I sit in the grass and watch the clouds float by as the summer begins and my old existence comes to an end. Even though the seasons are changing, I know that there is still a lot of beauty and wonder to be discovered in the world around me, and this knowledge fills me with a sense of calm and satisfaction.

"I'm so excited for a new year and a new environment," says my best friend Laura. Her eyes sparkle with anticipation as she talks about all the new experiences and adventures that await us. It's inspiring to see her enthusiasm, and it reminds me that there is always something to look forward to in life.

Suddenly, I catch her eye and flash a smile. "Me too," I say, feeling my own excitement building. "I can't wait to see what the future holds for us." Laura nods eagerly, and we both know that whatever challenges come our way, we'll face them together with the same sense of adventure and optimism.

Laura and I were both approved for admission to Silver Creek University. Naturally, I was admitted to their science program, while Laura was admitted to their pre-med program. When my phone rings, I turn my gaze skyward again.

"I gotta go," I tell Laura as I stand up. "I'll see you at the house. Drive safely." I tell her as I hug her. "Same to you," she says as she tightens her hug.

I walk to my car, get in, and start the engine. I make my way home, park the car, and run inside before the rain begins. Once inside, I take a look outside through the window and find the sudden change in weather strange. I shake the thought off and make my way to the kitchen, where mom is cooking. Mom greets me with a warm smile and asks how my day was. I tell her about the sudden rain, and she chuckles, saying that the weather forecast had predicted it earlier in the day. She then tells me about the delicious dinner she's making and asks if I'd like to help her set the table. As we work together, I can't help but feel grateful for these small moments with my mom.

While clearing the table after supper, my father informs me that he has brought my baggage down from the attic and stored them in my bedroom. When I'm done, I thank him and go to my room upstairs. The sight of my packed suitcases in the corner of my room fills me with eagerness as I prepare to begin a new phase of my life. My mind starts to wander toward all the wonderful memories Laura and I will have together.

Everyone around me thinks the only reason I worked so hard to get into this program is because it's an amazing opportunity. What they don't know is that my main reason is to find out if the rumours about the school are true. I've heard that this school is a hotspot for paranormal activity, and I'm curious to see if that's true. I can't wait to explore the campus and unravel the mysteries surrounding it. I've always been interested in the paranormal, and I think this program will give me the best chance to learn more about my passions. I am looking forward to discovering what secrets this school holds.

As I stare out the window, rain drops begin to fall harder. My thoughts return to school and the truths hidden behind closed doors. As the rain intensifies, I can't help but feel a sense of foreboding about what lies ahead.

I've heard it all—witches, vampires, and ghosts. I love the paranormal, but I don't believe in any of it. I believe the school hides behind those stories to cover up something else. I have a feeling that there's more to the school's history than what they let on, and the rain seems to amplify my suspicions. Maybe it's time to do some digging and uncover the truth behind these supernatural tales.

I grab my list from my desk and start packing the suitcases with everything I will need for my first year away from home. Fortunately, Laura's parents and mine banded together and rented us a small house to share. As I pack, I can't help but feel a mix of excitement and nervousness about this new chapter in my life. Living with Laura will be a great comfort, but being away from my family for the first time will definitely take some getting used to.

☾

Once I've finished packing, I grab clean clothes and head to the bathroom to quickly shower. I remind myself that this is a chance to grow and learn, and I'm grateful for the opportunity. As I step out of the shower, I feel ready to start this new adventure.

I turn off the lights, crawl into bed, and turn on the TV. I flip through the channels when my phone goes off. I look at the time, and it's 1:08 in the morning. I get a text from my ex, and my stomach sinks.

Hey, I know we are through and you will be leaving in a couple days, but I was wondering if maybe we could spend one more night together because Star, no matter what, I'll always love you. The text reads:

I'm up, and I'll be there in five. I respond.

In a hurry, I get out of bed and get dressed. I grab my keys and slowly make my way downstairs. I step out into the night and start the car. I pull out of the driveway and head to his place. I sit at the red light when it hits me. He feeds me lies to put his hands on my body. I'm helpless in the morning light, and I know I fell for it a dozen times.

I finally put my foot down on the gas, speeding past his house. He's like a drug when he holds me, but it's wrong. I know I need to break free from this toxic relationship and move on with my life, but it's easier said than done. The rush of adrenaline as I speed away is only temporary, and soon I'll have to face the reality of letting go. As I drive, I scream his name, hit the steering wheel, and regret even getting out of bed. Why do I do this to myself? He cheated; he broke everything in me, and yet I was willing to drop my dignity and run into his arms. Tonight won't be that night.

My phone goes off, and I look at the time; it's two in the morning, and he has texted me once again.

Where are you?

I'm already thirty miles out of town, and I have no intention of turning back. I keep my lead foot on the accelerator, but I still hear his voice echo in my head. So I turn the volume up, let the music fill the car, and drive until I can't anymore. The scenery changes as I leave the city behind, and I feel a sense of freedom wash over me. I don't have a destination in mind, but I know that wherever I end up, it will be far away from him.

As I drive down the dark and winding road, my car starts to stall. "NO!" I shout as I hit the dashboard. I realise that I should have checked the gas tank before leaving, but it's too late now. I pull over to the side of the road and try to calm myself down, knowing that I need to figure out a plan to get back on track.

I'm trying to decide if it's worth it to wake up my dad at this hour of the night for help, or if I should just sit here and pray. I lean my head back on the seat and stare at the time. The loud rumble of a truck catches my attention. I watch as the headlights seem to get closer and closer. A black Ford F150 slowly drives by me before quickly turning around. My heart is in my chest as the man parks behind me and steps out. I lock the doors, but when he approaches, he knocks on the window. I slowly rolled it down, letting the cool summer breeze blow briskly in through the small space.

"Hey, do you need help?" His voice is soothing and calm, making me feel safe and comfortable. I smile and shake my head. "I ran out of gas," I tell him.

He nods and walks back to his truck, grabbing the gas can from the bed. He walks back and yells for me to unlock the gas cap. I do, but I realise it doesn't work without a key. I step out and unlock it. He pours the gas in, giving me a smile as he does so. His eyes glow in the dim light, and he quickly turns his face. I wonder what he's hiding. His sudden movement makes me curious about what he's trying to conceal.

I thank him for the help and ask if he needs anything in return. He declines and tells me to have a safe trip. As I open the door to my car, I quickly face the stranger. "What's your name?" I ask him.

"Gage!" he shouts. "Yours?"

"Star!" I reply, thinking about how a small act of kindness can make such a big difference in someone's day.

"Nice to meet you, Star," he says, smiling before stepping into his truck and driving off. I sit in my car and watch as he drives away from my rearview mirror before turning the car on and turning around to head home. I look at the time and wonder why this stranger would be out so late in the night, but then I remember I'm doing the same.

As I make my way down the road and toward home, I watch the sun begin to rise. As I pull into my driveway, I realise that sometimes the night can bring unexpected encounters and moments of reflection. I turn off the car and head inside, grateful for the peacefulness of the early morning. The stillness of the house envelops me as I make my way to bed, and I can't help but feel a sense of contentment wash over me. Perhaps there's something to be said for embracing the quiet moments and finding beauty in the unexpected.

While I lay in bed, I couldn't help but think of the stranger. The glow of his eyes was the only thing visible in the darkness as he stood silently. It was both mesmerising and unsettling at the same time. His gaze seemed to penetrate through my soul, leaving me with an inexplicable feeling of fear and curiosity. I couldn't help but wonder what thoughts were running through his mind as he stood there, motionless.

There was something mysterious about him, and I wish to see him again. Meeting him tonight made me realise there is more to life than running from someone who is bad for you. I look up at the ceiling and think of the new chapter of my life that I'll be starting this weekend. This new adventure brings mystery and darkness, and it seems it's already started with tonight's encounter.