First Draft Last-Light: Camping Trip

Chapter 01: The Journey to the Ozarks

The sun hung high in the sky, casting a golden hue over the winding road that led to the Ozark Mountains. The air was thick with the scent of pine and earth, a promise of the wilderness that lay ahead. Emmaline Cleo’s 2028 Subaru Outback, a reliable if somewhat worn vehicle, rumbled steadily along the asphalt. The car was packed to the brim with camping gear, snacks, and the excitement of a group of friends on the brink of a grand adventure.

Zack Baris Cleo sat in the passenger seat, his gaze fixed on the rolling landscape outside. At seventeen, he was reluctantly tagging along on this trip, dragged by his older sister, Emmaline. In the backseat, her friends filled the car with a lively chatter that contrasted sharply with Zack’s brooding silence.

Emmaline, at twenty, was the de facto leader of the group. Her long auburn hair was pulled into a messy bun, and her eyes sparkled with anticipation. Next to her, Felicia, always impulsive and seeking thrills, leaned forward from the middle seat, her laughter ringing out as she recounted a particularly embarrassing story from their high school days.

“Remember when Jeremy tried to ask out Missy at the dance, and he tripped over the punch bowl?” Felicia’s eyes glinted with mischief. “He was soaked head to toe!”

Jeremy, who sat beside Felicia, chuckled but rolled his eyes. “Yeah, yeah, laugh it up. I still think it was sabotage.” Despite his protective nature, Jeremy could take a joke, even if it meant being the butt of it sometimes.

Turner, sitting quietly in the back corner, offered a rare smile. He was the quietest of the group, often composed and reserved, but there was an air of mystery about him that none of his friends could quite figure out.

Rosie, nurturing and optimistic, had her arm draped over Turner’s shoulder, her voice a calming counterpoint to the raucous laughter. “I can’t believe we’re finally doing this. One last hurrah before we all go our separate ways,” she said, her voice tinged with melancholy. “Well, except for Jeremy and Zack.”

Calvin, ever the pragmatist, adjusted his glasses and chimed in, “It’s going to be great. A week away from everything—no school, no responsibilities. Just us, nature, and a whole lot of relaxation.”

Zack glanced at his sister, a silent question in his eyes. She caught his look and smiled reassuringly. “Come on, Zack, it’ll be fun. You might even like it. Besides, you need to get out of that room of yours every once in a while.”

Zack sighed, leaning back into his seat. He wasn’t thrilled about the trip, but he couldn’t deny that a part of him was curious. The prospect of spending a week in a cabin, away from his computer and the familiar confines of his room, was both daunting and strangely appealing.

The car continued its journey, winding through the lush, green expanse of the Ozarks. The friends settled into a comfortable rhythm, their conversation ebbing and flowing like the gentle currents of a river. They spoke of their hopes and fears, their excitement for the future, and the bittersweet reality of leaving their carefree days behind.

As the Subaru climbed higher into the mountains, the sun began its descent, casting long shadows across the landscape. The anticipation in the car was palpable, each of them envisioning the week ahead—a week of freedom, laughter, and unforgettable memories.

None of them could have known that this trip would mark the beginning of an unimaginable nightmare. For now, though, they were just a group of friends, eager to escape the pressures of life and savor the fleeting moments of their youth. And in that car, amidst the laughter and stories, they felt invincible, ready to face whatever the future might hold.

For Zack, this was more than just a camping trip. It was a step into the unknown, a break from the monotony of his everyday life, and perhaps a chance to discover something new about himself. He watched the landscape change outside the window, the dense forest rising up to meet the horizon, and allowed himself a flicker of hope that this week might be different.

As the sun dipped lower, the Subaru finally rolled to a stop at the edge of a clearing. Ahead stood a rustic cabin, its wooden exterior weathered by years of standing against the elements. The sight of it elicited a cheer from the group, and they quickly began to unload their gear, chattering excitedly about their plans for the week.

Zack stepped out of the car, stretching his legs and taking in the surroundings. The air was fresh and cool, carrying the scent of pine and earth. Despite his initial reluctance, he felt a small thrill of excitement. This was a different world, far removed from the confines of his everyday life.

“Alright, everyone, let’s get this stuff inside,” Emmaline said, taking charge as usual. “Felicia, Jeremy, can you grab the cooler? Turner, Rosie, you two get the sleeping bags. Zack, you and Calvin can handle the food and supplies.”

The group moved with practiced ease, each person knowing their role. They had done this before, on smaller trips and weekend getaways, but this felt different—bigger, somehow. As they carried their things into the cabin, the air buzzed with anticipation.

Inside, the cabin was cozy but spacious, with a large living area dominated by a stone fireplace. Wooden beams crisscrossed the ceiling, and the furniture was simple but comfortable. It had an old-world charm, like stepping back in time.

“This place is amazing!” Felicia exclaimed, dropping her load onto one of the couches. “I can’t believe we get it all to ourselves for a whole week.”

“It’s perfect,” Rosie agreed, her eyes wide with excitement. “We’re going to have so much fun.”

Jeremy set down the cooler and stretched his arms. “First things first, let’s get some food going. I’m starving.”

As they settled in, Zack took a moment to explore the cabin. He found a small loft upstairs, accessible by a wooden ladder, and claimed it as his own. From up there, he could look down on the main room and feel a sense of detachment, a place where he could retreat if things got too overwhelming.

The group quickly fell into a comfortable routine. They cooked dinner together, laughing and joking as they prepared a feast of burgers and hot dogs. The smell of grilling meat filled the cabin, and the sound of sizzling food mingled with their lively conversation.

As night fell, they gathered around a campfire outside. The sky, now a deep indigo, was dotted with stars, and the fire cast a warm, flickering glow on their faces. It was a scene of idyllic camaraderie, the kind of moment that would stay with them forever.

Felicia, always the life of the party, took it upon herself to entertain. She told stories, some funny, some spooky, her animated expressions keeping everyone enthralled. Jeremy, ever the protector, kept a watchful eye on the surrounding woods, ready to jump at any sign of danger.

Turner, though quiet, seemed more relaxed than usual. He leaned back in his chair, a small smile playing on his lips as he listened to the others. Rosie sat close to him, her optimism and nurturing nature evident in the way she interacted with everyone, ensuring no one felt left out.

Calvin, pragmatic as always, kept the fire stoked and made sure they had enough supplies within reach. He was the steadying force, the one who could be relied upon to keep things running smoothly.

Zack, sitting a bit apart from the others, watched the flames dance. Despite his initial reservations, he found himself enjoying the moment. There was something magical about being out here, away from everything, surrounded by friends.

As the night deepened, the mood grew more subdued. Felicia’s stories took on a more eerie tone, and the crackling of the fire seemed to accentuate the silence of the woods around them.

“I’ve got one more story,” Felicia said, her voice dropping to a conspiratorial whisper. “This one’s about the Lost Lights of the Ozarks.”

The group leaned in, their interest piqued. Felicia’s expression turned serious as she began her tale.

“They say that deep in these woods, there are lights that appear out of nowhere. Some people think they’re spirits, others say they’re portals to another world. But the creepiest part is that anyone who goes looking for them… never comes back.”

Jeremy scoffed, though his eyes betrayed a hint of unease. “Sounds like a load of crap to me.”

“Maybe,” Felicia said with a shrug, “but it’s true that a lot of people have disappeared around here. Just think about it. We’re miles away from civilization. If something happened, who would find us?”

A shiver ran down Zack’s spine. Despite the warmth of the fire, he felt a chill settle over him. He glanced around at the darkened woods, half expecting to see something lurking in the shadows.

“Alright, enough of that,” Rosie said, her voice soothing. “Let’s not scare ourselves silly. We’re here to have fun, remember?”

The conversation turned to lighter topics, but the unease lingered. As the fire burned lower, they began to drift off to bed, each person finding their own space in the cabin.

Zack climbed up to his loft, feeling a sense of relief as he settled into his sleeping bag. The day had been long and exhausting, but also strangely fulfilling. As he closed his eyes, he couldn’t help but think about Felicia’s story and the mystery of the Lost Lights.

Just as he was about to drift off, he heard a faint noise outside. He sat up, straining to listen. It was probably just an animal, he told himself. But the longer he listened, the more it sounded like… whispering.

Zack’s heart raced as he lay back down, trying to convince himself it was nothing. He couldn’t shake the feeling that something was out there, watching them. The Last-Light event had changed the world in ways he couldn’t understand, and now, it seemed, it was about to change his life forever.

The next morning, the group awoke to the sound of birds chirping and the soft rustle of leaves. The eerie feeling of the night before seemed like a distant memory as they set out to explore the area. They hiked through the woods, discovering hidden trails and scenic overlooks. The beauty of the Ozarks was breathtaking, and for a while, all thoughts of danger were forgotten.

They found a crystal-clear stream and spent the afternoon splashing in the water, laughing and playing like children. Even Zack found himself caught up in the moment, his worries temporarily forgotten.

As the sun began to set, they headed back to the cabin, tired but happy. Dinner that night was a simple affair, and they quickly fell into their now-familiar routine of cooking, eating, and sharing stories by the fire.

But as the night wore on, the sense of unease returned. The woods seemed darker, the silence heavier. Felicia’s story about the Lost Lights lingered in their minds, casting a shadow over their otherwise perfect day.

Zack couldn’t shake the feeling that they were being watched. Every rustle of leaves, every snap of a twig, set his nerves on edge. He glanced at his sister, who seemed more relaxed than he had seen her in a long time. For her sake, he tried to push his fears aside.

The next few days followed a similar pattern. They explored the woods, swam in the stream, and enjoyed each other’s company. But the feeling of being watched never left Zack, and he noticed it in the others as well. They laughed and joked, but there was a tension beneath the surface, a sense of impending doom.

On the fifth night, everything changed. They were sitting around the campfire when Zack saw it—a faint light flickering in the distance. He froze, his heart pounding in his chest.

“Do you see that?” he whispered, pointing towards the trees.

The others followed his gaze, and a hush fell over the group. The light grew brighter, moving closer. It was unlike anything they had ever seen, a pale, ethereal glow that seemed to pulse with a life of its own.

“Is that… one of the Lost Lights?” Felicia asked, her voice trembling.

Jeremy stood, his protective instincts kicking in. “Everyone, get inside. Now.”

But before they could move, the light vanished, leaving them in darkness. The silence was deafening, broken only by the sound of their own breathing.

“What was that?” Rosie whispered, clutching Turner’s arm.

“I don’t know,” Turner replied, his calm facade cracking for the first time. “But we need to be careful.”

They huddled together, their earlier excitement replaced by fear. The woods, once a place of adventure, now felt like a trap.

That night, Zack couldn’t sleep. He lay in his loft, listening to the sounds of the forest, every creak and groan amplified in his mind. He knew something was out there, something beyond their understanding. And he knew, deep down, that their lives would never be the same again.

Zack tossed and turned, sleep eluding him as his mind raced with thoughts of the strange light. The shadows of the cabin seemed to move with a life of their own, and every noise outside made him jump. Just as he began to drift off, a sudden loud crash jolted him awake.

His heart pounded as he peered over the edge of the loft, seeing the others already on their feet. Jeremy had a flashlight in hand, its beam cutting through the darkness as he moved towards the sound.

"Stay behind me," Jeremy whispered, his voice tense.

Felicia clutched a makeshift weapon, a heavy branch she had found earlier. Rosie and Turner stayed close together, their expressions a mix of fear and determination. Calvin, ever pragmatic, scanned the room for any other potential threats.

Zack climbed down from the loft, his body tense with adrenaline. "What was that?" he asked, joining the group.

"Sounded like something hitting the cabin," Jeremy replied, his eyes darting around. "Stay alert."

As they cautiously moved towards the source of the noise, the tension was palpable. They reached the back door, where they found a large branch that had fallen, likely dislodged by the wind. But something about it felt off, as if it had been placed there intentionally.

"We need to be careful," Calvin said, his voice steady but serious. "Whatever is out there, it's watching us."

The group nodded in agreement, a silent understanding passing between them. They knew they were in for a long, harrowing night. Together, they braced themselves for whatever might come next, their bonds of friendship and survival growing stronger with each passing moment.