The snowflakes fell gently on the winding mountain road, casting a serene silence over the landscape. The lodge, a rustic haven nestled among the trees, beckoned to the group of friends like a warm ember. Emma's heart swelled with excitement as she navigated the final curve, the lodge coming into view.
As she stepped out of her car, the crisp air slapped her face, and she breathed in deeply. The scent of pine and wood smoke filled her lungs, transporting her back to memories of cozy nights spent around campfires. It had been years since they'd all been together in one place. The thought sent a thrill of excitement mixed with a dash of nervousness through her veins.
The others were already arriving, their cars parked in a neat line outside the lodge. Emma recognized Tom's sleek black sedan and Rachel's bright blue convertible. Jack's motorcycle was parked a little apart, as if he'd arrived separately from the rest. Emma smiled, remembering how Jack always liked to make an entrance.
As she grabbed her bag and followed the others into the lodge, Emma felt a sense of nostalgia wash over her. They'd all been inseparable in college, sharing laughter, tears, and secrets. But life had taken them down different paths, and this reunion was long overdue.
The lodge's warm interior enveloped her, filled with the scent of wood smoke and baking cookies. Emma's stomach growled in anticipation as she shed her coat and gloves. Alex, their host, greeted her with a warm hug and a steaming mug of hot cocoa.
"Welcome, Emma! It's so great to see you," Alex said, his eyes crinkling at the corners.
Emma smiled, feeling a sense of gratitude towards Alex. He'd always been the glue that held their group together, and she was glad he'd organized this reunion.
As she sipped her hot cocoa, Emma took in the familiar faces around her. Tom was already settling into the couch, his eyes glued to his phone. Rachel was chatting with Jack, their laughter carrying across the room. The warmth and camaraderie were palpable, and Emma felt her heart swell with happiness.
But as they chatted and caught up, Emma couldn't shake off the feeling that something was off. Matt, their group's de facto leader, was running late. He'd always been punctual, always the first to arrive and the last to leave. Emma checked her phone for what felt like the hundredth time, wondering if she'd missed a message from him.
"Maybe he's stuck in traffic," Tom suggested, not looking up from his phone.
Emma nodded, but her mind was already racing with worst-case scenarios. She knew Matt's obsessive nature; he'd never be late without a good reason.
As the group continued to chat and enjoy their hot cocoa, Emma's anxiety grew. She excused herself to step outside and try calling Matt again. The cold air hit her like a slap as she stepped onto the porch, the snow-covered trees towering above her.
As she dialed Matt's number, Emma felt a sense of unease creeping over her. The phone rang and rang, but there was no answer. She left a message, her voice tight with concern.
"Hey, Matt, where are you? We're all here at the lodge, and we're getting worried. Call us back as soon as you can."
As she ended the call, Emma felt a shiver run down her spine. Something didn't feel right. She glanced around the snowy landscape, the trees creaking ominously in the wind.
Suddenly, the lights in the lodge flickered, and the wind howled louder. Emma's heart skipped a beat as she hurried back inside, the warmth and laughter enveloping her like a hug.
But the sense of unease lingered, refusing to be shaken off. Emma couldn't help but wonder what the night had in store for them.