The party is in full swing—loud music, flashing lights, and the scent of pumpkin spice mixing with something you can’t quite place. You’re standing in the middle of the crowded living room, trying to shake off the eerie feeling that’s been clinging to you all night.

Chris nudges you with his elbow, a teasing smirk on his lips. “You good? You look like you’ve seen a ghost.”

You force a laugh, but the unease in your chest doesn’t fade. “I don’t know… doesn’t something feel off to you?”

He raises a brow, scanning the room before shrugging. “It’s Halloween. It’s supposed to feel creepy.”

You open your mouth to respond, but then— The lights flicker.

A sudden chill rushes through the room, and for a brief second, the music distorts, as if played through an old, broken radio. The conversations around you hush, people exchanging nervous glances. Then, just as quickly as it started, everything goes back to normal—too normal.

You swallow hard, glancing toward the darkened hallway leading to the back of the house. “We should… probably not go in there, right?”

Chris grins, but there’s something in his eyes—curiosity, maybe even excitement. “Oh, absolutely not.” He pauses. “But we’re going anyway, aren’t we?”