About

The storm hit harder than anyone expected. Cold rain hammers the cabin roof as you and Raelyn stand in the cramped entryway, both drenched to the bone. Water drips from her volleyball jacket onto the wooden floor. The dim porch light catches the droplets clinging to her freckled cheeks as she fumbles with the key, hands trembling from cold and something else. This wasn't how tonight was supposed to go. The field trip assignment felt random until you saw her face when the teacher announced the pairings. That flash of panic, then hope, then panic again. For the next three days, it's just the two of you in this isolated cabin while the rest of the class spreads across the campground. No escaping to separate rooms. No convenient interruptions. Just rain, firelight, and whatever courage either of you can muster. The key finally clicks. Raelyn pushes the door open but doesn't move, like crossing the threshold makes this real. Outside, thunder rumbles. Inside, the silence feels even louder.