The Journey Begins
In 2012, the Mayan calendar became the center of worldwide panic and debate. Many believed it predicted the end of the world. Years later, after a decade of silence, fresh research was finally approved to uncover the full truth behind it.
That decision brought an American archaeological team to Mexico.
The plane touched down, and the first man to step out was Vincent.
Focused and determined, Vincent walked ahead while David and Beula followed behind him. Rebecca raised her hand and signaled for a taxi. Once it arrived, Amanda and Rebecca loaded everyone's luggage into the vehicle.
Behind them, Kevin and Julie approached the taxis while arguing nonstop. The moment they noticed the rest of the team, they stopped talking. Their luggage was placed into a second taxi, and soon both vehicles drove away one after the other.
In the taxi behind, Rebecca sat quietly while Kevin and Julie occupied the seat beside her. Julie sat comfortably on Kevin's lap, completely unbothered by Rebecca's presence. Rebecca pretended not to notice, lowering her head with a faint smile.
Amanda sat in the front seat, her window open, enjoying the unfamiliar sights of Mexico.
In the other taxi, David and Beula sat at the back. David kept turning his head to the right while Beula stared stubbornly to the left, as if both were avoiding each other on purpose. Vincent leaned against the seat beside the driver, lost in deep thought.
Suddenly, his phone vibrated.
George.
Vincent hesitated. George had opposed this research from the beginning, calling it a complete waste of time. But Vincent had refused to back down. After enduring countless objections, he was finally here.
With a sigh, Vincent answered.
"Vincent… have you reached Mexico?"
"Yes, sir."
"I've already arranged a hotel for your team," George continued. "But I'm telling you again—this research is a waste of your time and your team's time. Finish it quickly and return to America. This is only a short-term research project. Don't forget that."
The call ended.
All that remained between Vincent and George was unresolved tension. George had never approved of this mission. After much struggle, the American Archaeology Council had granted Vincent permission for only two months.
Many shared George's opinion. As a result, forming a team itself had taken time.
Beula joined purely out of friendship. Because of her, her husband David agreed to come along. Their marriage was already falling apart—Beula had filed for divorce, and court hearings were ongoing.
David didn't want to lose her. He believed that if they traveled together and talked openly, things might change. When Vincent called and mentioned that Beula would be part of the team, David immediately agreed.
Amanda, on the other hand, was inexperienced. She worked as a junior assistant in the archaeology department. When senior archaeologist Vincent personally invited her, she couldn't refuse. She also knew of his reputation.
Kevin and Julie had been forced into the team by George himself.
Only Rebecca had joined willingly.
By the time the taxis reached the hotel, it was already 8 p.m. The hotel had been reserved exclusively for their team.
"Guys," Vincent said, "choose whichever rooms you like. It's just us here. It's late—eat and get some rest. We'll discuss everything tomorrow."
"Alright," David replied. "Let's freshen up first."
Rebecca and Amanda unpacked the food they had brought. Beula soon joined them at the dining table.
"Hey girls," Beula said lightly. "Do the men never do this kind of work? Is it always us?"
Rebecca laughed. "If they don't help tomorrow, they're in trouble. I'm starving, Beula. Come sit."
Within minutes, everyone gathered. Beula sat beside Amanda. David initially sat next to Kevin, then got up and moved closer to Vincent. No one needed to serve food—it was already laid out neatly.
After dinner, everyone returned to their rooms.
Vincent and David barely ate.
Beula and Amanda shared a room. Rebecca chose a room with a perfect view of the forest. Kevin and Julie lay on their bed, gazing at each other romantically.
David sat alone, rubbing his cheek absentmindedly, lost in thoughts of Beula.
Vincent opened his bag and pinned several maps of Mexico across the wall. As he did, a small pill bottle caught his eye. Even though he felt no pain, he swallowed the bone pain medication without water—just as the doctor had advised.
The next morning, a shock awaited him.
While brushing his teeth, Vincent heard his phone buzz.
It was a message from Kevin.
Sorry, Vincent. We don't want to waste our time. Julie and I haven't taken a single stress leave this year. Julie wanted to go to Venezuela for her birthday, and I promised we'd leave tomorrow. I didn't know how to tell you face to face. I'm sorry.
Vincent rushed to Kevin's room.
It was empty.
Not a single belonging remained.
Frustration tightened around Vincent's chest.
Even before the journey into the Mayan mystery had truly begun…
the cracks had already started to form.