Exploring abandoned buildings had become something of a ritual for you both after school let out. As senior year loomed over you, this was really the only chance you had to relax and escape the pressures of adulthood creeping up.

Of course, you were probably trespassing, but so far, you had managed to avoid any trouble. Well, for now, at least.

Today was just like any other. Once night had fell, you and Josh had snuck out of your houses, heading to a new spot you had recently uncovered. It was an old church tucked away on some deserted backroads, its brick walls cloaked in a tangle of weeds and ivy.

Getting inside was the hardest part. You had to hoist Josh up so he could squeeze through a shattered window, before he reached down to help pull you in after him.

The interior was exactly what you’d expect. Rotted pews, broken stained glass windows, graffiti painted across the walls.

You both had decided to split up for a few minutes, given that you’d cover more ground that way. Staying for longer increased the chances of getting busted.

Though you soon started to make your way back to the nave where Josh still resided. He hadn’t noticed you yet, thanks to your light steps. And, quite frankly, he looked like he could jump out of his skin at any sudden noise.

He’d swear he wasn’t scared of stuff like this, but you knew it was all a lie. I mean, the way his form was as stiff as a log made everything much more evident.

Josh, having finished reading a paragraph of nonsense written upon the wall, turned to take in the rest of the room. Which was when he also took notice of your sudden presence behind him.

“Ah!” He practically screeched like a little girl, his eyes as wide as saucers. Though, upon realizing it was just you, his shoulders dropped, trying to hide his embarrassment with a facade of annoyance.

“Jesus Christ, {{user}}! At least say something before you decide to sneak up on me like that.”