Chapter 22
Chapter 22
The mountain air was growing colder by the minute.
Liam walked over to Stella’s side, pulled off his suit jacket, and gently draped it over her shoulders.
“I–” Stella began softly.
“Don’t worry,” he interrupted. “I can manage.”
The fabric was still warm from his body heat, getting rid of the night chill she had been feeling earlier.
“The mountain trail can be quite slippery.” He held out his hand for her to hold. “It’s better we stick together.”
Stella nodded and slid her hand into his. It was warm and large, completely covering hers.
They walked in silence, climbing over fallen branches and slippery rocks. The only light came from the flashlight in Liam’s other hand, but he seemed to know his way around quite well.
Eventually, the bush cleared, and a narrow path emerged.
“We’re almost there,” Liam murmured.
About twenty minutes later, they reached a wooden cabin nestled among the trees. Its steep roof and stone chimney made it look like something out of a fairytale. Well-maintained flower shrubs grew around it like a fence, adding to its ethereal charm.
“Wow,” Stella exclaimed. “How is there somewhere like this in the middle of nowhere?”
“It’s not exactly the middle of nowhere,” Liam replied, stepping ahead. “The Carson family owns most of the land around here. And my father built this cabin in his youth.”
He handed over the flashlight to Stella and lifted the flowerpot by the window. Beneath it was a key.
Stella watched curiously as he slid the key into the lock and the door opened with a soft click.
“Come in,” he invited.
She stepped inside, shining the flashlight around the room. To her surprise, it wasn’t dusty or cobwebbed. It was clean and tidy, with the faint scent of lavender in the air.
“The resort staff come to clean it regularly,” Liam explained as he turned around, noting the surprise on her face. “It’s kept ready in case anyone needs to use it, though nobody had come here for almost a decade.”
The cabin was a two-bedroom dwelling with a kitchen and a living room. It had a rustic charm, its floral wallpaper, modest fireplace, cushioned covered seats, and bookshelf filled with old classics.
Liam walked to the kitchen and switched on the gas. “I’ll boil some water,” he said. “You need to drink something warm. It’ll help prevent a cold.”
Stella nodded, still taking a seat on one of the counter stools
He placed a kettle on the stove after filling it up, then turned back to her. “There’s a shower in each bedroom. And…” he hesitated a beat, “some of my mom’s old clothes should still be in the wardrobe. You can try them on.”
Stella’s gaze flicked to his. She nodded quietly.
So this was their family house.
After they had drunk a few cups of hot water, he led her to a wooden door on the far side of the cabin. “You can stay here tonight.
“I’ll be next door,” he added, placing the flashlight in her hands once again. “Call me if you need anything.”
“Thank you.”
She opened it slowly and stepped inside.
It was a simple but warm room. Plus rugs, thick velvet curtains, and a small bedside table. The bed was large and fluffy, covered with a duvet that matched the curtains.
She sat down on the edge of the bed and took off the jacket around her shoulders. She folded it neatly and set it on the nightstand. Her hand bumped against something.
Curious, she picked it up. It was a photo frame.
In the soft beam of the flashlight, she saw the smiling faces of a younger Liam and two adults. Most likely his parents. All bundled in coats and scarves, the falling snow made the perfect background.
The picture was taken in front of this same wooden cabin. And they all looked happy.
Her fingers brushed over the glass.
Her family had been like this too, happy and smiling. They used to take a lot of pictures and keep them in photo albums. But now she didn’t have a single photo from that time in her life.
She placed the frame back on the table and stood, walking into the adjoining bathroom. It was simple and old-fashioned, but clean with ready-to-use fluffy towels. She ran her hand over the tap, then turned the handle. Warm water flowed immediately.
The lights flickered once, and then the entire house lit up. Somewhere outside, the backup generator had kicked in.
A soft knock sounded on the bedroom door not long after.
Stella left the bathroom and padded over.
“I brought you some fruit,” Liam said when she opened the door. “Mountain apples. They’re already washed.”
She took the plate and nodded. “Thank you.”
“Sleep well,” he gave her a small nod and turned away.
After showering, she changed into one of the nightgowns she found in the wardrobe. It was an old cotton piece still in good condition. She sat cross-legged on the bed and munched on an apple.
It was sweet, tart, with a watermelon-like crunch. She had never tasted anything like it.
Eventually, exhaustion caught up with her. She slid under the covers and closed her eyes. Tomorrow will be a busy day.
She had barely fallen asleep when the nightmares started.
5… 4… 3… 2
“Did you get everyone?”
Bang.
Bang.
“I heard they have a daughter.”
“Let go you btch”
“She was crying for her mother.”
She was young again, hiding behind a curtain, watching her parents get shot.
Her mother was holding on to the man’s leg, preventing him from stepping closer.
Aunty Wendy covered her mouth to keep her from screaming..
—
“Mom. Dad. Wake up.”
“We have to leave, far away.”
Why did they kill Mom and Dad? He was their friend
They cycled far into the city. It was dark, but they didn’t stop. They couldn’t stop.
—
“We need to change your name.”
“Can I still go by Stella?”
“Alright, I’ll always go by Wendy, too.”
—
The men who her parents running after her and shooting into the air.
“Little girl, where are you hiding?” Scarface called.
“That’s not how you play hide and seek,” another voice called.
—
“Stop!”
She sat up with a scream, her breath ragged.
A crack of thunder echoed outside.
The door flew open, and Liam rushed in, visibly alarmed.
“Stella?” he asked quickly, rushing to her side. “What happened?”
She was still trembling, but forced herself to breathe deeply, wanting to regain her composure fast.
“Nightmare,” she whispered hoarsely.
She hadn’t planned to stay the night outside, so she wasn’t carrying her sleeping pills. It was always worse when she didn’t take them.
Another crack of thunder echoed outside, followed by the soft splatter of rain against the cabin roof.
“How about I stay with you?” Liam offered gently.
Stella opened her mouth to object.
“Don’t worry, I’ll just stay till you fall asleep.”
She wanted to tell him not to bother. That it was a problem that she had been dealing with for years. But in the end, she didn’t say a word.
He pulled the covers back over her, tucked her in carefully. Sitting at the edge of the bed, he reached out and held her hand in his.
For some reason… she let him.
And for the first time in years, she slept. A calm and dreamless night.