Mark and Annie packed up their things for the night. Outside it was storming. They had stayed another couple hours after school to finish some projects. Each carried their backpacks and turned off all the lights in their homeroom. Mark and Annie were walking toward their locker when all the lights but the emergency lights went off. “The storm must’ve knocked off the power.”Mark said. The rain, wind and darkness combined emitted a nerve-racking atmosphere. “Let’s just go. I don’t want to get caught in this storm. Plus, it’s kinda creepy now that it’s dark. The shadows look funny.” admitted Annie. That was an understatement. Mark could see that the shadows almost looked like… hands, reaching out to him.

The two teens wordlessly walked through the dark hallway. Then suddenly, Mark saw a dark figure creep up behind Annie. “Annie! Behind you!” Mark pointed behind her and she whirled around. But… there was nothing there. “Ha ha. Very funny Mark.” But Mark was flabbergasted. “Bu-but, I saw something. I swear!” he stuttered. Annie just shook her head when she heard a faint whisper. “What was that?” she asked. But Mark replied, “I didn’t say anything.” Annie just scowled. He was obviously messing with her, right?

But the wind grew louder and stronger outside. Mark and Annie both picked up the pace. The shadows were definitely in the form of long, spindly arms. The faint whispers that Annie heard were now screams. Mark dropped his belongings and shouted, “Annie! What’s going on? Let’s get out of here!” Annie returned his look of terror and dropped her things. They started running.

They could see the faint outline of the door up ahead. They were so close! The shadows and screams were gaining on them. Annie’s hair and clothing were being pulled by transparent, bony arms. The horrendous limbs were simultaneously trying to trip Mark. The two sprinted even harder until the door was clear in sight. They were so close… until they got Annie.

Annie was soon lost in a tangle of shadow. Mark screamed. He stopped for a moment and stared. Mark was startled by an oncoming screech. He turned and tried running out the door. But it was too late… he joined Annie in a matter of seconds.