The four friends had always been inseparable, their bond forged over years of shared experiences, late-night talks, and countless inside jokes. Naira, the undeniable beauty of the group, had a way of lighting up a room without even trying. She was the one who always caught everyone’s eye, but it was her infectious laughter and sharp wit that kept people around. Sam, the planner, was the one who kept them all organized, mapping out the details of their lives with military precision. Her meticulous nature made her the go-to person for everything, from solving problems to organizing events, always making sure no one missed a beat. Then there was Akay, the witty one, whose humor and sarcasm could lift anyone’s spirits. He had an uncanny ability to lighten even the most stressful situations with just a few words. Lastly, there was Shelli—the quiet one, but the soul of the group. She didn’t say much, but when she did, her words carried weight. She was the type to savor life’s moments and push everyone to enjoy the simpler things, even in the midst of chaos.

They worked together at the same high-powered company, each with their own role but all contributing to the shared goal of succeeding in their careers. Between deadlines, client meetings, and daily corporate pressures, they found themselves running on fumes. Sam had been the first to bring up the idea of taking a short break, suggesting a two- or three-day getaway. It had been a while since they’d taken a breather, and the constant rush of deadlines had started to wear them all down.

"I swear, I need a vacation," Sam sighed one afternoon, glancing at her calendar. "A proper one. A few days away from this place could do wonders for my sanity."

Naira, leaning back in her chair with her phone in hand, looked up from scrolling through her social media feed. “You’re telling me. If I have to look at another email from that client, I might lose it.”

Akay, who was sitting across from them, raised an eyebrow, looking genuinely interested. "Where are we going, then? I vote for somewhere with a beach, a drink in hand, and absolutely zero Wi-Fi."

Shelli, who had been quietly enjoying the conversation, spoke up softly. "I’d be happy with just a quiet place… away from everything. No phones, no emails, just some peace."

The idea of disconnecting, even for a short while, felt like a breath of fresh air. They all knew it wasn’t going to be easy to get away, but they also knew they needed it—needed to recharge. And so, after a few moments of back-and-forth, they began planning their short getaway.

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“We’ll do it,” Sam declared, her planner instincts already kicking in. “Let’s pick a place that’s far enough to feel like we’ve escaped, but close enough that we’re not stuck in travel for half the trip."

"How about a cabin in the mountains?" Akay suggested, his mischievous grin appearing as he pictured the idyllic escape. "Somewhere cozy with good food, scenic views, and, most importantly, no one knows where we are."

Naira smirked, tapping her phone screen. “I’ll check flights, but I better not have to put on hiking boots. I’m all for nature, but I’m not here to break a sweat.”

Shelli laughed softly, the sound warm and genuine. "As long as there’s a hammock, I’m in."

With that, the plans were set in motion. The four of them were going to take a break—just a few days to step away from their demanding lives and enjoy the company of each other. A chance to unwind, laugh, and remember why they’d all become such good friends in the first place. But little did they know, this little getaway would end up being far more eventful than any of them could have imagined.

True to his nature, Sam took charge of the trip’s planning from the get-go. He’d carefully chosen a cozy, charming hotel nestled just outside the city—a perfect balance of comfort and tranquility, with beautiful views of nature, far enough from the hustle of their daily lives but close enough for a quick escape. The idea was simple: a weekend getaway, a chance to recharge and reconnect without any distractions.

As the four of them piled into the car, there was an undeniable sense of excitement in the air. The stress of deadlines and office emails slowly began to fade as the cityscape receded into the distance. Akay, ever the jokester, kept everyone entertained with his quick-witted remarks, while Naira, usually so glued to her phone, actually put it down to enjoy the scenic drive. Even Shelli, who typically kept to herself, had a soft smile playing on her lips, visibly more at ease than she’d been in weeks.

When they finally arrived at the hotel, the warm, rustic exterior instantly put them at ease. The lobby was cozy, with a crackling fire in the hearth and large windows that showcased the breathtaking views of the surrounding forest. The air felt fresher here, cleaner—like it was a different world entirely. The staff greeted them with genuine smiles and friendly hospitality, offering to take their bags and giving them a quick rundown of the hotel's amenities. Sam, always the planner, nodded enthusiastically as she took in the details.

“The four friends arrive at The Grand Labyrinth Hotel, a sprawling, opulent estate known for its grandeur and unique architecture. The corridors seem to stretch endlessly, and each wing has its own theme—tropical, vintage, futuristic. At first, they’re enchanted by the charm of the place. But soon, the enormity of the hotel becomes more than they bargained for.

Naira, trying to locate the spa, ends up in the staff quarters. Sam, following the map to their dinner reservation, finds himself at a completely different restaurant in another wing. Akay cracks jokes about the place being an escape room, but even he gets frustrated when his navigation app fails to work inside. Meanwhile, Shelli, the calmest of the group, decides to embrace the confusion, strolling through the labyrinth-like hallways with a quiet smile.

At last they arrive their rooms.After a brief rest in their individual rooms, they all agreed to meet outside to explore the property and get a sense of the surrounding area. The cool mountain air greeted them as they stepped outside, and the peaceful quiet of nature enveloped them, offering a stark contrast to the usual noise and chaos of city life.