Chapter 2 First disturbing impressions

The morning arrived slowly, wrapped in a gray veil. The lake, motionless and silent, looked like a table frozen in time. Inside the house, the floor boards groaned under the steps, as if the house itself breathed slowly. Lucas was the first to get up, always ready to take matters into his own hands.

Come on everyone! Get up! I promised you a memorable weekend, and it's starting now! He launched, slowly striking at the door of each room.

Alice opened her door, her eyes still heavy with sleep, but she could not ignore the thrill that had traveled her body all night. She had not closed her eye, disturbed by distant noises that she had tried to rationalize.

- It is ... what time? She whispered, adjusting her jacket.

- Don't worry for the moment, Lucas replied, with his eternal smile. Today, it's relaxation. But hey, I hope you are ready to explore a little.

Alice frowned. She was not sure of being in a mood to explore, but she didn't want to be the one who was spoiling the atmosphere.

Below, Mélanie and Hugo were already installed around an improvised breakfast. Mélanie seemed calmer than the day before, but her gaze was absent, as if something disturbed her.

- Did you sleep badly? Hugo asked, putting a bowl in front of her.

- Yes ... I don't know. This house is... weird, replied Mélanie, avoiding her gaze.

Hugo shrugged.

A house is a house. She's old, that's all. No need to make a story.

Mathias in turn entered a camera in hand. His hair was ruffled, but he seemed strangely energetic.

-I swear, this house has a soul, he said with enthusiasm, taking a few shots from the living room. Textures, shadows ... It's perfect for an artistic project.

Hugo laughed.

Listen, the photographer. If you find a ghost, call me. I want to be in the photo.

Mélanie rolled eyes.

It's not funny.

Alice took place next to Mélanie, observing the objects that surrounded them. The old newspaper on the table caught her gaze, but she decided not to touch it. However, she couldn't help but ask.

Lucas... Did you read this newspaper?

Lucas, busy preparing coffee, shook her head.

Not yet. I wanted to wait until everyone was awake. But now that we're all there ... we can take a look.

Mélanie protested immediately.

No. I don't want to know what this newspaper contains. It's already cold in my back just thinking about it.

Mathias intervened, curious.

-Maybe we will find a historical anecdote. These old houses often have fascinating stories.

Lucas sat down at the table and opened the newspaper. The pages cracked slowly, revealing an old and elegant writing.

So, let's see it ... there are notes here on ... the lake. And... oh. A date. 1950s, apparently.

Mélanie rose suddenly.

I don't want to hear that. You can read if you want, but I'm going to get some fresh air.

She left the house, letting the others exchange hesitant looks.

Not very courageous, whispered Hugo.

Alice, however, felt a strange resonance with Mélanie. She too wanted to flee this newspaper, this house, this ubiquitous discomfort.

Lucas continued to leaf through, reading a few passages in a low voice.

-"The lake ... a hidden force ... imminent danger ..." Well, it's starting to look like a horror novel, he said, laughing nervously.

Mathias leaned his head.

-It may be a metaphor. Or just delusions of a former owner.

Alice hesitated before talking.

Lucas. Don't you think we should ... put this newspaper aside? Just ... forget it?

Lucas looked at her, surprised.

For what ? It's just paper, Alice. Nothing magical or frightening.

She did not answer. Basically, she knew he was right, but an intuition told her that something strange was hiding between these pages.

Meanwhile, outside ... Mélanie stood near the lake, arms crossed. She stared at the water, looking for a appeasement that she could not find. The light wind caressed her hair, but instead of calming her, it gave him the impression that someone was there, just behind her.

Pas resonated on wet soil. She turned suddenly.

Mathias?

Mathias approached, a sweet smile on his lips.

Mél. Are you doing well ? You left so fast ...

She shrugged, looking at the lake again.

I didn't want to listen to what they said. This newspaper, this house ... everything makes me uncomfortable.

Mathias took a photo of the lake, without responding right away. Then he spoke gently.

You know ... Sometimes the places tell us stories. Even if they are silent, they have a weight. This lake, this house ... I think they saw things.

Mélanie fixed it, a shiver covering her spine.

I prefer not to know.

Mathias put a hand on his shoulder.

Mél. We are here to have fun. Don't let these impressions ruin your weekend. We are with friends, nothing can happen.

Mélanie wanted to believe in her words, but deep down, a doubt remained. She turned to observe the lake one last time before returning home. However, she couldn't help but think that she had seen a shadow move, just below the surface of the water.

Return to the house

Lucas and Hugo now debated the day to come.

I suggest that we explore the surroundings a little, "said Lucas, with enthusiasm. There must be nice corners around the lake.

"No question," replied Hugo, rushing into an armchair. I want to relax here. No hiking, no exploration.

Alice intervened slowly.

I think we should stay groups. We are far from everything, and this house ... This lake ... it doesn't reassure me.

Lucas laughs.

You are too cautious, Alice. Look around. It's calm, peaceful. Nothing to fear.

Alice shook her head, feeling more and more isolated in her discomfort. Mélanie and Mathias returned, interrupting the conversation. Mélanie seemed calmer, but her gaze was lost.

-So, what are we doing today? Asked Mathias.

Lucas immediately replied.

Explore. Enjoy. Relax. But above all ... leave your fears behind. This weekend will be perfect, I promise you.