"Are you sure you're gonna be fine alone?" Violet asked as I opened the door and hopped out of the truck. "We could always have a sleepover."

"Yeah, I'll be fine. I kinda wanna try to calm down by myself," I gave her a reassuring smile.

"Okay, but call us if you need anything," Eddie said over Violet's shoulder.

I nodded once and waved as they rolled out of the dorm building's parking lot. Then, suddenly, a curious meow rang out as I made my way up the steps. It was Max, the resident stray.

"Hey, big boy," I murmured with a grin as he trotted closer. "I'm glad you're here, buddy. Would you wait here until I come back with treats?"

Max didn't say anything, but he sat down to watch me as I pulled the front doors open, seemingly understanding my request. I took the elevator up to the third floor and pulled out my keys to my dorm.

"Ann!" Janey warmly exclaimed as I entered inside. "You're back early... Hey, you okay?"

I bit my lip, "I don't really wanna talk about it, honestly. What are you doing? I'm surprised you're still up."

"Burning the midnight oil, I guess," Janey replied with a deep sigh. "Cassidy's been up my ass about the group project. What about yours?"

I turned towards my work desk on the opposite side of the room. My eyes trailed over the deep charcoal lines of the portrait I had been working on the past few days.

It was Michael as I remembered him back in the Sanitarium. Dark hair and striking eyes. Expression unreadable.

The knot in my chest tightened.

"I don't know," I finally said, distracted. "I think I probably need a break from it."

"Shit. Listen, Annie, can I ask you for a teenytiny favor?" Janey was anxious. "Could I borrow the keys to the library? I forgot a book I really need to finish this. It'll be fifteen minutes tops."

I gripped at my keys instinctively.

"It can't wait till tomorrow morning?" I asked, hoping I didn't sound too panicked.

"I have to do the presentation tomorrow, Ann," Janey rolled her eyes and held out her hand, palm upward, in front of me. "I promise I'll give it back, okay?"

I wordlessly shook my head and rummaged through my desk.

"What are you doing now?" I noticed the annoyance in her tone, but I ignored it and finally pulled out what I was looking for. "A flashlight?"

"Yeah," I exhaled sharply and handed it, along with the keys, over to Janey.

"It's heavy," she narrowed her eyes at it as she turned it over in her grip.

"That's kinda the point," I nodded to myself and pantomimed a swinging motion. "To keep the creeps away."

"Okay, weirdo," Janey laughed before unlocking the door. "If I'm not back in fifteen, come looking."


I waited ten minutes before heading out to find her.

The air was still chilly. I shook the cat treats to call over Max, who bounded towards me with excitement. He purred loudly as I filled the tiny bowl. I squinted at the red pawprints he had left behind him.

"You're not hurt, are you?" I asked him as I gingerly patted his back. His fur was sticky with blood, but he didn't seem to have anything else visibly wrong with him. No wounds. No scratches. Nothing.

My breath hitched. Something wasn't right.

The library was a couple of blocks from the dorm building. I quietly but hurriedly rushed towards the doors. One was propped open by the flashlight I'd given Janey. I picked it up and flipped it on with a sharp exhale.

My heartbeat continued to race as I silently walked through the corridors decorated with bookshelves. Then the distinct sound of jingling keys and labored breathing caught my attention. I quickly turned the flashlight off and pressed myself against the nearby wall.

I squeezed my eyes shut. I could hear flesh effortlessly giving way to the penetrating blade—a knife.

I should have told her. I should have told everyone about him.

I took a deep breath and peeked from behind the sturdy bookcase. My jaw clenched at the sight of a large shape looming over Janey's body. She was dead. Clearly, but his blade kept plunging into her torso. My keys rattled in her outstretched palm with each strike.

I wiped the tears that formed in my eyes and gripped at the flashlight.

The white mask then spun around to face me, and he stabbed at Janey again without breaking his unreadable gaze. His eyes were as dark as ever.

"Michael..." I heard myself whisper under my breath as he finally turned his body to confront me.

He tilted his head curiously in acknowledgment before I broke out into a sprint.

Despite the casual stride, Michael was easily able to keep up with my frantic steps. I rounded the corner and waited for him to find me.

Why was he doing this? Was it personal?

No one could ever figure out why he went after those teenagers that Halloween night in 1978. Or why he murdered Judith.

I braced myself against the brick wall of the library and shoved the bookshelf over to slow him down or distract him somehow.

He couldn't know about me.

I doubled back to grab the keys in Janey's hand. Her long brown hair covered her face, her pale blue shirt stained with blood, and her fingers were still warm. I let out a shuddering sob.

Michael was getting closer.

I forced the emergency exit open. The fire alarm blared as I sprinted across the steps and towards the parking lot. My hands shook with adrenaline.

He was still not too far behind.

I slammed the car door closed and threw the heavy flashlight onto the passenger's seat as the engine roared to life. Michael finally stopped in front of where I sat, and our eyes met once more. The pulse in my ears was too loud.

I pushed the gearshift in reverse and peeled out of the parking lot.

I had to warn the others. I had to tell them the truth.