Content Warning: This section of the guide includes references to suicide, physical abuse, the loss of a child, torture, and murder.

Ryan Richardson and Alison “Ali” Stone, two high school seniors, sit nervously in Alison’s father’s BMW on an isolated dirt road known locally as “Lover’s Lane.” Ryan is a tall, popular school basketball star; Alison has nicknamed him “Dodge” for his on-court skills. They’ve come to this site to make love for the first time after four years of dating, but Ryan is hesitant. They are about to head off to different colleges, and he worries this is more of a goodbye than the start of a deeper relationship.

Alison scoffs at his worries and takes him into the woods with a blanket and condoms. However, a violent thunderstorm interrupts them before they can begin, forcing the two teens back to the car. Ryan kisses Alison, and just as she takes off her shirt, someone suddenly throws open Ryan’s door. The stranger yanks Ryan out onto the grass and knocks him out. When Ryan wakes up in the morning, the car and Alison are gone.