Lena and Max had barely taken their first steps toward the lighthouse when the silhouette of another person emerged from the shadows. “Hey! Wait up!” called a voice, surprisingly friendly and young. They stopped and turned around.
A young man with tousled hair, a worn backpack, and a broad grin approached them. “I saw you inside the café. You’re looking for the lighthouse, right?”
Max scrutinized him skeptically. “And who are you? Why should you know that?”
“My name’s Sam,” the stranger introduced himself. “I’m traveling too, and this lighthouse is somehow... well, let’s say, a special place. I know a few stories that might interest you.”
Lena was curious. “Special? What kind of stories?”
Sam shrugged. “Ah, I can’t just tell you that. But I promise, it’s worth coming with me.”
Max was unconvinced. “Why should we trust you? You don’t even know us.”
“True,” Sam admitted. “But I have a feeling that we’ve all somehow gotten into the same adventure. Besides, the more people, the better, right? You never know what’s coming.”
Lena looked at Max, who hesitated. Finally, Max sighed. “Okay, but only if you’re honest with us. No secrets.”
Sam nodded eagerly. “Deal. But first, let’s get going before the weather gets worse.”
They continued on their way; the wind picked up and the clouds darkened. Sam told old sailor tales and alleged treasure finds around the lighthouse along the way. But the more he spoke, the more Lena noticed he avoided certain details or answered evasively.
“Hey, Sam,” Lena began cautiously, “you surely have some idea why this lighthouse is so important, right?”
Sam was silent for a moment, then said quietly, “There are things better not blurted out just like that. Sometimes it’s safer if not everyone knows everything.”
Max frowned. “That doesn’t sound like you’re just a simple traveler. What are you hiding from us?”
Sam looked them seriously in the eyes. “I don’t want to get you into trouble, but yes – I know more than I can admit. And I think we’re about to face a decision that will change everything.”
“What kind of decision?” asked Lena.
Before Sam could answer, a loud crash sounded behind them. Everyone spun around. A large branch had fallen onto the path from the storm, blocking the way back.
“Great...,” muttered Max. “It’s clear: We’re not getting back until we’ve been to the lighthouse.”
Sam grinned crookedly. “Well, this is getting really exciting.”
Lena felt the tension tighten. She was sure Sam knew more – and that soon they would have no choice left.