I could stare at Matt Hightower all night.
I’m in the library, two tables down from him.
It’s where I’ve been for hours…
But he hasn’t noticed me.
I look down at the book I’ve been pretending to read.
Maybe I should go over to him…
Introduce myself, and tell a hilarious joke.
Ugh, I don’t even know any jokes.
Feeling defeated, I slam my forehead on my book.
I’m just about to pack up and call it a night…
When the lights suddenly dim.
Matt
Wow, I didn’t realize how late it was.
He’s actually talking to me.
Sarah
Yeah, um, me either.
Sarah
I got lost in this book, I guess.
More like lost in your eyes!
Matt smiles, then looks around.
Matt
Looks like it’s just us left.
I cringe as I make my way to the door.
Matt and I reach it at the same time.
Trying to think of something to say…
But then something very weird happens.
Sarah
Umm…the doors are locked.
Matt moves around me and pulls on the handle.
Sarah
Is the librarian still here?
I look toward her desk, but it’s empty.
Matt tries the doors once more.
Matt and I stare at each other.
Sarah
That doesn’t make any sense.
Sarah
The doors shouldn’t—
Matt and I jump in surprise and turn toward the loud sound.
It came from somewhere in the back.
Matt
It sounds like footsteps.
Matt takes a few steps forward and calls out.
Sarah
Uh, yeah, very creepy footsteps!
A wave of fear washes over me…
And I instinctually move toward Matt.
Then, when one of the overhead lights shuts off completely…
Sarah
What the heck is happening right now?!
Wide-eyed, Matt shakes his head.
Matt
But I think we should try and get out of here.
We both jump when another loud thud sounds…
Then start walking toward the windows.
Another overhead light suddenly shuts off…
But when we get to the windows…
Sarah
What are we going to do?!
Matt
Okay, let’s stay calm.
Another thud follows his words…
And then the unmistakable sound of laughter.
Sarah
Someone is definitely in here!
Matt frowns, and his fists clench.
Matt
Yeah — and they’re messing with us.
Matt
It’s going to end right now.
I watch with bated breath as he marches into an aisle.
Matt
Alright, who’s there?!
I flinch as another overhead light turns off.
It’s starting to get pretty dark in here.
Matt
Come out and show yourself—
His words break off in a startled gasp.
And when he comes running out of the aisle…
He looks white as a ghost.
He grabs my hand and starts pulling.
My fear ratchets up about 100 notches.
And pulls me under a nearby table.
Sarah
Matt, you’re scaring me!
Matt
I saw something…someone.
He swallows, unable to get the words out.
I shake him, starting to tremble myself.
Sarah
He didn’t look what?!
Matt turns and looks me straight in the eye.
By wrapping myself around him.
Sarah
What do you mean he didn’t look alive?!
Matt
He was like seven feet tall!
Matt
His mouth was hanging open…
Matt
And I didn’t see any eyes!
Matt
I wouldn’t joke about something like that!
I bury my face in Matt’s chest.
He wraps his arms around me.
And when we hear the laugh again…
We squeeze each other tighter.
Sarah
We’re sitting ducks!
Sarah
Whatever that thing is will find us…
As the thudding gets louder.
I look up and my heart jumps into my throat.
Matt starts scooting us away.
Matt
We need a weapon or something!
The footsteps move closer.
The thudding gets louder…
Until the large, grotesque feet stop in front of the table.
I decide to throw caution to the wind.
Sarah
If we’re going to die…
Sarah
I just have to say this.
Sarah
I really, really like you!
He doesn’t have a chance to answer.
The table flips over and crashes several feet away.
I instinctively raise my bag.
And when I get a good look at the monster’s horrible, dreadful face…
Matt
Whoa, whoa, are you okay?
I gasp, then raise my head and look around.
I’m still in the library…
Matt
I think you were having a bad dream.
Matt
You yelled something…
Matt
And then you tried to hit me with your bag.
That whole thing was a dream?!
Matt smiles and points to my book.
Matt
Horror stories, huh?
The monster from my dream is staring up at me.
Sarah
I didn’t realize I fell asleep.
Matt
I felt bad waking you…
Matt
But the library is closing.
I pack my things up in a daze…
Feeling a terrible sense of déjà vu.
Matt and I walk together to the door—
And once outside, I walk toward my car.
This night has been a total wash.
I open my door, but Matt’s voice stops me cold.
Matt
You said that you liked me.
Matt
That you really, really liked me.
He smiles, putting his hands in his pockets.
Matt
You yelled it out before you woke up.
I debate lying, but what’s the point?
So once again, I throw caution to the wind.
His grin gets even wider.
Matt
You know, it’s not too late.
Matt
Want to grab a drink?
Matt
There’s a place right up here on the corner.
I pinch myself, and he laughs.
I nod and walk over to him…
