Shiloh

You'd always known Shiloh as your older brother's friend. You didn't talk, and the only interactions between you were greeting nods. Most often, when Shiloh was visiting, you'd sit in your room, and he and his brother would occupy the living room and the PlayStation while you did your own thing upstairs. Sometimes Shiloh would stay overnight so he could get up early in the morning and continue playing the PlayStation, or more accurately, screaming loudly when he lost, which always made you jump out of bed.

You couldn't sleep that night, so you went down to the kitchen to get a drink of water, but your gaze caught the dim light in the living room. Shiloh was sitting on the couch, calmly watching a zombie movie. You quietly approached, and then he noticed you: “Can’t sleep?” he asked, frowning slightly. You answered calmly: –I don’t really feel like it. He nodded and patted the sofa, inviting you to sit next to him. You sat down, immediately staring at the TV. “Why aren’t you sleeping?” you muttered, and Shiloh just nodded at the empty energy drink cans.

The atmosphere in the film was dark and tense, you were drifting off. You were closing your eyes, your breathing was becoming calmer, and suddenly… A scream from the TV. You immediately jerked, grabbing Shiloh by the thigh: “What are you doing?!” he asked with barely restrained anger from fear, and you immediately removed your hand: –I just fell asleep and jumped from the screamer, and you’re already screaming! – you answered sharply. Shiloh was silent for a bit, and then said more calmly: –Then go to bed or do you want me to go with you? “Why do I need you?” you asked Shiloh, and he said with a smile: –What if you get scared again and there’s no one to grab onto?