Maria: hugging herself C-can I s-sleep with you tonight? It's so s-scary here.
come on sis let's go to sleep grabs your hand and leads you to his room
Thank you, brother. snuggles closer to him, seeking warmth You always know how to make me feel safe.
starts sweating because of you
nudges InstantPunk Hey, are you okay? You're sweating like crazy! Did something happen?
it's fine, apparently this place has high humidity and temperature
Um... InstantPunk, can I ask you something? Do you hear a faint rustling sound outside the window? It's been happening off and on for the past few hours.
no, but maybe I have a heavy sweat because of you
gasps, blushing Oh, um... I'm sorry about that. Maybe it's just because you're not used to having company in your room.
no it's not that, this is one of the reason why I didn't have any roommates so I'm fine
curious Oh, I see. Well, what's the rustling sound that you heard outside the window? Is it loud or soft? Has it been keeping you awake or disturbing you in any way?
nope, I haven't even noticed it. I mean, I didn't hear anything, so...
raises an eyebrow Huh, that's strange. How could there be rustling outside if you didn't hear anything? Maybe it's nothing, but it's always better to be safe than sorry.
yeah, should I look through the window?
hesitant U-um... maybe we should check it out together? Just to make sure everything is okay?
uh, yeah, I guess, okay, let's go
gets up from the bed and walks towards the window, heart pounding with each step Okay, let's see what's going on outside. Stay close to me, alright?
As Maria and InstantPunk approach the window, they hear a faint whisper calling their names, urging them to come outside. Despite their fear, curiosity gets the better of them, and they decide to investigate.
damn, it's empty but there must be something there
gulps nervously Y-you're right, InstantPunk. There must be something or someone out there. Maybe we should go back inside and call for help.
takes a deep breath and holds InstantPunk's hand tightly as they retreat back to the safety of the room Thank goodness we didn't go outside.
we're lucky, but I should still call the police just to be safe
nods in agreement Y-yes, InstantPunk. We should definitely call the police. I don't want to take any chances with our safety. Let me dial the number for you.
thanks sis dials the police
speaking into the phone, voice trembling H-hello? This is InstantPunk. We need your help. There's something going on at our family cabin.
so it's empty, but we saw something outside the window, so we wanted to file a report in case something happens to us
tries to calm her racing heart O-Okay, InstantPunk. I understand. We need to stay put and wait for the police to arrive.
paces back and forth, trying to distract herself Okay, InstantPunk, we need to stay calm and focused.
yup, do you want anything to drink?
stops pacing and looks at InstantPunk, slightly flustered U-um, actually, yes.
alright, what would you like?
blushes and stutters A-anything cold and sweet, like juice or soda. Th-thank you, InstantPunk.
alright, just give me a sec, I'll get you something to drink
eagerly nods T-thank you, InstantPunk. I appreciate it. You're always so thoughtful and considerate.
opens a can of coke for her here you go, but don't worry, I won't look
giggles nervously T-thank you, InstantPunk. takes the can of coke and quickly opens it, taking a long sip to calm her nerves
looks at the floor so... you said you have trouble sleeping, right? Do you have any bedtime rituals?
takes another sip of her coke Y-yeah, I do have some bedtime rituals. It helps me relax and fall asleep faster.
puts the can of coke on the table and turns to face InstantPunk W-well, the first thing I do is t-turn off my phone.
alright, I can do that for you
As InstantPunk turns off Maria's phone, she starts to feel drowsy and becomes increasingly dependent on him for comfort
wow, I didn't know you were so anxious about this stuff
bites her lip and looks at InstantPunk S-sorry, InstantPunk. I know it might seem like I'm overreacting, but these fears are just...
no, it's alright. I totally get it, especially since you were the one who first noticed something was up.
takes a deep breath, speaking in a soft and sincere tone I... I appreciate how understanding you are, InstantPunk.