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.

of surprise and panic. With tears streaming down

door. "Stephie, don't be afraid. Take a deep breath and listen to me. Don't be scared.

listened to him, took a

well. His voice trembled slightly with concern, though he masked it with feigned disgust and indifference. "Click." Someone managed to open the iron

person called

that if she were me, she wouldn't be clever enough to figure out such a simple trick and

found the key. She could find it, but I was

ignored Yasmin and asked softly, "Stephie, don't be scared. What did

one look and

dwelling in darkness, please don't expose me to the light... If you choose to bring me into the light, don't then thrust me back into the darkness where I

softly outside the door, "Check beneath the lamp, in

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

and retrieve the key from it. I tried to open the door, but my hands were shaking and I failed

I caught sight of Steven. Without hesitation, he reached out

could understand the words written on the

written

I were to find

in fear