My attention zones from Michelle to the paper I am clutching in my hand. I look at the letter and read it over, letting my brain automatically imagine the voice of my penpal correspondent. Last year during my college English creative writing course, my professor assigned us a pen pal from her other classes. A year later, I’m finally meeting Derek. Reading the words evokes a slight smile every time. “I’ll be waiting for you in the old shack about three yards behind the Fear Festival.” We are finally meeting. He’s probably the only good thing that has happened in my life this year. The only person I have truly opened up to.

My father was killed while he was home drunk on the sofa. The only thing that was taken other than that dreadful deadbeat’s life was his letterman jacket from high school that he gave to me. The cops were never able to find out who did it. My boyfriend suddenly just dropped me and began ignoring me out of nowhere. He just disappeared from my life. The only things that I have had are these letters and this companionship.

“Are you listening to me?!” Michelle snaps, grabbing my arm from walking forward.

“Do you want the truth?” I question, watching her eyes roll in annoyance.

“You are that excited about meeting him, huh?” Michelle ponders out loud as her words drip with self-assurance.

“I promise I won’t miss the whole Fear Festival.” I spit out as a small smile paints her face.

“I mean, it’s not like anything scares you anyways,” Michelle sighs, “you think horror movies are funny. Fine!” She grunts.

“Yes?” I question with hopeful eyes.

“As long as this guy doesn’t have an annoying Yankee Doodle ringtone like your dumbass ex!” She prevaricates as she throws her hands up and leaves me to my interests.

After a few minutes, I am walking into the old shack that has been lit up with a few lanterns around the main room. There are roses in the middle of the room, and I quickly walk over to pick them up.

“Hello,” a deep but shy voice says. “It’s good to meet you finally.”

“Derek?” I question as I start to walk towards him.

“Your pen pal, yes.” He chuckles out. “How are you, Mona?”

“I’m truly content.” I voice as he eliminates the space to six inches. “This is the nicest thing a boy has ever done for me.”

“I’d do anything for you, Mona.” He whispers as he shrugs his shoulders.

“My life has been truly hectic,” I exasperate, “after my dad dying.”

“The stress of finishing up your degree.” He comments as I add another finger to the hand that is now forming a list.

“The car accident I was in a month ago.” I spit out as I add another finger.

“Your boyfriend, leaving you out of nowhere.” He nonchalantly voices as I shake my head and add a finger. “He’s a loser. Forget about him.” He says as my breath hitches in my throat.

“You can say that again,” I comment as my anxiety controls me to take my fingers and rub against the rose petals.

I never told him about my ex-boyfriend disappearing. I distinctly remember always avoiding the topic of my relationship status because I didn’t feel fully committed to my boyfriend at the time. My eyes go to his appearance. His eyes are dark but still full of emotion. Full of want. My eyes fall to the letterman jacket that Derek is wearing. My dad’s. The stolen one from my house seven months ago. I can feel the panic begin to form.

“My friend Michelle-“

“Oh,” he interrupts, “don’t go just yet. It’s only right I get a hug first.”

“Derek, I don’t— okay,” I stutter out. “One hug.”

His smile grows as he opens his arms wide and steps forward. I take a hesitant step forward before he takes his left arm and presses me against his chest while his right arm is around the back of my neck. I can feel my heartbeat against my chest as a Yankee Doodle ringtone begins to echo from his back pocket. In this very moment, I now know what true horror is. My entire year has been controlled by the person who now knows me the best.

“I mean, it’s only fair,” he voices, “I’d do anything for you, Mona.” He whispers as he starts to squeeze me tightly.