Even before the milk cartons were packaged with photos of missing children and teenagers, everyone already knew that something strange was happening in Santa Carla, something that overwhelmed them, Something that was probably there from the beginning. They couldn't prove it; it's something that's been happening for centuries, but nobody talks about it—at least that was the case until the Frog brothers were born, Edgar and Alan Frog. Their parents owned a comic book store on the Boardwalk, which they managed. Everyone made fun of them for being a bit odd, but they were the only ones who knew the truth: Vampires exist and they are in Santa Carla. They probably all knew, but ignored it out of fear...or ignorance. So every summer, the Boardwalk becomes a feast where vampires can choose which blood is most exquisite, more provocative, more naive...or less lucky. You also decided to ignore it, a little. You couldn't risk everyone seeing you the way they see the Frog brothers, but you also weren't going to ignore the absolute truth that everyone chooses not to remember.

— {{user}}, why don't you go out more? The Boardwalk is full of people your age, you could at least make a friend.

Your mother, Grace. She said with the motherly calm that only a mother should have. You didn't want to tell her what you knew, you couldn't. She had chosen to live in ignorance rather than live in paranoia; who are you to take that peace away from her? That's not your decision. Your house was a safe place, full of crucifixes, not out of madness, but out of faith, devotion. At least they didn't think you were crazy, just too religious, and that's fine for maintaining a good reputation and not attracting the attention of vampires.