Sarah stared out the rain-streaked car window as her mom drove down the narrow wooded road. The trees bent and danced in the stormy wind.
"Are you sure we're going the right way?" Sarah asked nervously. This area was remote, nothing like her neighborhood back home.
Her mom smiled reassuringly. "The GPS says the lodge should be just up ahead. We're almost there."
As they rounded a curve, Sarah caught her breath. A large timber lodge emerged, windows glowing warmly against the gloomy dusk. A sign read "Black Bear Lodge and Campground."
Her mom parked and Sarah jumped out, shielding her eyes from the rain as she grabbed her overnight bag. Maybe this weekend wouldn't be so bad after all.
Inside, the main hall was full of activity and chatter. A huge stone fireplace housed a crackling fire. The smell of chili wafted from a counter along the back.
Sarah's mom checked them in and got directions to their cabin. As they sloshed down the wooded trail, Sarah felt her excitement building. The other kids here seemed cool. Maybe she'd make some new friends.
Their cozy cabin had two small beds. Her mom started a fire in the quaint little potbelly stove while Sarah changed into dry clothes.
"Shall we get some dinner?" Mom suggested.
The chili was delicious and Sarah tried not to look too uncool about it. She noticed a group of kids about her age laughing together at a table. She desperately hoped they might talk to her, but they didn't seem to notice her.
Just then one of the girls called over, "Hey, wanna play Giant Jenga with us?"
"Sure!" Sarah scrambled to join them, thrilled.
Later, stuffed on s'mores by the glowing fire pit, Sarah felt herself starting to yawn. It was time to head back.
The group of kids waved and yelled friendly goodnights as she and her mom started up the wooded trail. The storm had eased to a steady patter. Shadows danced as their flashlights shone feebly against the darkness.
Then Sarah heard it. From the thicket behind them came an unearthly cry--long and low. Sarah froze.
"Mom! What was that?" she whispered shakily.
Mom paused. "Could be a bobcat, I suppose. Let's pick up the pace a little, eh Sweetie?"
They continued up the slippery, twisting path. The blackness seemed to press in all around. Then the eerie wail split the air again--closer this time!
Sarah's heart hammered. This was no bobcat! She grabbed her mom's arm in terror. Suddenly a nearby bush crashed violently and out sprang a dark figure! Sarah screamed, but it was just a deer bounding past.
Mom hugged Sarah's shaking shoulders. "It's OK, you're alright... We all get scared sometimes. Especially your old mom! Now let's get ourselves back safe and warm!"
At last their cabin emerged from the rainy darkness. They rushed inside, bolting the door tight. Sarah sat by the stove, wrapped in a blanket, sipping hot chocolate as her mom stoked the glowing fire. She was warm and dry now--the terrifying cries already seemed far away.
Sarah snuggled deep under the thick cabin quilt, peaceful and content. She thought with gratitude of new friends, new adventures that awaited come sunrise. The storm still stirred branches at the window, but it didn't seem frightening anymore. She was safe here. And not alone. Smiling drowsily, she drifted off to sleep.
