It was lunchtime. The cafeteria was chaos as usual. I sat down with my friends, a toasted sandwich on my plate. We talked about regular stuff, like school, assignments, that kind of thing. Then I saw Harold watching me from his table, where he was seated with his sister. He was really creeping me out. So much so that Chrissi picked up on it.

"What's wrong?" she asked.

"Harold…" I said. "He keeps watching me… in a creepy way."

"Maybe he likes you." Marcus wiggled his eyebrows.

I rolled my eyes. "He's too creepy for that." I made a face. "Besides, in Poptropica as well… I keep seeing this dark figure…" I took a deep breath. I bit my lip. "I really hope I'm wrong with my thoughts… I don't want another Louisa scenario."

My friends shared a nervous glance.

"Well, we're right by your side if you need help," Chrissi said reassuringly. "We won't let something like that happen again."

I smiled at her.

"Thanks," I said, glad to have my friends.


I walked around the school halls, going to my locker. Harold was still watching me from a corner. It was starting to get on my nerves.

Finally, I decided to talk to him. I didn't want to be outright rude, so I cautiously approached him after school. We stared at each other for a few moments.

"Hey," I said, calmly. "Um… I just wanted to ask… why do you keep staring at me…?"

He didn't respond and walked away. And I was trying not to be rude!

"Fine," I grumbled.


Harold continued to stalk me like a creep. I was losing more and more of my patience. Eventually I snapped.

"Alright," I approached him with more attitude. "What's your deal?"

He began walking away. I followed him, hands in my pockets. I followed him out of the school, holding onto my phone for emergencies. I had no idea where he was going, and I was starting to get suspicious. My grip on my phone grew tighter.

Then he turned around.

"I can see why you're the hero," he said. "You're determined."

"Huh?" I asked. I bit my lip. "Do you know about-"

He suddenly ran towards me and knocked me out, turning my world into darkness.