Content Sneak Peek and Poll

I am currently writing a scavenging and survival training trip that the MC can take with the nephew. After searching an area around the junkyard, the MC and nephew spot an abandoned shack. Here is the first draft of the section and the choice (note: ${dep_name} is a variable expression that represents the name you chose for your nephew):

---

As you make your way down the slope, the shack looks more dilapidated than you thought. What was once a sturdy wood cabin now sags, its roof partially caved in and walls streaked with lichen and moss. Weathered planks hang loose, while shattered window panes gape empty and dark.

"Whoa…" ${dep_name} mutters as you draw nearer, craning his neck to study the shack.

"This place has been abandoned for years, I'm guessing," you say. "Still, we should be cautious." Resting a hand on his shoulder, you fix him with a meaningful look. "Could be someone—or something—already holed up inside there. No matter how safe something looks, you have to keep your eyes open. You have to be prepared at all times."

${dep_name} chews his lip, gaze sweeping over every darkened window and shadowed doorway. "You're right. Lot of places for nasty surprises to hide in there."

Gripping his hunting knife, he nods towards the cabin's sagging entrance. "I'll open the door, but maybe we should both be ready…you know, just in case."

As ${dep_name} reaches for the shack's half-rotted door, you catch his wrist with a firm but gentle grip. Leaning in close, you murmur under your breath, "Hold up a sec. Before we go busting in, use all your senses first. Try to gather some intel on what we might be dealing with inside."

He shoots you a quizzical look, but quickly understands, giving a solemn nod of agreement. Turning his attention back to the decrepit cabin, ${dep_name} cocks his head, straining to pick up any telling sounds. For a long moment, there's only silence thick enough to cut with a knife. ${dep_name}'s brow furrows as he raises a hand for quiet. "Wait…" he whispers. "I hear something. Like…brushing? Against the floor or something."

${dep_name} tilts his head again, nostrils flaring. "And I smell alcohol? Or something really strong like that, I think."

Not waiting for your input, he creeps closer, rolling his hand into a tube and pressing his ear firmly against his hand. He stays like that for several endless seconds. At last, he straightens up, letting his hand fall away as he meets your gaze. "I'm not picking up anything else. Just that weird brushing noise every so often. But definitely some funky smells coming from inside there."

After your nephew has finished surveying the abandoned shack, you lead him a dozen paces away to discuss your next move. "What's your take on the shack? Think there could be any dangers lurking inside?"

He pauses to think, then shakes his head. "No, I doubt there's anything in there we need to worry about."

"Alright, so now we need to decide. Should we take the time to search it, or is it better to keep moving?"

Your nephew shrugs. "I'm not sure. What do you think?"