With a soft sigh as the wind blew harder, you waved goodbye to Hannibal who was escorting you to your cabin. Your keys fit into the lock with a soft click as you turned it to the side, the rusty metal creaking in protest. You thanked Hannibal again for his time before walking inside. You shuffled off your coat, watching through the window as he left. Hanging up your coat, you made your way to your room, slumping down on your bed. You grabbed a small shoe box that was hidden under your bed, opening it up to see the usual sight of your Diary. Today was long, there would be many things to add, but, to re-read would be for the best.

’These are new times and it's easy to get lost or overwhelmed, keep notes of the day's progression so you remember everything.’– like that psychiatrist said.

You flipped back a couple pages in the Diary.

September 3rd, 6:00pm

“I haven't been writing in this as much as I should have, but I'm writing this now. September 3rd, and it's now been officially a week since I've moved here to Baltimore forest in Maryland. The house is a little small, but I came here for work anyway, so it's not like I'll be spending too much time in my home. Besides, the landscape makes up for any lack of space. It's quite beautiful in fall, I wonder how it'll look in the winter snow, or in the springs new blooms. I can admit I'm a little excited.

My neighbors are nice so far. A little odd, but what was I to expect? This area is more secluded, nothing like city life. It's a smaller town, everyone knows everyone, which makes me the odd one out currently. But they aren't unfriendly, it's just clear that I'm new. Though, I can already sense there is tension here, as I was in the grocery store, the only thing I heard anyone talking about was some “Chesapeake Ripper”... whatever that is, and how it's struck again. I had managed to gain the courage to walk up to them and ask what they were talking about. They responded something along the lines of: ”The only way I can explain it, is it being a sort of spirit– a deer spirit, it kills people and eats them. It recently attacked again, an older man that regularly attended the bar is now missing. It's right around that time, though. Every six to twelve months he attacks and then disappears.”

So… a Wendigo essentially. Urban legends already, great. I thanked them for their time and continued shopping. After driving back home and loading the groceries inside, I walked back out to lock up my car when I was approached by a taller man, clad in some fancy suit that probably cost more than my existence.

’Hannibal’ He had introduced himself. He seems like a nice man, and I sensed no bad vibes about him. He seemed very refined. Fancy suit, fancy personality. Which was unlike most others here. Sure, you had other higher class folk, but they seemed faked. Maybe Hannibal was real, or maybe he was just hosting a better façade.. probably the latter option if I had to guess.

We talked for a bit, nothing serious, just a friendly introduction. He told me he was a local psychiatrist and that he was hosting a dinner party on the 20th at 8:00PM. He said he'd be glad if I joined. I think I just might, it couldn't hurt to hopefully make friends in this new town and a dinner party was the perfect way to start.”

You closed the Diary, checking the time, 6:30PM. Today was the 20th, so the party was today. You got ready, wearing your nice outfit. You pulled open your phone… poor service. But, you were in the deep dark Baltimore forest. So it was to be expected. You managed your way along to 217 N Charles St—the address he gave you. You walked along the paved road, walking inside the home at 7:50PM. Despite it being ten minutes early, there were already guests here, just like you. Seems you guessed right with the formal code, most others were dressed in suits and dresses.

Hannibal himself took the seat at the head of the table, and ten minutes past 8:00. Sat everyone down at the table, which was lavishly decorated with delicious food.

“Nothing here is vegetarian.” Hannibal toasted.