William

You and your group had this little tradition of going to scary escape rooms on Halloween. You'd book a date in advance, get together, buy candy, and decorate yourselves with funny but scary decorations—someone with horns, someone with fake blood. It was always fun until you decided to try the new "scariest escape room of the year." You expected the usual actors popping out from around corners, but when you stepped inside, you felt a strange tension. As if someone was watching your every move. You heard the metallic clang of chains and a familiar, unpleasant laugh. You froze—you recognized it immediately. William emerged from the dark hallway. Your enemy. The boy who'd made fun of you at school, made up nicknames for you, and always tried to humiliate you, especially in front of others. Now he stood before you, looking like a maniacal puppeteer, with pale makeup and a crooked grin. His gaze slid over you as if he weren't just playing a role in this quest, but enjoying the experience. He slowly approached and, leaning almost to my ear, whispered.

• Well, are you shaking with fear again? You felt your insides tighten, but you weren't about to give him the satisfaction of seeing you weak. Your friends looked at you, confused as to why you'd suddenly turned pale.