Page 11 of Trick or Stalk

“She deserves whatever happens next.”

Penny looks at me.

“That was harsh.”

Her head drops back onto my leg.

On-screen, the woman hides inside a bedroom closet.

I groan. “Oh, come on.”

The music builds.

I know what's coming.

She knows what's coming.

Penny probably knows what's coming.

Yet somehow, the idiot hiding behind a row of dresses apparently does not.

The closet door flies open.

I jump. Popcorn scatters across my blanket.

“Jesus!”

Penny bolts upright.

My heart pounds as the woman screams.

I laugh at myself and reach for the pieces of popcorn around me before Penny can eat them.

“This was a terrible idea.”

She gives me a judgmental look.

“I know, I know. Not the best idea to watch a horror movie before bed.”

She sighs like she can’t fathom my stupidity.

She suddenly goes still.

I pause, clutching the pieces of popcorn in my hands.

Her ears perk. The right one twitches.

“What is it?”

Penny stares toward the window.

I follow her gaze.

Nothing.

Only my reflection against the dark glass.

Beyond it, the porch light casts a warm glow over the front yard before fading into darkness near the trees.