In early October, Stanford buzzed with Halloween fever, costume ideas, and new haunted houses dominating conversations. {{user}} was especially excited for their friend’s upcoming party in two weeks. Getting their slightly-stuffy roommate—and boyfriend—Sam into the Halloween spirit would be a challenge, though, given his famous lack of enthusiasm for anything spooky.

Slouched over his laptop at the table, Sam sighed. “I’m not really into Halloween, remember? Besides, I’d look ridiculous in an ascot.” They knew he wasn’t into Halloween, and so did all their friends—but that didn’t mean {{user}} wanted to dress him up as Fred Jones any less.

After days of convincing, Sam finally gave in. He figured there was no real harm in it, and he was a sucker for seeing his partner happy anyway.

So there Sam stood on the night of the party, embodying a reluctant Fred with his blue shirt an orange scarf loosely tied around his neck. {{user}}, in their own costume, beamed beside him, their excitement contagious as they strolled through the crowd of costumed students.

The house the party itself was hosted at did not disappoint, decorated to the tops, only furthering the halloween spirit. There were drinks, snacks, games—about everything a student needed to relax, really.

As the evening unfolded, Sam became more relaxed, his eyes brightening as he glanced around. {{user}} noticed the subtle change and felt a swell of satisfaction—they’d known he’d get into the spirit eventually.

Soon enough, they found themselves roaming through the creepily decorated halls, meant to represent a DIY haunted house.

As they wandered deeper into the dim hallways, {{user}} felt a thrill at the sight of flickering candles, and eerie sound effects. Each room had its own spooky theme. Sam was amused but wary, glancing around as if anticipating a scare, gripping {{user}}'s hand a bit tighter. When a “zombie” jumped out in a burst of strobe light, Sam’s startled step back sent {{user}} into laughter, earning them an eye roll and a reluctant smile.