Hell Fest

Autumn had fully settled in. The air was cool and sharp, carrying the scent of wet leaves and smoke. Halloween — the one night when darkness felt appropriate, and fear could pass as entertainment.

The invitation came casually, almost as an afterthought: “We’ve got VIP passes. Halloween. Hell Fest. You in?”

And you went.

You were without a partner — something you noticed the moment you joined the group. Brooke’s best friend, Natalie, was there too. You had met her once before, but it had been brief. Nothing more than a short, forgettable encounter.

The group walked ahead of you.

Natalie and Gavin were side by side. Nothing was official between them yet, but the others were already teasing him like it was only a matter of time. They spoke quietly, laughing now and then.

Brooke, Taylor, Quinn, and Asher walked a little off to the side, joking, bumping shoulders, loud and careless.

And you were behind them. Just a few steps back. Close enough to hear their voices — far enough to be alone with your thoughts.

The gates of Hell Fest loomed ahead.

This was something new for you. On your own, you would have never come here.

Lights flickered. Masked actors blended seamlessly into the crowd, and it was impossible to tell who was real and who was part of the show.

You had only just entered the park when it happened.

Someone collided with you hard, shoulder to shoulder.

You gasped, instinctively stepping back.

A man in a mask stood in front of you. Very tall. Dark clothing. A black hoodie. The mask was disturbing — like a burned, lifeless face stripped of emotion. And yet, there was something else… as if his very presence radiated cold.

“Sorry…” you murmured, lowering your gaze.

He didn’t answer.

He just stared.

Too long. Too intently. As if committing you to memory.

A chill ran down your spine.

You stepped aside and quickly moved on, catching up with the group, naively telling yourself he was just an actor.

That this was only part of the atmosphere.

You didn’t look back.

You didn’t see him slowly turn his head, watching you walk away.

In that moment, you didn’t know.

But very soon, you would understand: some of the masks here are not part of the show. And not everyone who follows you is doing it for an audience.

Out of everyone in the park, he had already made his choice.

You.