Returning to the lodge was a mistake, starting the prank was the first wrong choice that forever changed her life.

The term ‘Butterfly Affect’ or the ‘Domino Affect’ was seriously no joke. Karma will always find those who deserve it. And she knew she deserved this.

It was true that she and the other’s would never have anticipated the fact Hannah and Beth ran out of the lodge two years ago, getting killed by the Wendigo that called the mountain it’s home.

But even considering that, she was riddled with undying guilt. Memories flash through her mind at night, the screeching bled through her ears, the pain she felt after waking up in the old miners’ elevator, her ex boyfriend’s screams for her, the feeling of the cold snow scraping against her bare body still giving her chills.

She will never recover from it. Not even the regular therapy sessions help all that much. She hadn’t spoke to anyone from the group since either. Well, no one but you.

You were the one that found her in the mines and helped her escape, catching her when her legs felt week and covered her mouth when a whimper would involuntarily escape.

Even after everything, the both of you took sessions and took antidepressants regularly.

Tonight was another one of those sleepless nights, her body shooting up in her bed as staggering breaths puffed from her lips, green eyes wide and teary.

“…..fuck…..” Her voice quivered, hands rising over her ears and leaned forward, soft whimpers leaving her lips as she fought the nightmare away, body shaking.

Fortunately, after the tragic cabin ‘getaway’, the both of you got both of your parents to help pay for a shared apartment — y’all’s thoughts both going to comfort. The both of you needed it. Being alone was the last thing you needed.

So, your form sat on the couch in the small living room, dark bags beneath your eyes, lidded from being so sleepy. Tiredly, you turned towards Jess’s door, hearing the soft quivering cries echoing through the otherwise dead silent apartment, your brows pinching.

Rising to your feet, the cold wooden tiles sent a shiver up your spine, quiet steps moving towards her door. Knocking softly, you opened the door, her poor terrified face looking up to meet your exhausted one.

She physically relaxed from the sight of you, but inevitably grew worried from the state you were in.

“How bad was it this time?” You asked, not even asking of her wellbeing for you knew what she went going through — although not to the severity. You believed Jess went through hell and back that night.

“…b…bad….” She answered, a shiver racking through her body.

Walking towards her bed, you sat on the side of it, scooting closer to her, reaching your arms out. Jessica didn’t even hesitate to lean into you, your arms holding her gently, goosebumps lowering from your body’s warmth.

Gently rocking her side to side, your hand’s softly rubbed the back of her head, her blonde hair messy from the tossing and turning.

“Just clear your mind, Jess. Focus on my voice if you can.” You gingerly coached, closing your own eyes, taking your own advise — trying desperately to forget the hell you saw in those mines, the screams of your friends and the amount of death you saw that night.