"WTF is that, bro?!"

  Chills ran down our spines. An unknown shadowy creature just appeared out of nowhere-and we were frozen in place. Who wouldn't be?

  "You two, what are you doing outside?"

  A familiar voice broke the tension. It was Sister Carmel-our principal!

  We were doomed if she saw us drinking!

  "We're just paying our respects, Sister Carmel," I said quickly, trying to hide my beer bottle behind my back.

  "It's getting late. You two need to go home now if you're done here. I hope you didn't get into any trouble, right?"

  "No, Sister. We were just taking a break and about to head out," Argus replied smoothly.

  She looked over toward the funeral house, then gave us a sharp, serious stare. Her smile from earlier vanished in an instant.

  "Then go home. Now."

  She turned and walked away.

  "Okay, okay. We're leaving," Argus replied.

  "Jeez," I muttered under my breath.

  "What was that?" Sister Carmel glared at me.

  "Nothing, Sister."

  "Nothing, Sister," we both said in unison like angels, then made a beeline for Argus' car.

  Sister Carmel was strict-a terror to most students. But for some reason, she treated us a bit differently. She could be strict, sure, but she also had this motherly vibe. Even though Argus and I were notorious for stirring up chaos in school, she'd often show up at the scene, give us the death stare that said enough, and walk away. The real lectures came from the guidance counselor-but even then, our punishments were usually light, and we sometimes left the office laughing.

  ---

  Love this story? Find the genuine version on the author's preferred platform and support their work!

  The Next Day

  Ring Ring

  Zion was calling again? That was quick.

  "Yo bro! Wassup?"

  "How are you? Everything okay?" he asked, a little too seriously.

  "Yeah, I'm good. Jeez, didn't you ask me the same thing yesterday? What is this, a daily check-in now?" I joked.

  "Well, things are getting crazy. There was an earthquake here last night-you didn't hear about it?"

  "Ahhh, no. I was at a wake for my friend's mom. The roads were a mess, like a sea. Haha."

  "Sister Carmel called me. She wants to see me in person-but she didn't give details."

  Wait-what?! Did she really see the bottles?!

  "Anyway, I'll check in with her. Take care." He ended the call just like that.

  ---

  At school, our first period was with Sister Carmel.

  I was still anxious about the whole beer thing, so I checked in with Argus.

  "Bro, did Sister Carmel call your parents?"

  "Nope. Why?"

  "She called Zion! I think she saw the bottles. We're dead."

  "Maybe. She did change her vibe really fast last night. But no worries, bro. Whatever happens, we'll take the hit-it'll blow over."

  "Yeah, yeah. But still, I might catch a fist from my bro."

  "Your problem, bro. Hahaha."

  Just then, we saw Sister Carmel walking outside, and we rushed to our seats.

  When she walked into class, we were shocked-her left arm was in a cast.

  What the hell? She was perfectly fine last night!

  "Sister, what happened to your arm?" one of our classmates asked.

  "Oh, this? I slipped during the earthquake. Twisted it. I'm getting old, kids," she said with a warm smile.

  She started writing on the board, but a few minutes later-

  "Excuse me, class. There's a visitor I need to attend to. Please continue copying the notes." She handed the book to one of our classmates and stepped out.

  I peeked through the window. My brother was outside!

  He came that fast? He hadn't visited in seven months, but one call from Sister Carmel and he shows up? He must be nearby... Why isn't he staying at the house?

  They spoke seriously, then both looked at me. Zion gave me a small smile, nodded, then turned back to her. He gently touched her casted arm and walked away.

  Before the period ended, Sister Carmel gave us a surprise announcement:

  "By the way, kids, we'll be having a field trip next week. We're going to the mountains to relax and connect with nature. Prepare your things."

  Everyone buzzed with excitement.

  But I was suspicious. Carmel got injured, she called my brother out of nowhere, and now a sudden field trip? Something was going on.

  I approached her after class.

  "Sister, what really happened to your arm? You looked fine last night..."

  "As I said, I slipped. Didn't you hear me earlier?" she replied, still smiling.

  "And... why call my brother?"

  "He's an alumnus. I asked him for help with something."

  "What kind of help?"

  "That's not your concern, Zeke. Now go prepare for your next class."

  Ugh. Fine. Not my business.

  ---

  After School

  My friends and I hit a computer shop nearby to play some games. Time flew, and by the time we looked outside, it was already dark.

  "Let's go eat. It's getting late," Argus said.

  We headed out. The nearest eatery was kind of far, and thanks to the quake, most of the streetlights were flickering or dead.

  Then we smelled something awful. Rotting, sour, enough to make you gag.

  "You guys know the rumor about that tree at the corner?" one friend said. "They say there's a spirit living in it."

  "Pffft. Superstition," another replied.

  "Maybe it's just you, bro. We destroyed you in-game earlier-you were sweating buckets!" Argus teased.

  As we reached the corner, there was one working streetlight ahead. And under that light-something... or someone... was standing in the middle of the road.

  The smell got worse.

  All of us had goosebumps. My skin felt like it was trying to run away.

  "Dude... what if it really is a ghost?" one friend whispered.

  "We've got two options," I said. "Turn left-longer route, but full of dogs. Aggressive ones."

  "Or," Argus continued, "we walk straight. Whatever that thing is, we pass close by... but there's a side path right after."

  "Problem is-I've got a messed-up ankle," one friend said. "But screw it. Let's just go forward."

  As we moved closer, the stench was unbearable. My eyes were watering. We we

  re just a few steps away from the thing under the light.

  "Don't look," someone warned.

  But I couldn't help it-I glanced up.

  "RUUUUN!!!" Argus screamed.