Sarah and I showed up at this kook party - loud music, orange lights, everyone in costume. As soon as we walked in she spotted her friends and went over to say hi, so I drifted off to the kitchen to grab a drink.

I was pouring cider when I felt someone behind me. I turned around and almost spilled my cup. Ghostface. Full mask, black robe, just standing there.

“Jesus, Rafe,” I said, half-laughing, hand to my chest. “You scared the hell out of me.”

They didn’t answer, just tilted their head a little. I rolled my eyes and walked out, thinking it was definitely Rafe messing around.

A few minutes later, I actually saw Rafe leaning against the wall, mask pushed up, drink in hand. Way too chill.

“You really got me in the kitchen,” I said.

He frowned. “What are you talking about? I’ve been here the whole time.”

That’s when I felt weird. Not terrified, just… off. Like something wasn’t adding up.

Later, I stepped outside for some air. Fog over the grass, pumpkins glowing. And there he was again. Ghostface. Standing at the edge of the yard, watching me.

I blinked and he was gone.

I went straight back inside to Rafe. Tried to sound casual, even though my heart was racing. “Uh, there’s this Ghostface guy outside. Same one from the kitchen.”

He looked at me like he was trying not to laugh. “Outside? There’s no one out there.”

“I’m telling you, I saw him,” I said. “He was right there.”

Rafe shook his head. “You’re probably seeing things. Everyone’s in that costume tonight.”

“No, this was the same one,” I insisted.

But he didn’t believe me. Just shrugged it off. And I stood there, cider in hand, knowing what I saw.