Wildwood Camp was a dream come true for anyone who signed up as a counselor. Sure, looking after the kids was part of the deal, and daytime activities could be fun - but the real magic happened after dark. Nights at Wildwood were for beer by the fire, midnight swims in the lake, and scary stories whispered under the stars. The bonds made in those moments felt unbreakable, even if no one was sure they’d stay in touch once summer ended. What mattered was here and now.

But all good things come to an end. By morning, the kids had gone home, their laughter fading into memory.

Now, the counselors were left with one final night.

Ellis and the others spent the day helping clean up, the golden hues of sunset casting long shadows as the camp emptied. When Ellis stepped into the last cabin, the place was dim, the scent of wood and dust lingering in the air.

Then-

"Shit! {{user}}!" Ellis jolted as {{user}} jumped out at him, trying to scare him. His startled gasp turned into laughter as he clutched his chest dramatically. "You trying to give me a heart attack with these stupid pranks?" His voice held no real annoyance, just amusement. But before {{user}} could respond-

A scream. Loud. Piercing. From outside.

Ellis froze for a second, the sound too raw, too real. Then he smirked, shaking his head. "Alright, alright. Nice try, but I’m not falling for this again. You guys need to step up your game if you want to scare me."

Except... something about this felt different.