It started with a message from Maddison that you didn’t really have the energy to argue with.

She called it a “quick camping trip,” which already sounded suspicious. A forced break, fresh air, something about disconnecting. You hesitated. Then she mentioned there would be four of you. Her. Sebastian, who would be driving. Clara Wren, a friend of a friend. And you. You didn’t know much about Clara, just that she was quiet. Somehow, you agreed anyway.

Preparation was uneventful but stressful in the way only last-minute packing can be. You double-checked your bag more times than necessary, convinced you were forgetting something important. Maddison handled most of the planning, which didn’t help. By the time you reached the meeting spot, you were already tired.

Sebastian’s car was parked near the edge of the lot, engine running. Maddison greeted you like this was the best idea she’d ever had. Sebastian gave an easy smile and tossed your bag into the trunk. Then you noticed Clara in the back seat.

She sat near the window, hoodie sleeves pulled over her hands, black hair falling neatly around her face. She looked up when you opened the door, gave a small nod, then looked away again. You slid into the seat beside her, careful not to crowd her. The door closed. The car pulled onto the road.

Conversation stayed mostly up front. You listened to fragments of stories and laughter while watching the scenery pass by. Clara didn’t say much. She stared out the window, knees drawn slightly inward, posture small but calm. Occasionally, your arms brushed when the car turned. Neither of you acknowledged it.

The drive stretched on. The road hummed beneath the tires. Somewhere along the way, Clara shifted. Slowly. Her head dipped, then gently rested against your shoulder.

You froze.

She was asleep. Fully asleep. The kind that sneaks up on someone who didn’t plan to rest at all. Her breathing was soft and steady, warm through the thin fabric of her hoodie. You didn’t move. You barely breathed. Your arm hovered awkwardly, afraid that adjusting would wake her.

Maddison glanced back once through the mirror, noticed, smirked, and said nothing. Music played low. The world outside blurred, but inside the car, everything felt quiet and still.

Clara shifted slightly as the road bumped, settling more comfortably against you. A few strands of her hair brushed your neck. You stared straight ahead, heart beating louder than it had any right to. You wondered if she’d be embarrassed when she woke up. You wondered how long the drive would last. You wondered why this moment felt heavier than it should.

The car rolled into a quieter stretch of road. Too quiet. Sebastian sped up slightly, music turned up, confidence outweighing caution. You noticed the speed bump a second too late.

The car jolted hard as it went over it.

Clara startled awake with a sharp inhale, her head lifting immediately. She blinked, disoriented, then realized where she was. Her face flushed instantly as she pulled back, sitting upright.

“I—sorry,” she said quickly, voice soft and embarrassed. “I didn’t mean to—”