The pounding in my head was merciless as if the world's worst hangover had taken hold of me. The room I found myself in was a strange amalgamation of bright lights and eerie darkness, disorienting me further. Memories from the previous night rushed back, flooding my mind with fragments of an encounter with someone called E, followed by an abrupt plunge into darkness. I groggily began to panic, my heart racing as I took in my surroundings—a cabin. Who in their right mind lived in a cabin these days? And, more importantly, where was I?
A surge of anxiety compelled me to keep my eyes closed, cautiously lifting their lids just enough to avoid detection by whoever had transported me here. What kind of danger was I in? How far was this place from Hanover, and what had happened to my car? Questions swirled in my mind, echoing my growing unease.
Through the narrow slit between my eyelids, I gradually allowed more of the cabin to come into focus. To my relief, it appeared to be empty, devoid of any visible presence. With caution, I slowly sat up, mindful of my surroundings. A note on the table caught my attention, dispelling some of the uncertainty that gripped me.
"Don't panic. I brought you here after you passed out. I left you alone in the cabin. Don't worry about the dog. -E"
"Don't panic?" I scoffed to myself. That was easier said than done. Here I was, stranded in the middle of nowhere, inside a cabin owned by a man I had apparently assaulted. How did I end up unconscious? Had Eli drugged me? Struck me? The unknown loomed ominously, threatening to unravel my sanity.
Suddenly, in the midst of my spiraling panic, a massive black dog padded into the room. It must be the dog E mentioned in his note. Despite its intimidating size, the animal seemed friendly enough. Yet, as it drew nearer, I couldn't help but notice its deep red eyes, unsettling me further. Was this even a dog? It appeared more like a wolf, an imposing creature that could swallow me whole. Nevertheless, it wagged its tail, approaching with caution.
"Hey there, pup. Do you live here too?" I hesitantly addressed the creature, attempting to mask my trepidation.
Living in the wilderness, it made sense to have a large dog like this, but there was something peculiar about it. Did E keep an illegal wolf as a pet? He was peculiar himself, but who would willingly choose a wolf as a companion? The dog's gaze met mine, almost seeming to convey a knowing smile, before it let out a bark. Startled, I jumped, startled by a sound far removed from the tiny yaps of the Chihuahuas I was accustomed to. Perhaps the dog was confused, missing its absent owner. With determination, I resolved to stand, hoping to make my way outside, leaving the imposing canine confined within the cabin. Yet, as I attempted to rise, my legs betrayed me.
Fatigue washed over me like a tidal wave, causing my legs to give way. In that moment, the dog rushed forward, catching me before I could hit the floor. Grateful for the unexpected assistance, I offered a pat on its head. "Thanks," I muttered, my voice laced with relief.
Summoning what little strength remained, I directed my focus towards the door. I had no desire to linger, fearing the return of Eli. I needed to be long gone, preferably back home. As I stepped outside, my eyes immediately fell upon my tiny Honda Civic parked nearby the cabin. Damn it. Why hadn't I listened to Zee