Chap 9

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After their classes, Peta and her friends gathered, Peta shifted her weight from one foot to the other, arms crossed. "Guys, go get ready. We're heading out." Eztli raised an eyebrow, a hint of reluctance in her response. "Are you sure about this? You are not the type of person who likes to have fun."

Peta nodded a flicker of warmth in her typically serious demeanor. "Yeah, come on besides. I offer you guys to come and is one chance of opportunity I do this. Eztli smile "I didn't know you will show this good side so soon. We are sure it will be fun.

Her friends, a mix of curiosity and skepticism, exchanged glances before shrugging in unison and dispersing to prepare for the outing. The air buzzed with a mix of excitement and tension as they all knew Peta's idea of fun was often unconventional. With a sense of adventure and were ready headed to the where Peta had promised them an experience they wouldn't forget.

Back at Eztli's house, she hurriedly packed her belongings, exchanging warm goodbyes with her mother, who cautioned her to be careful. Eztli reassured her mother with a smile, "I will, Mom," before joining her friends who were waiting outside.

As they drive towards Peta's grandparents' house. The streets seemed quieter, the evening sky tinged with a deep shade of indigo, hinting at the impending darkness.

Her grandparents' house was a quaint, two-story building that had seen better days. It stood out from the modern architecture that surrounded it, a relic of a bygone era that had withstood the test of time. As they approached the property, the headlights of the car cast eerie shadows across the overgrown lawn, revealing a rickety gate that squealed in protest as it swung open.

The other side, an elderly woman, emerged from the woods, her eyes piercing and intense. Her voice was a mere whisper, but it carried a weight of foreboding as she uttered, "Something wicked is coming."

The sun was starting to dip towards the horizon as the group arrived at El Rancho, a sprawling property surrounded by lush greenery and the distant sounds of horses neighing. The anticipation and excitement were palpable as the boys immediately made their way towards the stables to see the magnificent horses up close.

Meanwhile, Eztli and Peta, set off to find Peta's grandparents who lived on the rancho. As they walked, Eztli peered into the window of the adobe house as they approached. "Hello, is someone in there?"here was no response. Eztli turned to Peta with disappointed, "I don't think they're here, Peta." Peta's brow creased in concern, "Weird, it's not like them to leave the house this late."

Eztli's gaze wandered towards the vast expanse of land surrounding the house, "Maybe they went to feed the animals." Peta nodded, "Maybe... let's look back here. I'm sure they're around somewhere." Determined to find her grandparents, they decided to venture further into the rancho, leaving the boys behind near the stables.

Meanwhile, Rono, trying his new camera, was captivated by the beauty of the horses in the stable. Their powerful muscles glistened in the fading light as he carefully framed each shot, capturing the essence of these magnificent creatures with every click of his camera.

Eztli turned to the boys and said, "Hey guys, Peta and I are going to look for her grandparents. Stay here in case they come back." Peta added, "And if you see some workers, let them know we are looking for my grandparents." Konane, spoke up, "Ok, be extra careful." With their mission clear, Eztli and Peta ventured deeper into the rancho, guided only by the soft rustling of the wind through the trees.

They wandered through the orchard, the sweet scent of ripe fruits filling the air, and the crunch of gravel beneath their feet echoing in the stillness. They passed the chicken coop, where the hens had already settled in for the night, clucking softly as they walked by. The silence of the place was oddly comforting, yet the nagging feeling that something was off grew stronger.

As they passed by fields of swaying grass and clusters of wildflowers, as the sun dipped lower, the horizon was getting darker every minute.

Somewhere in the woods you can find them