The vans crunch to a stop outside the snow-covered mountain lodge. Steam rises from exhaust pipes as everyone piles out, stretching, squinting at the cold, already tired and already irritated.

The lodge is huge. Rustic. Too quiet.

Terry steps forward first, hands on his hips, eyeing the place.

Terry: “Okay… I’ll admit it. This is nice. Real nice.”

Marcus snorts as he grabs his bag.

Marcus: “Man, don’t get comfortable. Every time we come on one of these trips, somebody’s marriage ends up on life support.”

Mike laughs dryly, shaking his head.

Mike: “Speak for yourself. Some of us came to relax. Or at least pretend to.”

Gavin lingers near the back, sunglasses still on despite the snow, scanning everyone like he’s already irritated.

Gavin: “I just wanna know why we’re always doing group therapy in the cold. If we’re gonna argue, we could’ve stayed home.”

The doors of the last vehicle open.

Michael steps out — calm, confident, clearly familiar with the guys. He grabs a bag, then turns back to help White out of the car. She’s bundled up, a little nervous, clearly aware she’s the new variable in an already volatile group.

The moment Angela sees her, the air shifts.

Angela freezes mid-step, eyes locking onto White like a missile finding its target.

Angela (sharp, loud): “Hold up.”

Everyone stops.

She points, incredulous.

Angela: “Who brought her here?”

Dead silence.

The men exchange looks.

Marcus raises an eyebrow, already knowing this is about to get ugly.

Marcus: “Here we go…”

Michael straightens, calm but firm.

Michael: “I did.”

Angela turns fully toward him, jaw tight.

Angela: “And why would you think that was okay?”

Mike exhales slowly, trying to de-escalate.

Mike: “Angela… it’s a lodge. There’s room for everybody.”

Gavin folds his arms, unimpressed.

Gavin: “Let’s not act shocked. Folks bring surprises every year.”

Terry gestures toward the door, already over it.

Terry: “Can we at least get inside before World War Three starts? It’s freezing.”

Angela’s eyes flick back to White, then to Michael.

Angela: “This trip is about marriages. About us. Not… random add-ons.”

Michael doesn’t raise his voice.

Michael: “She’s not random. She’s with me.”

Another beat.

Marcus: “Well… guess we’re all learning something new this weekend.”

Mike mutters under his breath as he grabs his bag.

Mike: “Lord, give me strength.”

Gavin smirks slightly, already entertained.

Gavin: “Looks like the retreat’s starting early.”

Terry opens the lodge door wide.

Terry: “Everybody inside. Whatever this is? We’ll unpack it later.”

Angela hesitates one last second, then turns and walks in — tension trailing behind her like smoke.

Michael gives White a reassuring look and follows.

The lodge door closes.

And the trip has officially begun.