As they heard the truth from the couple, the group realized it was better not to ask more questions. Some answers were heavy, too heavy—they could spiral into depression or worse. As they began to gather in a circle, their eyes fell on Damian. Theodore and Raven exchanged a glance, understanding without words that he needed rest. They helped him into the guest room and closed the door gently.
The couple leaned on the doorway. “Do whatever you want. We’re going upstairs,” Mr. Charles said, but the group hadn’t finished processing everything. Lily opened her mouth to ask, but Sienna put a hand on her shoulder. They let the couple leave.
“I wasn't the only one who heard the chainsaw guy at the mall, right?” Blake exhaled.
“Everyone did… This is exhausting,” the others muttered, collapsing into the couch.
“Also… anyone else feel suspicious about the upstairs room? Their son’s room? Should we check?” Blake continued.
Sienna leaned back. “We could, but they’re basically there 24/7.”
Blake slumped further, hands on his face. “Raven…” Sienna asked softly.
“Yes?”
“Are you okay?”
Raven felt a sad smile crept onto her face. “Things are only getting worse. Every answer seems to lead to more questions.”
Lily hugged her from behind. “That's right.."
Theodore, leaning forward, asked, “Does anyone have a charger?”
They all looked at him like… now?
Blake raised his hand. “Wait, let me check…” He rifled through his pockets: tissues, phone, charger.
“It’s USB-C,” he said, “though I need a Lightning port for mine.”
“Then why do you have USB-C?” Lily asked.
“I brought it for a friend I was supposed to meet today,” he said.
“That’ll work for my phone,” Sienna added, Raven and Theodore nodded. They laughed quietly.
“Let me charge Raven’s first,” Theodore said. “You might get answers from your sister too.” Raven handed her phone to Theodore, who headed toward a wall socket.
“No one’s going to talk about Damian?” Blake stood dramatically.
“Well, we know he’s been acting strange, but we shouldn’t push him,” Sienna replied, Blake looked dumbfounded.
“Is he… related to these people? Or their son?” Blake asked, lost.
“He’s a little bossy, but he’s honest with us,” Lily said.
“Do you trust me?” Blake asked automatically.
“Not with your selfishness,” Raven said with a smile. Theodore scoffed from the dining table, making Blake blush.
The phone began charging. Answers were coming, but one question remained unanswered: Where is the exit?
Time passed slowly. They talked in circles—how to escape, the couple, theories—but nothing concrete came. Then Raven’s phone pinged. She sprinted to check it, then returned, holding it up.
“Oh my god… so many calls and messages,” she laughed softly, though it wasn’t funny.
The group leaned in as she scrolled through her family group messages. “RAVENNNNN… WHERE ARE YOU… PLEASE…”
“They love you so much,” Lily said.
“I thought the same,” Theodore nodded.
“Sienna, did you say the internet was good here?” Raven asked.
“Good enough for a hut in the middle of a forest,” Sienna replied.
Raven dialed her sister. “Calling Rose…” They all straightened.
“RAVENNN? RAVENN.... WHERE ARE YOU?!” Rose shouted, sobbing softly.
“I’m fine, Daisy… I got lost in the forest with some others. Right now, I’m at a place you’d think is safe…” Her sobs softened as she spoke.
“Where?? I’m coming for you!”
Sienna gestured ‘no.’
“No, wait… I need some information. Do not rush.”
“RAV, THIS ISN’T A TIME FOR ANSWERS! WE’RE ALL WORRIED… WHY DIDN’T YOU CALL MOM AND DAD?” Rose cried.
Raven stayed silent, tears pricking in her eyes. The group stared at her, stunned.
“I… wouldn’t be able to bear the sobbing of mum or dad when I’m already holding back for you,” she admitted, with the whisper.
“Rav… please stop,” Rose's sob grew louder, hearing their mother in the background. Raven froze, unsure what would happen.
“RAVEN? Is that you?” Her mother took the phone.
“Yes, Mum… how are you?”
“Oh, dear…” Her mother’s sobs softened but carried a powerful warmth. Lily was emotional in the background.
“I’m sorry I didn’t call you first, Mum. I needed some information from Daisy so I could come home. I wanted to call you first… really… but—” Raven’s voice cracked. She stopped herself.
“Dear, it’s alright. The strongest don’t show weakness, remember?”
Raven laughed softly, embarrassed. “Yeah… well, thank you, Mum. It’s on speaker.”
“Oh, dear,” her mother replied with a soft laugh, she was the best at putting them in ease even in the most critical situation.
“What do you want to ask, Rav?” Rose asked, calmer now.
“We are currently with Mr. Charles and Mrs. Patricia,” Raven explained. “We’re kind of stuck and don’t know how to get back. Is there a way to leave other than the mall?”
“Rav, why aren’t you calling the police? " Rose asked.
Sienna jumped in, “Sorry… well, Rose? We thought about it, but there are things we aren’t certain of. We wanted to call you since you know the couple better than us… Oh, by the way, I’m Sienna.”
“Oh, okay… Hii Sienna. What happened? I mean, the mall is the only exit. I’ve never gone too deep into the forest. Even Mrs. Patricia doesn’t let me. How many of you are there? ”
“Theodore here. Six of us, including your sister, Raven.” Theodore spoke up.
“Hey, Theodore! But seriously, why aren’t you guys letting me pick you up? I could call the cops with me? ”
“No… well… there’s a guy… currently wants to take me out… or everyone here. But, did you know the couple had a son?” Raven replied her.
“WHAT? What do you mean, Raven?” Her mother asked, shocked.
“Back at the mall, there was a blackout...” as Raven explained everything, Mr. Charles was coming down the stairs. He heard her and jogged down faster, “What do you mean?” he asked. "We killed him… Wh… who are you talking about?”.
The group froze, standing up. “Raven, dear?” her mother asked through the phone.
“Well… Mr. Charles just came down. I’m not sure what’s happening,” Raven replied.
“Who did you see?” he asked, grabbing his hunting rifles.
“Mr! Please wait!” Blake exclaimed.
“I buried my son… WHO ELSE COULD BE THERE?”
“Is that Mr. Charles?” Rose asked through the phone.
“Who is that?” he looked confused.
“My sister, Rose,” Raven said softly.
“You!” He softened immediately. They looked at each other, exchanging a quiet, understanding glance.
“No, dear. For now, Mr. Charles and Mrs. Patricia’s place seems safe. Stay with them, and call the cops when you can. That’s everything I’ll tell you to do for now.”
“Yes, Mum,” Raven replied. She ended the call, looking at the group.
“We stay… and call the cops,” she repeated.
A sudden, loud bang echoed from the guest room. Everyone rushed inside and opened the door.
Damian stood frozen over the shattered vase, chest heaving, a raw scream of frustration tearing from him. The boys immediately moved to hold him back, steady him, but he trembled like he was about to break. The rest of the group froze, eyes wide, unsure whether to speak or even move.
ns216.73.216.134da2
and then Add to home screen.