The Quiet Mountains

The car rumbled along the dark, rocky road, the hum of the engine and the occasional clinking of rocks against the sides the only sounds for a moment. You were deep in the 'Quiet Mountains', a place you only knew from a chilling local legend. The gas station attendant's warning echoed in your mind – a man who wanted to be left alone, and those who didn't comply never returned. Was it just a story, or something more sinister?

Beside you, Jamie was quiet, her earlier confusion about the change of plans still evident in her posture. In the front, Stella and Mila chatted, seemingly oblivious to the growing tension you felt. The darkness outside was absolute, the shadows of unseen trees looming. You shivered, pulling your blanket tighter around you. This was supposed to be a fun graduation trip, a last hurrah before everyone scattered. But a nagging unease had settled in your gut, a feeling that this detour was a terrible mistake.