Archive of Our Own

Chapter Text

The engine coughed to silence, a small shudder rippling through the violet paint of Sierra’s car. She gripped the steering wheel a moment longer, the cool plastic a stark contrast to the heat blooming in her palms. 

Closing her eyes for a couple of seconds, frustration flashed across her face as a rebellious braid fell on her tired face. 

Deep breaths. You can do it.

With a heavy sigh, she tapped her fingers against the wheel in a restless rhythm. Finally, she removed herself from the embrace of her seatbelt, tucked her hair behind her ear, and pushed the door open; the click echoing in the suburban street she found herself in.

Before her, the familiar two-story house glowed a muted tangerine glow in the early afternoon sun. The partially visible backyard contained an array of colorful roses, and the scent of freshly cut grass drifted on the warm breeze. 

To most, it would have been a picture of idyllic comfort. But Sierra’s gaze lingered on the chipped paint of the wooden porch railing, the faded swing set she could make out in the garden, each detail a tender memory etched in her mind as her steps inched closer.

She lifted a hand and pressed the doorbell. A familiar melody echoed, each note a small hammer against her nerves. One. Two. Three. Four. Fi—

The door swung open before the fifth second, revealing a face etched with time, yet unmistakably her mother’s.

“Sierra, honey!” Her mother’s voice, though warm, held a flicker of unease. “It’s been ages. I’m so happy you’re here.”

Sierra’s smile felt brittle as she hugged her and swiftly stepped back. 

“Hi, Mom.”

The discomfort of her eldest daughter dimmed the spark in Deborah’s deep brown eyes, a flicker of disappointment quickly masked. A beat of silence passed before she continued, “What are you waiting for? Come on in.” 

Deborah stepped to the side and opened the door wider, the faint scent of her floral perfume drifting toward Sierra. The floorboards creaked under her feet as she hesitantly entered her childhood home. 

“Is Dara ready yet…?”

Standing right next to the staircase was her old, black piano, its polished surface reflecting the afternoon light. A thin layer of dust coated the keys.

How long has it been?

In her mind, tiny fingers were gliding over those same keys on Christmas Day when she was five years old. Her parents were so proud of her, big smiles on their faces as she played “Twinkle, Twinkle, Little Star.”

A lifetime ago.

It’s been a while since she has even touched a piano. 

Her mother’s voice pulled her out of her trip down memory lane.

“She’s in the bathroom still, but her suitcase is ready. Do you want anything to drink? I’m sure your father is as excited as I am to see your face again!”

As if on cue, her dad walked into the big living room, his beaming smile a clear contrast to his dark complexion.

“Sisi, come here! I’ve missed you so much.”

He opened his arms and brought her into a big hug. Her chest tightened, still, she gently hugged him back.

“Hi, Dad.”

As they embraced, Sierra could smell the subtle scent of bergamot and oakmoss from her dad’s aftershave, which he had been using for as long as she could remember. Reluctantly, she let go of him and took a step back, her arms limply falling to her side. 

“I’m just here to pick up Dara. I have some other things to do later…” 

Her father’s smile fell. “Oh, okay. Are you sure you want nothing to eat on the road?”

“Thanks, but I already ate earlier,” Sierra replied, the smile feeling fake on her lips.

Her mother and father exchanged a brief glance as Sierra’s hand instinctively touched the healed scar of her right palm. Deborah’s lips pressed into a thin line before she spoke.

“Sierra, we barely see you at all. I mean, when was the last time you showed up? Seven— no, eight months ago? We miss you, honey. Maybe we can have a family dinner every other month like we used to. What do you think?”

Before Sierra could even genuinely think about her answer, her younger sister burst into the room like a ray of sunshine, her laughter a breath of fresh air that cut through the stifling tension.

“Sisi!”

Dara ran toward Sierra and launched herself into her arms.

Despite their nine-year age difference, Dara’s curly head slightly towered over her.

She’s grown so much.

“Hi, D. I’ve missed you,” Sierra muffled into the warmth of Dara’s tight embrace, receiving a similarly muffled “missed you too” back.

After a couple of seconds, Sierra reluctantly loosened her hold and stared into her sister’s warm brown eyes. Dara beamed, a slight gap between her front teeth. 

“You got all your stuff?”

“Yes! Let me say goodbye to Mom and Dad first.”

Dara turned toward their parents, who stood by the living room table.

“We’re gonna miss you so much, honeybun.” Herman enveloped Dara in a bear hug and kissed the top of her head.

“Dad, it’s just college. Plus, I won’t be far away. I can still visit, or you could visit me!” 

Instead of loosening his hold, he held her even tighter. Deborah joined in, her manicured hand gently stroking Dara’s back.

“We’d love that, and we love you, hun. Don’t forget to text us when you’re at your dorm. And also call us once in a while. I know you’re grown up now, but you’ll still be our baby.”

At the sight, Sierra’s chest tightened, a sharp pang of jealousy stabbing through her.

The family group hug finally broke apart, leaving a bittersweet ache in Sierra’s chest as everyone seemed to be getting teary-eyed. Smiling wistfully, Dara picked up her giant black suitcase, the wheels rattling slightly on the hardwood floor.

She slung her brown backpack over her shoulder, her smile not faltering as she turned toward her older sister.

“I’m ready.”

“Okay, let’s go. Was nice to see you guys again,” Sierra said to her parents, the words feeling stiff and awkward on her tongue as she waved goodbye. “Gotta go.”

Sierra and Dara were almost down the porch steps when Deborah’s voice, a soft plea, reached them.

“Sierra! Remember what we talked about earlier. We’d love to spend time together as a family again… if you’re ready.”

Sierra stopped on the last step, the worn wood creaking. She turned her head with a slight, strained smile and nodded. “Okay, Mom. I’ll think about it. Love you… ”

Dara looked between her parents and older sister, her hopeful gaze lingering on Sierra, before continuing toward the car.

After helping Dara with her luggage, the sisters entered the car and buckled their seat belts, the familiar click a sharp sound in the quiet.

“So… are you ready for the next chapter of your life?” Sierra asked, turning the key and starting the engine.

“Honestly, I’m just excited to be on my own. I mean, I’ll have roommates, but it’ll be a fresh experience being away from Mom and Dad.” 

Dara fully turned toward her sister, “...how was it for you when you got out?”

Sierra hesitated, “My situation was a bit different. I mean, I moved out at 17 and had to work part-time to afford tuition. You probably don’t even remember…”

Dara furrowed her brows, “Not really. What even happened between you? I know Mom said that things were rough at some point, but Dad— he won’t even talk about it at all. He’s always closed off when I bring it up…”

Sierra’s expression changed as she continued focusing on the road.

Dara fidgeted with her phone before continuing, “I mean, I’m glad that you’re driving me, and that you always pick up when I call— when I need you. But I just… wished that you guys didn’t see me as some fragile little girl anymore. You can just tell me the truth. You can’t protect me forever.”

Sierra sighed, the sound echoing softly in the car as she navigated through the sun-drenched streets. She turned to Dara and offered her a small, sad smile.

“We don’t think you’re fragile. It’s just… complicated, D,” she said, her voice tinged with a hint of weariness. After a moment, Sierra continued, “There was a lot of hurt between Mom, Dad, and me. And I guess there still is. Maybe I just can’t let go of the past, who knows? But that’s why I moved out so early. It just didn’t feel like home anymore…not really.”

Dara looked at her sister, a pang of sadness twisting in her chest. She knew Sierra had always shielded her from the details of their separation, never wanting to put Dara in the middle of their drama. Although she loved the occasional calls and face-times between them, she missed doing something together as a family.

“I know it must have been hard for you,” Dara said quietly. “But you’ve always been so strong and independent. I really don’t know how you did it… I know I wouldn’t.”

“Sometimes I don’t know either,” Sierra admitted with a soft chuckle, her grip tightening on the steering wheel, the fake leather cool against her skin. “But I felt like I didn’t have a choice. I couldn’t rely on Mom and Dad financially, and I refused to ask them for help.”

She took a deep breath, the air catching in her throat, steeling herself for what she was about to say.

“There were days… nights, when I was so tired, so overwhelmed, I thought I’d break. But I kept pushing, because giving up wasn’t an option.”

“You piss me off sometimes with your secrets, but I love and admire you, Sisi… for everything you’ve achieved, for how tough you are. You’ve got an incredibly hard shell, but I know inside you’re… a fluffy teddy bear.”

Sierra huffed a laugh.

“No, like seriously. I just want you to be okay. You know I love you, and I miss seeing my big sis in person. You really need to show up more.”

Sierra’s heart swelled with feelings of both gratitude and guilt at Dara’s words.

“Thanks,” she said softly, her grip on the steering wheel loosening slightly, the tension easing from her shoulders. “That means a lot. Just… remember, no matter what happens between me and our parents… I’m always here for you. You can count on me, okay?”

“I know I can, and I appreciate it more than you know. And I want you to know that I’m here for you too, no matter what. You don’t have to carry everything alone.”

The sisters fell into a comfortable silence, the quiet radio voice a soothing backdrop to their thoughts. Dara gazed out the window as she fidgeted with her hands, enjoying the blur of passing streets and buildings.

Tired of the engine’s gentle whir and the occasional whoosh of a passing car, Sierra broke the silence.

“So, are you excited about your new roommates? You’ll be living with four other girls, right?”

Dara slumped slightly in her seat, her gaze still fixed on the passing scenery.

“Well, I’m definitely excited to make new friends. Five girls in one dorm is kinda… a lot, but we’ll see. Could be a fun group to party with… take some cute pics for Insta. Maybe I’ll get the full ‘Sex Lives of College Girls’ experience.”

“As your older sister, I’m absolutely hoping that that won’t be the case,” Sierra replied with a tiny grin.

“Speaking of sex lives, how’s yours?” Dara sat up in her seat and deviously smiled at Sierra, who in return side-eyed her.

“Girl… let’s not talk about that. Nothing’s going on, anyway. I’m focused on work and nothing else.”

“Boohoo,” Dara rolled her eyes, a playful smirk tugging at her lips. “Maybe you should go out more. I know being a 911 operator isn’t easy, especially with those long hours. But c’mon, don’t you want to go out and party sometimes? Have some fun. Use dating apps. Find a hobby. Anything!” Dara’s voice and gestures grew more animated with each sentence, making Sierra’s lips twitch with amusement.

“I have hobbies, mind you.”

“I know you’re not a believer, but I’d even pray to God to finally give you a good partner!” Dara dramatically clasped her hands together, closing her eyes. “Dear God, please give my lonely, lovable sister a partner who cherishes her forever! Someone sweet, optimistic, a beam of sunlight in her… well, in her very dull life!”

Sierra shook her head, a snort escaping her nose, “Okay, now you’re doing too much. I don’t think God would appreciate the theatrics.”

Dara glanced over at her sister with a playful smirk. “Maybe He’ll answer my prayers and bring someone wonderful into your life. Or maybe God doesn’t need to do all the work. You could just, you know, put yourself out there a little.”

“Oh, please. My love life is nonexistent right now, and I’m perfectly fine with that. I’m too busy with work anyway. Also, I’m pretty sure God has better things to do than worrying about finding me a partner,” she said, shaking her head in mock irritation. “But thanks for the thought, I guess. I’m glad to know that my single status is causing you so much distress.”

Dara playfully rolled her eyes. “Oh, come on, Sisi. You deserve someone who’d move mountains for you! Maybe the universe just needs a little divine nudge to bring that special someone into your life.”

Sierra couldn’t help but laugh at Dara’s matchmaking efforts. “Alright, alright. You might have a point. Maybe it’s time for the universe to work its magic. But don’t hold your breath waiting for a miracle…”

With a decisive turn, Sierra peeled off the highway, the smooth hum of the tires shifting to a rougher rumble as they hit the cracked asphalt of a side road. The familiar stretch of the interstate vanished, replaced by a narrow road that was surrounded by dense trees and an absence of other vehicles.

The car ride continued in a comfortable silence, the engine’s gentle hum accompanied by the occasional crackling of the car’s radio. The road snaked through the thick woods, the afternoon sunlight filtering through the trees, casting long, fractured streaks of light across the asphalt.

Dara, who’d been scrolling through her phone, her fingers tapping a rapid rhythm against the screen, finally looked up. Her dark brown curls bounced as she tilted her head, brows furrowed slightly.

“That’s… a really long road,” she observed, a hint of confusion creeping into her voice. “Shouldn’t we be at the college by now?”

“I thought so too,” Sierra admitted, her voice a touch sharper than intended. “Maybe I missed an exit.”

“Want me to pull up Google Maps?” Dara offered, already tapping at her phone screen again. 

The radio started crackling.

 “Maybe we took a wrong turn earlier.” Her brows furrowed as she looked at her phone. “Huh, that’s weird. No signal.”

“No signal?” Sierra fiddled with the radio; just more noise. “That’s… odd.”

“Yeah, I even checked my network settings,” Dara said, frustration creeping into her voice. “Nothing.” She held up her phone, turning it this way and that, as if trying to coax a signal from the empty air. “Maybe it’s just a dead zone?”

“Maybe,” Sierra replied, though the tightness in her chest told her it was more than that.  She eased her foot off the accelerator and scanned the roadside. The trees lining the road were thick, their branches almost intertwining overhead, creating a partly open dome that blocked out some of the afternoon sun. The air hung heavy, a suffocating silence pressing against her ears. No sound of birds whatsoever.

“This is really weird, Sisi. I don’t like this.”

“Me neither,” Sierra admitted, her gaze fixed on the endless stretch of the road ahead. “But we’ll find a way out.” She tried to sound confident, but even to her own ears, it sounded forced.

Just then, she noticed something in the middle of the road. A massive tree, its gnarled branches reaching out like skeletal arms, blocked their path. It felt almost like a purposely placed barrier to Sierra.

“What the—” she began, her voice trailing off as she stared at the imposing tree. It wasn’t just large; it was wrong. The gnarled branches were as thick as a grown man’s torso, whereas the other trees were noticeably thinner. 

What was strong enough to rip it out of the ground?

She glanced into the dense forest, the shadows within seeming to deepen. A flicker of her instincts kicked in — assess, analyze, act. But this wasn’t a call; this was something far stranger. No signal, no radio, no nature sounds, no way across.

With a decisive click, she unbuckled her seatbelt. “Stay in the car, Dara,” she said, her voice firm, though a hint of worry lurked beneath the surface. She stepped out and approached the tree, the gravel crunching under her beige sneakers.

Sierra took another cautious step toward the tree, her eyes scanning its gnarled branches and roots.

“How did this tree get here…?” she murmured to herself, the question hanging unanswered in the still air. 

Before she could ponder further, a sudden, frantic flapping of wings broke the silence. At least a dozen crows descended from the sky, their cries harsh and divergent. They swarmed around the tree before landing on it. Their black eyes fixed on her with an unsettling intensity. Sierra instinctively backed away, a primal sense of unease washing over her. Their presence felt ominous, like a dark omen.

Keeping her eyes glued to the tree and the crows, Sierra walked backward, the crunch of gravel under her soles a stark contrast to the silence that had reigned moments before. She slammed the door shut, the solid thunk a slight comfort against the growing unease. She fastened her seatbelt with a sharp click and turned the key, the engine roaring back to life.

“What in the world is going on?” Dara’s voice was slightly trembling, her eyes wide with fear as she saw the pitch-black eyes of a dozen crows focused on them alone.

“I don’t know.” She gripped the steering wheel. “But we’re not staying here to find out. Maybe I really did miss the exit…”

She put the car into reverse, her gaze flicking between the rearview mirror and the ominous tree. The car rumbled backward, but the crows’ relentless gazes didn’t waiver. Sierra slammed on the gas, driving away from the unsettling sight.

Sierra’s pointer fingers nervously drummed on the steering wheel as clouds started to slowly spread across the blue sky, a fleeting moment of beauty before the inevitable descent of darkness.

“D, do you still have no signal?” Sierra asked, her voice strained.

Dara’s brow furrowed as she stared at her phone. “No. Nothing. It’s like the world just ended.”

Then, Dara’s eyes widened. “Those are new,” she said, turning in her seat to stare out the back window. “Train tracks. We didn’t see those before, did we?”

Sierra glanced in the rearview mirror, her eyes narrowing. “No, I don’t think—” she stopped mid-sentence, her gaze fixed ahead. “There’s…buildings. A town?”

Their car slowed down as they passed a barn, its wooden planks warped and gray. A figure came into view. A broad-shouldered man with a wooden cart stood outside a building that had a faded American flag hanging limply in front. His face was etched with a mixture of confusion as he stared in shock. His intense gaze felt like a physical weight pressing down on them.

“Um… why is he looking at us like that?” Dara asked, her voice barely a whisper. 

She scanned their surroundings, taking in the strange, almost staged quality of the town. They passed houses that looked lived in yet abandoned, and a blue diner where guests stared at them behind giant windows as if Sierra and Dara were a tourist attraction. A young man in a deputy’s uniform stood outside in front of the building, his face etched with a look of surprise.

“Maybe they don’t get a lot of outsiders?” Sierra replied, her voice laced with uncertainty. The stares felt heavy. 

Dara turned to her older sister. “It’s kinda giving ‘Get Out’.”

Following the road, Sierra made a right turn, leaving the town behind them. A large mansion appeared on their right, its porch filled with people engaged in conversation. Their happy faces abruptly fell as the sound of the car’s engine cut through the air, their eyes, similar to the crows from earlier, following the car as it passed.

The oppressive presence of the trees intensified. It was as if they had driven in a circle, finding themselves back on the same endless road where they had encountered the unsettling tree. The fading light cast long, distorted shadows, making the familiar landscape feel alien.

Dara checked her phone again. “Still nothing,” she said, her voice frustrated as she threw her hands in the air. “We’re completely cut off.”

The road offered no exits, no escape, just the endless loop of trees. The afternoon sun was now hidden as a bank of ominous clouds rolled in.

“Are you kidding me!” Sierra’s frustrated voice cut the silence as she saw familiar buildings enter her view yet again. “There is no way we could’ve missed the exit. Is this some sick joke?”

Dara grimaced, her eyes darting around nervously. “Maybe we should stop and ask that deputy how to get to Baltimore?”

“I guess we have no other choice since our phones are about as useful as bricks right now.”

They passed the barn again, where a blond man was now feeding the animals. The broad-shouldered man they’d seen earlier was engaged in an intense conversation with another man, who had shoulder-length dark curls and a look of deep concern. The serious faces of the middle-aged men caused Dara’s eyebrows to furrow slightly.

Sierra slowed the car as they approached the diner and the young man in the deputy uniform. Dara rolled down her window, forcing a bright smile. “Hi! Sorry to bother you, but we kinda got lost, and I have no signal on my phone. Do you happen to know the way toward Baltimore?”

The young man looked at her, his expression shifting from a guarded wariness to a gentle, almost apologetic sadness. “Baltimore?” he repeated softly as his gaze flickered to Sierra. “I’m sorry. You won’t find Baltimore here.”

Behind him, a young woman wearing an apron stepped out of the diner. She exchanged a brief, almost imperceptible look with the deputy.

The young woman turned to them with a pained smile, “You turned right earlier, correct? Maybe try the road on the left.” 

Sierra tilted forward, two braids framing her face as she locked eyes with the young man, then with the woman. Something in their eyes, an unnecessary amount of empathy considering their situation, made her weirdly uncomfortable. “Right… thanks. Have a nice day.”

Dara rolled up her window again, the glass muffling the sounds of the town, as Sierra moved the car, this time, taking a left turn. She glanced in the rearview mirror. The woman watched them, her gaze lingering, as if she knew they were driving further into a trap.

Chapter Text

Sierra and Dara strained their eyes, scanning the roadside, desperate not to miss the mysteriously nonexistent turn they kept passing. They’d been driving for what felt like an eternity after taking that left turn inside the town, the silence inside the car broken only by the occasional frustrated sigh. The afternoon sun was now almost completely hidden by clouds, casting long shadows that danced across the asphalt. But instead of an exit, the familiar buildings of the town loomed ahead.

“How?! How are we here again?” Sierra threw her hands up in exasperation before gripping the steering wheel tightly. “This is insane!”

“Maybe… maybe that’s why they were staring at us like that,” Dara said, her voice thoughtful, though laced with unease. “All these weird things have happened ever since we left the highway. We need to talk to someone… ask them what’s going on.”

Sierra pulled the car to a stop directly in front of the diner for a second time. As they unbuckled their seatbelts, the broad-shouldered man they’d seen earlier approached. A sheriff’s badge pinned to his belt, and a holstered gun pressed against his hip.

Sierra stepped out of the car, her gaze locked on his.

“Hey,” she began, her voice tight. “We’re trying to get to Baltimore, but… we keep ending up back here. We asked for directions earlier, from a young man and a woman at the diner, but…”

The man nodded slowly, his expression a mask of calm, though his eyes held a flicker of something Sierra wasn’t able to decipher. 

A forced, almost too-warm smile spread across his face. “My name is Boyd. Why don’t you come inside?” His voice was low and steady. “Have something to eat and drink. We were just having dinner. I’ll explain everything.”

Sierra glanced back as Dara stepped out of the car, a silent question passing between them. “Alright. Sure,” she nodded.

Inside the diner, a commotion of voices and clattering cutlery filled the air, a stark contrast to the silence outside. People filled almost every table, yet no one seemed genuinely happy to be here. To their right, a young family — parents and a small child — sat huddled together inside their booth. Sierra recognized the curly-haired man from earlier; he was the one having a passionate discussion with Boyd.

As they stepped fully into the diner, a wave of eyes turned toward them. The young woman with the apron approached the family’s table with a plate of food and spoke to the little boy in a soothing voice.

Boyd clapped his hands together before gesturing toward an empty booth. “Take a seat. I’ve already told Tian-Chen that we’ve got some new visitors.”

How did he know that we’d be back?

The sisters sat down in the booth behind the family’s table. The man and boy behind the younger sister stole curious glances at them — well, the father’s were rather scrutinizing — while Dara nervously fiddled with the silent jukebox that seemed to not be working.

Boyd joined their table, placing two plates of what looked like potato casserole before them. Right behind him, carrying two teacups, was the young deputy they’d asked for directions earlier. Sierra shifted slightly, giving the deputy some space as Boyd settled opposite her, next to Dara.

“Thank you,” the sisters said in unison as the men put down the plates and cups. Dara immediately started eating, while the deputy locked eyes with Sierra, offering a reserved smile as he sat down beside her. 

“That tastes delicious!” 

Dara looked like she hadn’t eaten in two days, the way she was gulping down forks of the casserole. Sierra rolled her eyes at her sister’s antics. The deputy seemed to enjoy her lack of restraint, his smile growing slightly as he watched Dara devour the food. 

“My mom made it. She’s the cook here. I’ll tell her that you loved it,” he remarked with a chuckle, his eyes flicking from Dara to Sierra. 

Sierra gave him a tight-lipped smile before she turned her steady gaze to Boyd. “Boyd, was it? You said you’d explain. Let’s talk.”

Boyd raised an eyebrow at her directness, a flicker of amusement in his eyes. “Right to the point. I like it.” He glanced at the deputy before continuing, “So, you saw the tree in the middle of the road.”

It sounded more like a fact instead of a question. Sierra went rigid, whereas Dara looked up from her plate in surprise.

“We all saw the tree,” Mr. Deputy chimed in, his voice soft yet somber. “And now we’re all stuck here… I’m Kenny, by the way. Forgot the introduction.”

“Um, Sierra. And that’s Dara, my little sister.”

At the mention of her name, Dara raised her hand up high as if she were back in school.

Tilting her head slightly, Sierra asked, “I’m sorry, but… what exactly do you mean by ‘stuck’?”

Boyd answered, his voice low and steady, “By ‘stuck,’ we mean just that. Once you see the tree there is no way back. You can drive down the road on the right, the one on the left, even turn around at the town’s edge… it doesn’t matter. We’re surrounded by trees, and we can’t get out of this place.”

“A lot of us have been stuck here for years,” Kenny added, his gaze drifting toward the family at the nearby table. “The Matthews family over there has been here for three days now.”

Sierra’s eyebrows furrowed again, a deep sigh escaping her lips as she tucked a stray braid behind her ear. “How— how is this even possible? Surely there must be a way. There’s always a way.”

“Can’t we just leave through the forest if the roads don’t work?” Dara asked, her voice laced with a desperate hope. Her fork now placed on the almost empty plate.

Boyd looked at her, his eyes dark and serious. “The forest doesn’t end, and you really don’t want to be outside once the sun goes down. That’s when they come out.”

“They?” Dara inquired, her voice barely a whisper. “Are we talking forest cult they or gender-neutral they?”

“The creatures,” Kenny answered, his voice low and grave. “They come out of the forest every night. We don’t know where, but they look like humans. They smile… but only because they enjoy the hunt. If you’re not in an enclosed space with a talisman hanging on the wall, they will… they will tear you apart for fun.”

As he spoke the last words, his gaze dropped to the table, his expression hardening, a flicker of raw grief and rage momentarily breaking through his calm facade.

Sierra took in a breath of air before she exchanged a wide-eyed, horrified glance with Dara, who sat frozen. The somewhat casual mention of being “torn apart” hung in the air.

“Talismans? How did you get them? How did you even find this out? Is this a jo—” Sierra asked when the jukeboxes suddenly turned on, surprising not only the sisters but also the Matthews family.

“Yeah, they do that sometimes. It’s like they’re mocking us,” says Boyd while turning slightly behind him toward the Matthews.

He pointed at a weirdly shaped stone hung next to the door before turning around to the sisters.

“The talismans somehow repel them, so we hung them at the entrance of every building. I found them while being stuck in the forest at night.”

“This is just insane,” Sierra says as she picked up her teacup, hoping it will calm her down. After these news, she wasn’t particularly hungry anymore. Kenny looked at her with empathy, offering a tiny, pained smile.

Boyd turned to Sierra, “I know this is a lot of information, so I’ll leave you alone for a bit. We don’t have that much time until sundown, so I’ll make sure you girls have somewhere to sleep for the night, and tomorrow morning, we’ll figure something out, okay? Eat. Drink.”

As he got up, he looked at Kenny, “Do you have time to talk right now?”

Kenny nodded, sparing the sisters a glance and a soft smile before he joined Boyd who moved next to the counter to talk to him in private.

“Eat something,” Dara looked at her, “we need some food for the night. Might be easier to fall asleep that way.”

“How can you even eat right now after these news? This sounds like the beginning of a horror story you get told while sitting around a fireplace with your friends.”

Sierra looked at her younger sister and ultimately picked up her own fork once her stomach started growling.

Not bad.

“Well, if we’re really stuck here, then I’m guessing food is limited. Also, it’s a gift. We can’t just not eat it. You can’t say no to food!” Dara gave her a bright smile, her slightly spaced front teeth showing.

“Sometimes I wish I had your optimism,” Sierra mumbled, taking another bite. “I gotta say, the casserole really is good. You’re right.”

“I’m always right, aren't I? And what can I say? Not everyone chooses to see the world through a cloud of rain,” Dara replied, flashing a playful grin as she shoveled another forkful into her mouth.

Sierra raised an eyebrow, her lips curling into a reluctant smile.

“Yeah, well, I think I’ll pass on your rose-colored glasses for now. Not sure how being caged up in a town with monsters can be turned into a positive… if it’s even true. Maybe this is all some elaborated prank or social experiment. If not, then maybe I’ll try on your glasses tomorrow.”

A moment passed, and Dara gazed out the window, lost in thought.

“Mom and Dad are probably worried… I still haven’t told them that I made it to the dorm.”

Sierra stared at her sister. “To be fair, we never made it to the dorm, so…”

Dara turned from the window, looking at her completely unimpressed.

The older sister’s tone softened, “Look, I know this sucks. They might be freaking out right now but thinking about it won’t help us. We’re here… together. We just need to figure out how to go back… or out, or whatever.”

She reached over and lightly nudged Dara’s shoulder. "You’ve got an emergency pro right here. We’re gonna find the exit. Trust me.”

At the Matthews’ table, the little boy wobbled back to his seat with a crutch under one arm and a plate of food in his other hand. A kind-looking older woman emerged from the back of the kitchen.

That must be Kenny’s mom.

She looked at the newcomers and offered a warm smile. Sierra smiled back, nodding gratefully as if to silently say, thank you.

Suddenly, Kenny’s voice called out, “Sara!” as the young woman in the apron collapsed, her body convulsing on the floor behind the counter while Boyd rushed to help.

Dara froze in her seat, wide-eyed, but Sierra was already moving. She shot out of the booth and bolted toward the young woman. She dropped to her knees beside her, her voice steady as she quickly assessed the situation.

“Boyd, do you have a nurse or doctor here? Call for help! Now!” she commanded, glancing up for a moment.

She didn’t wait for an answer, but heard the door of the diner open as footsteps rushed out. Her hands hovered near Sara.

She took a deep breath, trying to keep herself steady.

Focus, you’re trained for this. Just think like you would on the phone.

“Sierra?” Dara’s voice was tight with worry.

Sierra kept her gaze on the young woman, fingers hovering just above her body as she mentally ran through emergency protocols.

“Stay back, D. Let me handle this.” Her voice appeared calm, but her mind raced. 

Sara’s breathing was erratic — she was in obvious distress, but there was no immediate sign of anything life-threatening. At least not yet. 

Focus on the breathing. If she seizes longer than five minutes, I need to act fast.

She quickly tried to clear the area around her, gently guiding Tian-Chen out of the way.

“We need to keep her safe from hitting anything and keep her airways clear.”

Sierra took off her purple hoodie and placed it flat under Sara’s head to protect it from the hard ground. As she carefully turned Sara on her side into recovery position to prevent her from choking on saliva or vomit, a couple of braids fell into her face, momentarily obstructing her view.

With a frustrated sigh, she grabbed two strands from either side of her face and wrapped them around the remaining braids, securing them as best as she could.

Airway's open. Breathing is labored but present.

With Sara’s head now resting on the soft cushion of her hoodie, Sierra’s focus shifted back to the task at hand. She scanned the area, taking in the surroundings for any sign of Boyd, but he wasn’t back yet.

Sara slowly stopped seizing. Once it subsided, Sierra kept one hand on her back to make sure that she remained steady and didn’t roll onto her stomach. Sierra’s heart raced, but she forced herself to stay calm. She needed to make sure Sara was breathing, her mind ticking through the steps she’d learned over the years.

After a moment, Sara’s breathing became more regular, though still shallow and uneven. Sierra kept a close eye on her, speaking softly, trying to reassure her even if she couldn’t hear.

“It’s okay, you’re safe,” Sierra whispered, her voice steady.

The entrance of the diner finally opened as Boyd and a woman, probably around her own age, hurried in. 

That must be the doctor.

Her eyes quickly scanned the room until they landed on Sara, still laying on her side.

The young woman’s movements were calm despite the urgency of the situation.

“How long was she out?” she asked, her voice low and focused as she kneeled beside Sara.

“A few minutes,” Sierra replied, her own voice fake steady. “One moment she was fine, then just… collapsed.”

The nurse’s fingers moved swiftly, checking Sara’s pulse, her pupils, her breathing.

“We need to get her back to the clinic,” she said, her brows furrowed. “Boyd, can you help me get her up?”

Boyd nodded, his expression grim. The little boy’s father jumped up from his seat. “Let me help you.”

Together, they carefully lifted the limp body of Sara. As they moved toward the door, the diner fell into a hushed silence, all eyes following their progress.

Sierra watched them go, her heart still pounding in her chest. The image of Sara’s seizure, the sudden, violent shaking, was burned into her mind. She glanced at Dara, who stood beside her, her face slightly pale.

“Does… does she often have seizures?” Dara whispered, her voice trembling as she turned to Kenny, who still stood next to his mom.

“No. This has never happened to her. I— I don’t know why…” Kenny muttered in shock, his voice distant. “But I’m glad that you were there. Kristi might’ve been here too late otherwise.”

Sierra didn’t respond immediately, still processing everything that had happened. Her hands shook, but she clenched them into fists.

“It’s… it’s part of my job,” she finally said, her voice quieter than usual. “I’ve talked people through situations like that before, but… seeing it in person is something else though.”

Kenny gave a small nod, his face still clouded with worry. He glanced back at his mom, who still looked distraught, then back at Sierra. “Thank you.”

Sierra gave a tight smile, her mind still racing as she tried to push the image of Sara’s shaking body from her thoughts. “Just doing what I could.”

Dara placed a hand on her shoulder after she crouched down to pick up Sierra’s hoodie, her voice soft but firm. “You did more than enough, Sisi.”

Sierra took a deep breath and nodded, trying to shake off the lingering tension in her chest. But even as the room grew quieter, the image of Sara’s seizure stayed with her. They weren’t even in town for half a day, and she’s already stressed the fuck out.

“Oh,” Kenny said, eyebrows lifting slightly in realization. “About the sleeping arrangements for the night… Boyd and I were thinking of putting you two in Sara and Nathan’s house. But with everything going on, it might be better if you stay with my mom, Jade, and me instead.”

“Jade?” Dara asked. 

“Jade got here the same day as the Matthews. His friend died here, unfortunately…” Kenny grimaced.

“Anyway, let me grab some blankets from the back, and I’ll show you your room for the night. Hopefully, we can find a permanent place for you after your Choosing Ceremony.”

“Choosing Ceremony? What’s that? Is this a cult?” Dara raised an eyebrow.

Kenny chuckled as he disappeared into the back of the kitchen, returning quickly with a couple of blankets and an old pillow.

“The Choosing Ceremony… Father Khatri holds it for new arrivals. It’s where you decide if you want to stay in Town or at Colony House. Take the Matthews, for example. Their daughter, Julie, decided to stay at Colony House with the other free spirits, while the rest of the family stays here in Town.”

“Is Colony House the mansion we passed when we took that right turn?” Sierra asked as they headed out the door that Kenny held open for them, earning a small smile from Sierra.

Kenny followed them outside. “Yep. It’s basically a commune. Everyone shares responsibilities, possessions, and they even grow their own food and weed. Donna is kind of like their Boyd. Town’s more about privacy and individually following rules so that things don’t get out of hand.”

Sierra glanced at Kenny in confusion. “Seems like a terrible idea to have a big group of people living together in one house if there really are monsters roaming the streets at night…”

“Which is exactly why Town exists,” Kenny nodded with a smile. “Sounds like you’ll fit in here just fine.”

They stopped in front of a yellow two-story house with a white porch.

“Welcome to the Liu home,” Kenny said, leading the way up the stairs and holding the door open for the sisters.

Dara flashed him a bright smile, while Sierra muttered a quick, “Thanks.”

They followed him up to the second floor, where there were four bedrooms. Kenny led them into the room and set the blankets and pillows down at the foot of the queen-sized bed.

“This is your bed for the night. I hope it’s okay. If you need anything, just ask. Once Boyd starts walking around Town ringing the bell, that’s our signal to lock up doors, windows, and close the blinds.”

“O-Okay, got it. Thanks so much for letting us stay here,” Sierra said, her voice softer now. She turned to Dara. “You still have your luggage in the car, right? Let’s go grab it. I might have some stuff left in the car, too.”

After Dara threw Sierra’s purple hoodie on the bed, the two made their way downstairs. The sisters stepped back outside, the chill of the air creeping into their bones. They made their way to the back of the car and opened the trunk. Sierra slightly pulled on her sister’s way-too-big suitcase while Dara grabbed her backpack. The sound of gravel crunching under their shoes was the only noise between them.

Dara stood off to the side for a moment, her eyes scanning the street. “I can’t believe we’re really stuck here…” she muttered.

Sierra heaved the black suitcase out of the trunk with a groan. 

“Me neither. You know that I have terrible sleeping habits…if I’ll sleep at all, that is. Surviving while sleep-deprived. Yay, fun.”

Dara pulled out Sierra’s sports jacket and a black cap from the car, then closed the trunk with a soft thud.

“At least we’re together. And the people in town seem nice, especially Kenny.”

“Mhm…” Sierra nodded, her eyes lingering on the street ahead. “We should definitely check out Colony House tomorrow morning. It’s not my scene, but it’s good to get the bigger picture. I’m a little concerned about dividing the people, though. Shouldn’t we all be working together to get out of here? It sounds more like a ‘them versus us’ type of thing.”

“Hmm,” Dara mused. “Aren’t humans always divided in some way? Maybe that’s just how it is.”

“I guess… we’ll see.”

They both headed inside to put their things into the room. Sierra glanced out the window, the sun might hang on for another hour before dipping below the horizon.

“I’m gonna take a walk outside,” Sierra said, stretching her arms. “Check out the area a bit. Maybe it’ll make falling asleep easier later.”

“Alright, be careful. I’ll be waiting downstairs. Love you.” Dara smiled softly.

“Love you too.”

As they made their way downstairs, Tian-Chen — Kenny’s mom — entered the house. The two exchanged polite smiles. As Sierra stepped out the door, she could hear her sister thanking Tian-Chen for letting them stay and mentioning something about the potato casserole. Sierra chuckled and shook her head as she left the porch, the evening air cool against her skin.

Standing outside the Lius’ home, Sierra pondered where to go. On her right was a big, empty swimming pool with an overturned truck stuck in it. 

“I wonder how that got in there…” Sierra mumbled to herself.

She went left, remembering the old barn with animals in it. She passed the gas station they drove by earlier as two people entered her view — a handsome, bearded man with a white-blue striped button-down shirt and an equally well-dressed woman with a jet black shoulder-length bob.

“Oh, you’re new,” the woman stated with a surprised look, a thin scar covering the left side of her face, from her temple to her cheekbone. She looked youthful, yet a bit older than Sierra, maybe in her early or mid 30s.

“Nice to meet you. My name is Rosalie, but you can call me Rosa.”

Her smile was genuine and warm as she stretched out her hand, her perfectly painted nails reflecting the light.

Shaking her hand, Sierra greeted her with a small smile. The man beside Rosa was looking around impatiently, tapping his foot, with no specific focus. Rosa glanced at him, slightly elbowing his side. The man glared at her before sparing Sierra a quick, dismissive glance.

“Jade. Hi.” 

Sierra forced another smile. Not much of a talker, I guess. Same.

Rosa, however, seemed content with his reply as she smiled at him. “Sorry, we have somewhere to be, but I’m sure we’ll see each other tomorrow, Sierra. Have a safe night.”

Sierra smiled at her as the two walked away, Jade practically dragging Rosalie with him.

Sierra watched the odd pair disappear down the street. With a small head shake, she turned around and headed toward the barn, the sound of animal noises a comforting presence in the otherwise eerie quiet.

As Sierra neared the barn, the scent of hay and earth filled the air. A young man with messy blond hair stood inside the fenced area, his hands busy feeding the animals — chickens pecked eagerly at the ground, goats bleated softly, and a couple of sheep lazily grazed nearby. A cow stood by the fence, its dark eyes fixed on the scene.

“Hi, I’m Sierra. Do you need any help?” she called out, her voice carrying over the soft noises of the farm.

The man slightly jumped, clearly startled, before turning around. His eyes widened in surprise, and he wiped his hands on his jeans. “Oh, hi. I’m Nathan. Are you new here?”

Nathan. Sierra nodded, stepping closer to the fence. The weight of the day’s events still sat heavily on her shoulders, but she pushed the thoughts aside.

“Um, yes, I am. Are you Sara’s brother, by any chance?”

Nathan gave a quick nod, though his expression was tight.

“Yeah, that’s me. I take care of the barn while she’s at the diner.”

He gestured behind him at the scattered animals, his eyes lingering on them before flicking back to her. “It’s a lot to manage alone, but someone has to do it.”

Sierra could hear the fatigue in his voice. “I can imagine. It must be tough, especially with everything going on,” she said, her voice softening as she recalled the chaos earlier.

Nathan sighed, his shoulders slumping a bit. “Yeah. She’s been having a rough time. Been a lot of… things happening that we can’t quite figure out.”

Sierra studied him for a moment, picking up on the hesitation in his words, but chose not to push.

Instead, she offered, “If you ever need a hand, just let me know. I’m happy to help with the barn or whatever else you need. I love animals… and helping.”

Nathan looked grateful, but the weariness didn’t leave his eyes. “I appreciate that.”

A silence settled between them as Nathan kept feeding the animals and Sierra crouched down to pet one of the goats, its fur comfortingly soft.

“How did these animals get here? Boyd and Kenny said that monsters come out at night, so wouldn’t they be in danger without one of those talismans?” Sierra glanced up at Nathan, her eyebrows raised in question.

“From what I know, Boyd found some chickens and a goat about two years before we arrived. He also found the talismans in a cave and noticed that it repelled the creatures. They never hurt the animals for some reason.”

Only humans? Sierra raised an eyebrow, “Damn. No wonder he’s the boss in town.”

“Yeah, he’s got a knack for finding things. Things people need.” He paused, a somberness settling over his features, his gaze drifting into the distance. “But it comes at a cost.”

“A cost?” Sierra asked, her voice low.

“You know… sometimes I wonder if we’re here for a reason. Did we do something bad? Is this a lesson? What if… if we die here, do our fears become reality? Are we already living inside somebody’s nightmare?”

Nathan didn’t elaborate further. Instead, he shifted his attention to the animals.

“I should get home,” he said, his voice clipped. “It’ll be dark soon.”

As Sierra opened her mouth to reply, she heard the ringing of a bell. A sharp gust of wind rattled the barn doors, sending a shiver through Sierra. Nathan looked at Sierra, his eyes wide with urgency.

“Don’t be out here alone after dark.” He closed the gate and hurried toward his house, his movements almost frantic.

“Why the rush?” Sierra mumbled. She turned to the animals with a soft smile. “Goodnight. See you tomorrow.”

As Sierra jogged toward the Lius’ house, Boyd approached, his bell ringing softly in the evening air.

“Don’t forget to lock the windows and close the blinds,” he said, his voice steady. “It’s almost nighttime.”

Sierra slowed down and nodded. “Yes, sir.”

Boyd gave her a small, reassuring smile. He continued his rounds, the gentle ringing of the bell fading into the quiet of the approaching night.

As Sierra entered the yellow house, she saw Dara, Kenny, and Tian-Chen chatting at the kitchen table. It was cluttered with half-finished cups of tea. 

Kenny stood up and confidently walked toward Sierra. She slightly stepped to the side in confusion as he got closer to her. He reached out a hand and Sierra went rigid. Kenny locked the door next to her and glanced at her with a puzzled expression.

Oh. Stupid.

“Make sure the blinds in your room are completely closed. I’ve already checked the windows,” he said, his voice soft but firm, his eyes lingering on hers for a moment as she awkwardly nodded.

“We should all go to bed. The sooner we’re asleep, the better.”

He gave Dara a small, reassuring smile before turning back to the table and saying something to his mother, a soft phrase that Sierra didn’t catch. 

“你應該去瞓覺喇.”

Tian-Chen nodded, her expression accepting as she stood up and went upstairs.

Ah, he must’ve told her to go to bed, Sierra realized, piecing together the tone and gesture. 

The soft ticking of the clock suddenly amplified in the stillness. No bell to be heard.  Dara’s gaze was fixed on the darkening window as she closed the curtain, her expression tight. “Sisi, let’s go upstairs.”

All three went upstairs, Kenny moving toward his room to their left. Jade’s door was open and empty. Kenny turned around and followed Sierra’s gaze.

“Ah… he doesn’t sleep in his room that often. He’s probably with Rosa. She's making sure he doesn’t do anything stupid. No need to worry though. Goodnight, you two.”

“Goodnight,” the two replied, their voices echoing slightly in the quiet hallway.

Sierra watched Kenny disappear into his room and the sisters entered their own room for the night, the silence of the house pressing in on them. 

Dara went to the other side of the room and closed the blinds. The sisters put on some comfortable clothing from Dara’s luggage and got under the blankets of the queen-sized bed.

Dara turned toward her older sister, bonnet on her curly head, “Love you, Sisi. Maybe tomorro—” Dara stopped, her eyes widening.

A distant, loud screech ripped through the silence, almost vibrating through the walls of the house. It was a sound that no person could ever imitate, a sound that seemed to claw at their very souls. Sierra’s heart hammered against her ribs, and her breath hitched in her throat. Dara clutched the blanket.

“Was that them?” she asked, her voice barely above a whisper, as though speaking louder might summon whatever had made that horrible sound.

Sierra threw her arm around Dara and hugged her close. “Whatever it is, we’re safe here. Try to sleep. It’ll be okay.”

Sierra’s mind raced, but she didn’t let her fear show. She could feel Dara’s pulse quicken under her arm, and it was only making her own heart beat faster. She couldn’t explain the sound, and she didn’t want to. Not yet.

But sleep seemed impossible now. Sierra could feel the weight of the silence pressing in around them, thicker than before. Her eyes flickered to the window, blinds shut.

Another noise shattered the stillness. A soft scrape, like nails dragging across wood, followed by the unmistakable sound of something moving in the grass outside the house. Sierra held her breath, listening intently. The sound grew closer to the exterior wall as if the creature was right below their window.

After a long moment, the footsteps retreated, moving slowly away from the house. The growling sound faded into the distance, and the scratching stopped.

They lay there, frozen, listening until the house was completely silent. Only then, with trembling hands, did Sierra reach out to turn off the lamp, plunging the room into darkness. They lay there, holding each other, listening to the sounds of the night, and waiting for the sun to rise.