The lady by the lake

Sufficiently subdued, the boys (and one man) reluctantly settled on the ground, attempting to discuss their next steps like civilized individuals. However, after a while, it became evident that the discussion was making no progress. Each person remained steadfast in their conviction, refusing to yield. Recognizing the futile nature of the argument, Ann threw in the towel early and abandoned any attempts to pay attention to their ongoing bickering.

The wind began to pick up, causing her black, shoulder-length hair to dance in the breeze. The added coolness provided some respite from the oppressive heat, and her earlier dizziness began to fade. However, dark clouds rolled in from the horizon, forming a thick canopy overhead and thunder rumbled ominously in the distance. Amidst the looming storm, Ann caught a subtle whiff of smoke in the air. Her eyes searched the horizon, finally across the lake, nestled between the distant hills, she spotted a faint swirl of smoke rose against the gray sky. With a squint, she could make out a small trail leading in that direction.

"I think we are close to a village." Her words seemed to dissolve into the ongoing argument. Frustrated at their inattention, Ann smacked Dave on his back, eliciting a yelp of pain.

"Oww! what the hell."

She pointed toward the distant plume of smoke, "There's a village nearby." Relief washed over their faces, yet Jack couldn't resist being the voice of caution. "Hold on! What if it's a cannibal village or some illegal operation? We could be walking into danger."

Dave let out a light chuckle, ruffling Jack's hair affectionately. "Jack, you're a smart boy, but you think too much. There's no such thing nowadays. Let's go check it out."

They weren't even halfway to their destination. Ann's throat was parched, and her muscles ached with every step. Ann hated to admit when Toji was right. It irritates her because he always had this 'I'll tell you so' look plastered on his stupid face. But there was truth to his words and she couldn't deny that. 

If they make it out of this mess alive, she vowed to embrace a healthier lifestyle. Shit , never mind. Probably best if she never goes on another trip with Dave ever again.

"Someone pass me the water."

"Pass me the water," annoyance creeping into her tone as she repeated herself. She whipped her head back and saw only two pairs of eyes staring back at her. Her teacher was nowhere to be seen. A sense of dread enveloped her.

"Guys, where's Dave?" Ann's heart quickened as she searched the forest behind them, looking for a familiar mop of silver hair. A surge of panic gripped them, and they began calling out Dave's name in desperation. They searched for him in a frenzied foreboding until the heavens opened up, muffling their voices and drenching them.

Toji's frustrated voice broke the heavy silence that enveloped them as they huddled together underneath the expansive canopy of the Banyan tree, seeking shelter from the relentless downpour. "This is strangely familiar. That idiot got in trouble again."

"Hmmm, déjà vu," Ann replied wearily, not in the mood for further conversation. They were crammed tightly under Toji's oversized parka jacket, a meager comfort against the chilling rain.

"Let's get him exorcised when we get back. He must have been cursed," Jack urged, ever the believer. The problem was, he couldn't seem to commit to any one religion, and his spiritual practices changed as frequently as the weather. Lowering his voice to a conspiratorial whisper, "No one can possibly have this much bad luck. He must have offended a god, a spirit, or maybe even a demon."

"We tried that, remember? Second year of high school. We dragged him to the temple," Toji recalled. 

"The temple ended up being washed away by a flash flood during the exorcism," Ann shuddered. The absurdity of their situation was not lost on them as they lapsed once more into a somber silence.

Minutes seem to stretch into an eternity, each second punctuated by the relentless drumming of raindrops. Suddenly, a rustling in the bushes nearby jolted them upright. Dave emerged, his once-clean clothes now muddied, and his broad shoulders bore the burden of an unconscious elderly woman. They rushed to Dave's side, relief that he was unhurt.

"I'm sorry, I didn't mean to worry you guys. I got separated from the trail,"Dave explained, his voice trembling with relief. "Kept hearing someone calling for help. I followed the sound and found her

"Strange, we don't hear anything,"Ann cautiously approached the elderly woman.

She's small and frail, white hair, and her skin displayed the well-worn signs of countless years. Draped in a cloth made from reddish-brown tree bark and embellished with an assortment of colorful beads. 

Jack shot her a meaningful glance, and Ann understood immediately, swallowing a lump in her throat. Both of them were Asian enough to know the unspoken rule: you don't just pick up a stranger calling for help in the middle of the forest, for that stranger might be a non-human entity. Toji looked indifferent, he never believe any of that stuff. 

" Fucked Dave and his 'White people' shit. Hasn't he watched enough horror movies to know what could happen next? Cursed you Dave, you better not drag us into another mess." Silently she exhaled her frustration. 

Ann opened her mouth as if to speak but proceeded to say nothing. Wary that the old woman could be listening. Then, after a few moments of silence, she cleared his throat with a heavy heart and said, " Let's go."