Page 155 of Trick or Stalk

I barely hear Caleb.

I’m too busy scanning the crowd, looking for him.

Nothing.

“What the hell?”

“Did you lose someone?”

“No.” I slowly sit down, my heart pounding.

Maybe he isn't here.

Maybe I'm seeing masks because I spent half the night awake, thinking about a masked man lurking around my house.

I blow out a breath, trying to rationalize it.

Maybe it’s not him.

It's Halloween Week, after all.

Lots of people are wearing costumes. Masks aren't exactly unusual tonight.

Except I know that mask.

Or I think I do.

That’s the problem.

I’m no longer sure what I actually see and what my brain is creating for me.

“Want some cider?”

I look at Caleb.

“What?”

He gestures toward the vendor. “I’m getting one.”

“Oh. No thanks.”

“You sure?”

“Yeah.”

He smiles.

“I’ll be back.”

As soon as he walks away, I immediately search the crowd again.

No masked man.

A strange disappointment settles beneath the relief.

I hate myself a little for that.

By nine, the festival is shutting down. Vendors fold tables. The music has stopped. Families have mostly disappeared.