Upon their arrival, a sight most unusual caught the attention of the group. An unoccupied bus sat waiting, while a guide greeted them with a warm welcome to Vandana Lake.
"Did you arrange for a guide, Cora?" Freya inquired curiously. Cora confirmed, "Yes, we're not familiar with this area."
"You did well," Luna praised. The guide then extended an invitation, "Follow me, and I'll show you to your cottage."
Luca's confusion was evident as he remarked, "I thought we were here for a picnic."
Freya explained, "Initially, I planned for a picnic, but then I thought, why not stay here for three days?"
Cora added, "Freya suggested it, and I managed to get a cottage for us."
Luca, still unhappy with the change of plans, was reassured by Axel, who said with a hint of flair, "Don't worry, it'll be a fantastic vacation."
Feeling discomfort, Luna complained, "My feet are killing me. Can we go to the cottage?"
With a touch of chivalry, Axel picked up Luna and declared, "Let's go, my queen."
Realizing there was no point in arguing, Luca resigned and agreed, "Let's go."
As they followed the guide to their cottage, they were in awe of the breathtaking beauty of Vandana Lake. The tranquil blue waters glistened under the warm sun, surrounded by lush foliage and vibrant flowers. It truly was a picturesque location for a vacation.
Entering the warm and inviting cottage, they were greeted by a comforting atmosphere. Adorned with local artwork, the walls added to the charm of the space. The tantalizing aroma of fresh flowers filled the air as the guide bid them farewell and left them to settle in.
The group dispersed to explore their temporary abode. Luca claimed the bedroom with a stunning view of the lake, while Luna admired the spacious living room. Freya and Cora inspected the fully equipped kitchen, eager to cook their meals during their stay.
After settling in, the group reconvened in the cozy living room to discuss their plans for the upcoming days. They decided to split their time between relaxing by the lake and exploring the surrounding nature trails.
With newfound courage, Freya revealed a hidden truth, saying, "Guys, I have to tell you something."
Luna inquired with interest, "What is it?"
"Our mother relocated here after she abandoned us in our childhood ."
Puzzled, Luca inquired, "What do you mean? Why are you informing us of this now?"
"I arranged the trip because she wants to meet us," Freya clarified.
Angered, Luca retorted, "What nonsense! I have no desire to see that woman."
In a melancholic tone, Luna added, "You never told us. Bringing us to this place was a mistake."
Acknowledging his fault, Freya stated, "I know, but I won't force you. If you want, you can stay here. But I will still visit her."
Frustrated, Luca demanded that Freya be quiet, expressing his discomfort.
Suddenly, an eerie aura encompassed the room, and Luna sensed that something was amiss. She questioned why their mother would choose to live in such a place. Alarmed, Freya yelled at Luca, while Luna and Axel stared at him in terror.
"Luca, why won't you say anything?" Freya implored, but he remained still. His face contorted into a disturbing expression, his eyes widening with an unnatural intensity. A shadow seemed to fall over his features, creating a haunting contrast between the familiar contours of his face and the sudden, unsettling transformation. It was as if an unseen force momentarily took hold, casting a ghostly pallor over his visage, only to release its grasp and return Luca's countenance to its normal state.
As they watched in horror, suddenly, his face reverted to its original appearance.
Luna questioned Luna, "Why are you so absent-minded, Freya? What happened?"
Freya confessed, "Yes."
Observing closely, Luna noted, "You seemed fixated on Luca as if something caught your eye."
Freya clarified, "I noticed a change in Luca's expression."
Defensively, Luca counterattacked, "Are you delusional? Making baseless accusations about me?"
Apologetic, Freya said, "I'm sorry, Luca."
"It's too late now," Luca responded.
Intervening, Axel suggested, "Let's cease this bickering and embrace the beauty of this location."
Filled with remorse, Freya murmured, "I will go meet Mom. If you don't want to accompany me, that's fine. I'll go alone." With those words, she exited the room, making her way towards her own destination.