DEPTHS OF SHADOWS

The end of the day brought calm to the city. Alice, his fingers nervously hung on the strap of her backpack, stood motionless in front of her window. His eyes followed the movements of the heavy clouds which were piled up in the distance, like a silent promise of a storm. She inspired deeply, seeking to appease the agitation that rumbled in her. Going away from the city, far from its problems, seemed to be a perfect idea. However, a touch of doubt pulled it back.

Lucas had convinced her, with his overflowing enthusiasm that this house by the lake would be the ideal place for a weekend. "Nothing but us, nature and calm. You're going to see, that's exactly what we need, "he told him. But basically, Alice was not sure that it was an escape, or a confrontation with something more insidious.

A klaxon stroke resonated in the street. She jumped before taking a look below. The Lucas van was there, with Mathias, Hugo and Mélanie already inside. Lucas signaled him from the driver's seat, as if he did not want to give him the opportunity to change his mind.

She went down slowly, adjusting her bag on her shoulders. When she arrived at the door of the van, Mélanie gave her a playful smile.

Finally ! You were waiting. I was starting to believe that you had changed my mind.

Alice shrugged, trying to hide her discomfort.

Just business to prepare. Nothing more.

Lucas slowly hit the steering wheel with his hands, impatient.

Come on, is everyone there? Here we go ! This weekend will be memorable, I promise you.

Hugo, always ready to joke, slipped:

Provided that Mélanie does not panic at the first strange noise. We're in an old house, Mél, not a horror film.

Mélanie rolled eyes.

Very funny. We will see who will be the most courageous if something scary happens.

Lucas started, and the van started on the road. The slight conversation between them was punctuated by laughter and jokes, but Alice remained silent, observing the landscapes which gradually changed. They left the city to cross more rural areas, where the trees seemed to stretch to the sky like pleading hands.

Mathias, sitting next to her, examined her camera.

You know, this kind of landscape is perfect for dark and mysterious shots. This lake ... I feel that it will inspire me.

Alice nodded, without really answering. Mélanie leaned from the front and launched with a mischievous smile:

So Alice, do you plan to stay silent all the way or you finally tell us what bothers you?

Alice hesitated for a moment before answering:

I'm just tired. And ... I have always found strange that we can rent such an isolated, almost abandoned house.

Hugo laughed.

Odd ? That's what makes the experience great. No neighbors, no noise ... just us and tranquility.

Mélanie nodded, but her expression became more serious.

Tranquility or not, I hope there will be nothing ... worrying. These old houses still have stories, right?

Lucas intervened, determined to dispel their concerns.

Listen, friends. The house is charming. I saw her in pictures, and she has everything we need. A fireplace, a breathtaking view of the lake ... no problem to be done. Trust me.

But even seemed a little tense to him. Perhaps because they were now sinking into areas where the telephone signal gradually disappeared. Daylight quickly declined, and a sinister shadow seemed to wrap the woods. Mélanie murmured gently:

I hope we are not making a mistake ...

When they turned on the way to the way, all fell into contemplative silence. The building suddenly appeared between the trees, massive and threatening. Its dark wood walls seemed to have absorbed years of loneliness and secrets. The lake that stretched behind was a black, motionless surface, which did not reflect anything from the sky.

Lucas stopped the vehicle and turned to others with an enthusiastic smile.

There, friends! Welcome to us for the next two days.

Mélanie murmured almost speechless: