Page 21 of Immersed
Step one complete.
“We should prepare for tonight’s meteor shower,” Levi suggested as twilight approached. He rehearsed the sentence in his head twice before speaking to avoid stuttering. “Maybe set up a viewing area over there?” He pointed to a clearing twenty yards away.
“Excellent idea,” Elliot said immediately. “I brought extra blankets. We could share—I mean, everyone could share.”
As the others gathered blankets and migrated toward the spot, Levi hung back. “I’ll grab some extra layers from my tent.”
Just breathe. In and out. You can do this.
Instead, he made a beeline for Jasper’s backpack. His hands shook so badly that the zipper caught halfway, and he had to tug it free, the sound seeming impossibly loud in the quiet camp. Buried beneath a tangle of unwashed clothes lay the revolver, exactly where he spotted Jasper stashing it earlier.
Levi’s hands trembled as he picked up the gun. The metal was cold, heavier than he expected. He almost dropped it twice while checking that it was loaded. Six bullets. He carefully replaced everything, his breath coming in short, shallow bursts.
Now I know where everything is. This time, I’ll be ready.
Darkness settled over the forest as stars emerged one by one. The group migrated to their viewing spot, arranging blankets in a semicircle facing the eastern sky. Levi positioned himself strategically, ensuring clear sightlines to the forest edge while appearing casual. His leg bounced nervously, a rhythmic motion he couldn’t seem to control.
Elliot spread his blanket next to Levi’s. “Best view in the house,” he said with a grin, settling close enough that their shoulders touched.
The first meteor streaked across the night sky, drawing collective gasps.
“Did you see that?” Maddiesquealed.
Elliot shifted closer to Levi, their thighs now touching. “Cold?” he asked, already shrugging off his expensive North Face jacket.
“A little,” Levi admitted, his teeth chattering—partly from cold, mostly from nerves. He allowed Elliot to drape the jacket over his shoulders. The weight settled around him, comforting despite the circumstances.
“It looks good on you,” Elliot said softly, leaning in so his breath tickled Levi’s ear. “Better than it does on me.”
As another meteor blazed overhead, drawing everyone’s attention skyward, Levi slipped his hand into his own pocket, confirming the phone was still there. The device felt warm from his body heat, solid and reassuring.
Twenty-five minutes until Zoe needs the bathroom. Fifteen minutes until we head back to camp.
Levi calculated each step, mentally rehearsing his movements while feigning interest in the celestial display. His gaze periodically drifted to the tree line, searching for movement. Each shadow made his heart skip a beat.
He’s killed one of the girls in camp both times. If I can draw him away from Zoe and Maddie, away from everyone, maybe that will disrupt the program. And I might survive long enough to call for help.
The plan felt thin, desperate, but it was better than watching everyone die again.
“You seem tense,” Elliot observed quietly, his hand finding Levi’s under the jacket. “Everything okay?”
The touch was warm, gentle, and for a moment Levi almost forgot this wasn’t real. “Just... taking it all in,” he managed.
“The stars?”
“Everything.”
The group eventually drifted back toward camp, Owen droning about meteor composition while Jasper debated whether they could contain consciousness. Levi hung back with Elliot, who seemed content to walk in comfortable silence.
The campfire crackled, casting long shadows that danced across their faces. Levi’s fingers tapped against his thigh, counting seconds. His nerves hummed with anticipation, every sense heightened. Sweat trickled down his back despite the cool night air.
Right on cue, Zoe stood up. “Nature calls,” she announced, reaching for her flashlight.
Levi sprang to his feet too quickly, nearly losing his balance. “I’ll walk with you. Heard there are bears around.” The words tumbled out too quickly, drawing curious glances. He could feel moisture gathering at his temples.
“Oh,” Zoe blinked, surprised. She grabbed her bear spray and handed it to him. “Sure, thanks.”
Step two.
