Revenge After Death

I anxiously searched but found nothing.

Just as I sat on the ground, consumed by despair and helplessness, I heard a distinct "click". It was followed by the sound of an iron door opening and footsteps echoing down the corridor. My nerves instantly tensed up. Did someone find the key and leave so quickly? Who could it be?

"Who is out there? Who has left? Please, help us! Where did you find the key? Help us!" The commotion outside grew louder as everyone began shouting.

The footsteps grew increasingly slower, as though he were attentively listening to something.

"Thud, thud, thud." Suddenly, the person outside started banging on the iron door with sticks. Everyone fell silent, curious to know what he was up to.

After everyone had stayed quiet, he called out, "Stephie..."

The voice was hoarse and filled with panic. It was Steven! He was searching for me.

I forcefully slammed the door. "Steve! Steve! I'm here!"

I heard the sound of his footsteps approaching, and soon he was sprinting towards me in a state of panic.

"Click." Another sound echoed as someone else had opened the iron door.

"Damn it! Enough with the hocus-pocus! You're going to make me late for my college entrance exam." The cursing voice belonged to Joel.

With tears streaming down my face, I desperately banged on the door in fear. "Steve,

Take a deep breath

to him, took a deep

with concern, though he masked it with feigned disgust and indifference.

the person called out with a

were me, she wouldn't be clever enough to figure

key. She could find

ignored Yasmin and asked softly, "Stephie, don't be

took one look and quickly

I have been dwelling in darkness, please don't expose me to the light... If you choose to bring me into the light, don't

a brief pause, Steven advised softly outside the door, "Check beneath the lamp, in

meaning. I ran to the lamp and tapped on the tiles. They were indeed

the key from it. I tried to open the door, but my hands were shaking and I failed a few times. Eventually, I

opened, I caught sight of Steven. Without hesitation, he reached out and enveloped me in his embrace, holding me

written on the wall. "If I have been dwelling in darkness, please don't expose

was written

I were

in fear