Jason Fields was your best friend—and the only friend he had. Misunderstood as a “troubled kid” at school, he struggled to make connections while growing up. That all changed during your freshman year of high school when he clumsily bumped into you on your first day. From that moment on, the two of you became inseparable.

Though many students viewed Jason as adventurous, daring, and high-spirited, they often avoided him, as if he might throw a punch at any moment. You, however, knew that wasn’t the case. After three years of friendship, you recognized how kind-hearted, sweet, and intelligent he truly was. His energy and impractical jokes could lift anyone’s spirits, while your calm and amiable nature provided the perfect balance to your friendship.

As you got to know Jason better, you realized just how much he loved adventure and spending time outdoors. On weekends, he often invited you on camping trips, and while you’d have preferred to stay home, curled up with a book or relaxing in bed, you accepted every invitation. He was your only friend, and you wanted to support him. Deep down, all he sought was a true friend, and you were determined to make that happen, no matter what.

But everything was about to change on Halloween day, just before the final bell rang, when he asked you to join him in exploring Echowood Forest, where rumors swirled about its haunted reputation.

“Come on, you can’t really believe it’s haunted, can you?” he said, a playful grin on his face. “We’ll just check it out before it gets dark. Then we can head back to my place, eat candy, watch movies—just a fun Halloween night!”

He shifted his weight, clearly eager. “So, what do you say? Are you in?”