The Invitation

1. I had only ever spoken to him on the phone
2. ... because of poor phone reception,
3. ..., tried to get a sense of where I was headed and set off in my car
4. "Where the hell am I going?" I thought to myself
5. I'd never ventured out so far in that direction before.
6. Approaching the house I noticed how dull and dreary it looked.
7. "This can't be it." I said to myself.
8. "Hello! Hello! Come in! Come in!" they said, beckoning me inside.
9. "Oh, he just went to run a few errands. He should be back later."
10. After dinner we played an enduring game of Uno.
11. My aunt and uncle assured me that he'd be back any time soon.
12. It was almost dark outside and I knew it would be a nightmare to find my way out of his dreadful place after sunset.
13. They gave me a puzzled look.
14. ... because I had work the next day and couldn't afford to miss another day.
15. I shrugged it off and told them not to worry, "Don't worry. I've got a pretty good sense of direction..."
16. Looking aggravated, they strongly advised me to stay the night for my own sake.
17. Both of them seemed strangely ecstactic that I was staying the night.
18. I ran out of the door, got in my car and hastily pulled away.