SeaWorld in San Diego had completely transformed for Halloween, with eerie music playing over the speakers, cobwebs draped across railings, and fog machines making the park feel like a haunted lagoon. Neela gripped her phone tightly, capturing every spooky detail as the two of you walked through the park. The aquarium tanks glowed faintly in the dim lighting, and the colorful fish and sea creatures inside looked almost ghostly in the Halloween-themed decor.

“I’m not sure if this is amazing or terrifying,” you muttered, glancing around at the life-sized clown statues scattered everywhere. One of them even moved, waving slowly, which made you shiver.

“Both,” Neela said, laughing nervously. “I mean, it’s still SeaWorld, so it’s cool, but… why did it have to be clowns? Of all things!”

As if on cue, a clown jumped out from behind a corner, startling you both. You flinched while Neela screamed, But as soon as the scare wore off, she burst out laughing. “Okay, that was good. I hate it, but that was good.”

“Yeah, hilarious” you said“Let’s just get to the aquariums. Fish don’t jump-scare people.”

The two of you made your way to one of the giant tanks, the glowing water casting rippling shadows on the floor. Sharks glided past the glass

“See?” Neela said, gesturing to the peaceful scene. “This is what I came for. Sharks are way better than clowns.”

You nodded in agreement

“Why does everything have to be scary tonight?” you groaned, trying to pull her away.

“Because it’s Halloween!” she said, still laughing. “Come on, Jake. Live a little. It’s all part of the fun!”

As you made your way toward the exit, Neela handed her phone to someone to snap a quick photo of the two of you in front of a giant, glowing jack-o’-lantern. She threw her arm around you, grinning despite the lingering fear from the clowns.

“Okay, I admit it,” you said, cracking a small smile. “This was kind of fun. But next time, no clowns.”

“Deal,” Neela said, laughing. “Maybe next year, we’ll stick to pumpkin patches and candy.”