little… interested. But can we please focus on breakfast now?”
Jeremy laughed, giving him a playful shove. “Sure thing, man. But don’t be surprised if she adds ten extra little digits to your bill.”
The sun had risen higher in the sky, casting a warm glow over Willow’s Rest as the group gathered outside, preparing to load up the Narglatch. The crisp morning air was filled with the sounds of birds chirping and the occasional thud of bags being tossed into the back of the vehicle. Despite the early hour, the group was in good spirits, eager to get on the road and begin their adventure.
Emmaline stood by the SUV, checking off a mental list as she watched everyone bring their bags out. Felicia, now fully awake and her usual lively self, handed Jeremy a cooler packed with snacks, while Calvin and Rosie worked on securing the luggage. Turner was meticulously arranging the bags in the trunk, making sure everything fit just right.
As the last of the bags were loaded, Jeremy stepped back, hands on his hips, and eyed the vehicle with a skeptical look. “You know, I’m still not over the fact that we’re driving a fuckin’ relic,” he quipped, glancing at Emmaline with a teasing grin. “I mean, we’re just one breakdown away from making this a hiking trip.”
Emmaline rolled her eyes, clearly used to Jeremy’s jabs. “It’s not a relic, it’s a classic. And besides, it’s reliable, and it’ll get us where we need to go. You’ll thank me when we’re cruising up those mountain trails.”
“Yeah, if it doesn’t turn into a museum piece on the way there,” Jeremy shot back, earning a few chuckles from the others.
“Or fall apart like a puzzle,” Calvin added dryly, still clearly not a morning person but unable to resist piling on.
Zack laughed as he slung his backpack into the back seat, shutting the door with a satisfying click. “If it gets us to the cabins, I’m good with it. Besides, it’s got character, right?”
“Character’s one way to put it,” Jeremy muttered, but there was a good-natured grin on his face as he climbed into the front passenger seat.
Once everyone was settled inside, Emmaline took the driver’s seat, adjusting the mirrors and checking the GPS for their route. The SUV rumbled to life, its engine purring with a surprising smoothness that silenced some of Jeremy’s earlier doubts.
“Alright, everyone ready?” Emmaline asked, glancing back at the group.
A chorus of affirmations filled the car, and with that, Emmaline pulled out of the parking lot and onto the open road. The SUV rolled smoothly along the highway, its sturdy frame handling the gentle curves and occasional bumps with ease. The morning light streamed through the windows, casting long shadows across the interior as the group settled in for the long drive ahead.
The scenery outside shifted from the quaint charm of the bed and breakfast to the rolling hills and dense forests of the Ozarks. The first leg of the journey was filled with the usual road trip chatter—reminiscing about old memories, joking about the questionable reliability of their vehicle, and speculating about what awaited them in Cedar Hollow.
As the miles passed, the conversation waxed and waned, with periods of quiet comfort as the group relaxed into the drive. Turner, sitting beside Zack in the back seat, was surprisingly talkative, sharing anecdotes about past trips and pointing out interesting landmarks as they sped by. Zack found himself more at ease in Turner’s presence now, the earlier awkwardness from the airport replaced by a growing sense of sociability.
“Remember that time we got lost in the middle of nowhere?” Turner said, grinning as he sat forward and placed his arms around Felicia. “We ended up camping out under the stars because we couldn’t find the trail.”
Felicia smiled and looked back, but Zack could see the tension in her shoulders. “Yeah, that was fun. But I’m glad we’re a bit more prepared this time.”
Zack noticed Jeremy shoot back a brief scowl. “We won’t be getting lost this time,” as he said this, his hand which rested on Felicia’s extended legs into his lap in the front seat tightened. “I’ve got it all under control.”
“Good to know, man.” Turner nodded agreeably, oblivious to the shift in tone that gave the rest an uneasy feeling. “I trust ya.”
“When was this?” Emmaline questioned, not seeing Jeremy’s sudden expression.
“A few years ago, before you started hanging out with us,” Turner explained, his tone light as he continued reminiscing. “We decided to go on this spontaneous trip just south of Jeremy’s home by Danville. It was supposed to be just a quick day hike, but we ended up wandering off the main trail. We were so deep into the woods, with no cell service, and it started getting dark.”
Felicia chuckled softly, though the sound was a bit forced. “Yeah, and we didn’t have any gear with us. Just a couple of granola bars and a bottle of water between us. We ended up making a fire with some dry sticks and huddled together for warmth.”
“Calvin kept our spirits up the whole time,” Rosie added, trying to lighten the mood again. “He told us stories about constellations and kept saying that getting lost was part of the adventure.”
Emmaline smiled, clearly picturing the scene. “Sounds like an interesting night. I’m glad you all made it back safely.”
“Yeah, it was… memorable,” Turner said, his grin faltering slightly as he seemed to recall the anxiety of that night. He leaned back into his seat. “But, like I said, we’re much better prepared this time. And with Jeremy navigating, we’ll be fine.”
Jeremy’s grip on the Felicia’s legs tightened, his knuckles turning white as he forced a smile. “Yep. No more getting lost. I’ve got it all mapped out.”
Zack observed the exchange in silence, noting the subtle undercurrents of tension that hadn’t been there before. Turner’s easygoing nature contrasted sharply with Jeremy’s increasing possessiveness, and it was clear to Zack that there was more to the dynamic between Felicia and Jeremy than met the eye.
As the conversation tapered off, the SUV continued its ascent into the mountains, the sun dipping lower in the sky and casting long shadows across the winding road. The sense of unease lingered in the air, unspoken but palpable, as the group fell into a contemplative silence.
Zack turned his attention to the passing landscape, trying to shake off the growing discomfort. The trees thickened, the road narrowing as they ventured deeper into the wilderness. Despite the beauty of the surroundings, a quiet tension hung over them, as if the mountains themselves were holding their breath, waiting for something to unfold.