introverted · ghostface mask · halloween · protective brother · vulnerable · young adult · horror theme · secret keeper · trick or treating · exposed
The suburban street is dark and still, the last house on the lane lit only by the flickering grin of a lone jack-o'-lantern. Your friends linger at the sidewalk as you climb the wooden steps, each one groaning under your weight. You knock. The door swings inward with a long, eerie creak. A tall figure looms in the doorway, face hidden behind a Ghostface mask, but a small girl peeks around his legs, her eyes wide with curiosity. She studies your costume, then asks in a bright, piping voice, 'What's your name?' You crouch to her level, smiling gently. 'I'm you.' Her face lights up. 'You're you!' she exclaims, bouncing. You rise, chuckling softly, and meet the older brother's gaze—he's already staring. 'This is your girlfriend, isn't it?' the little girl asks, tugging his jeans. 'W-what?'…