I don't know about you, but I am craving cozy right now.

I want to retreat to a cabin in the woods, on a lake with a mystery, a never-ending supply of coffee, stormy nights, and just the right amount of creepiness.

So that's what I'm going to try to do with this story.

The story I'm about to share is actually fan fiction.

It's about a little girl named Thea, who appeared in the fourth installment of the Jaws franchise.

This is the future I've imagined for her, one where she followed in her grandmother's footsteps and works in hospitality.

You might remember Ellen Brody worked that party for the grand opening

of the hotel in Jaws 2. Thea does the same for that same hotel chain, which has since expanded

to several locations across the country, and she is charged with pulling off the grand opening

ceremonies for their newest addition, a renovated and expanded ski resort in New Hampshire.

Now, I have a very rough outline for what's supposed to happen to Thea. I know she carries

trauma from the messy banana boat incident that happened when she was five. I know that her

family carries a touch of the shining when it comes to the intentions of scary monsters. And I know what's lurking

in the woods around Lakeview Peak. But until Thea tells me what went down, I have no idea, really,

where the story is headed. So here are the first few pages. This may very well be headed for disaster,

but let's see where it takes us. And the kids are home and the dogs are at my feet, so I'll do my best with the audio,

but you know how Ivy snores.

So, here we go.

This is Thea by Liz Sauer.

Part 1.

How was the boat ride?

A little choppy, a little woozy, but quick enough. You didn't get out of the car, did you?

...