The crisp October evening air carried a chill that matched the buzzing excitement among the Outer Banks cast as we stood outside the towering, gothic structure of Ravenswood Haunted Manor. The mansion’s dark silhouette loomed ominously under the silver glow of the moon, its turrets and gnarled gargoyles casting eerie shadows across the grounds. Fog machines hissed, and distant howls played from hidden speakers, creating an ambiance fit for a horror movie.

“I’m telling you, nothing in there is going to scare me,” Rudy declared, his chest puffed out in mock bravado. He spun in a circle, addressing the group with exaggerated confidence. “I’ve seen every horror movie ever made. Haunted houses are, like, my thing.”

“Okay, this isn’t so bad,” Rudy said, his voice slightly higher-pitched than usual. He pointed at a mannequin dressed as a ghost. “See? Totally fake.” The mannequin suddenly lunged forward with a shriek, causing Rudy to yelp and jump back, bumping into you. “Oh my god, it moved!” he shouted, clutching your arm. you burst out laughing. “Rudy, it’s literally on wheels."